Mayim Bialik | The Sage Steele Show
Added: May 30, 2024
In this podcast episode, Mayim Bialik, a multi-talented individual known for her roles as an actor, writer, producer and director, joins Sage Steele to discuss her multifaceted life and experiences. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including her journey as a mother, her career in the entertainment industry, her health challenges, and her personal growth.Raising Resilient Children in LA
Mayim opens up about her experiences as a mother, particularly the challenges of raising her two sons in Los Angeles. She highlights the unique dynamics of parenting in a city known for its fast-paced lifestyle and diverse population. She emphasizes the importance of instilling values of kindness, respect, and independence in her children, ensuring they grow up to be self-sufficient adults capable of making their own decisions.
Navigating Co-Parenting After Divorce
The discussion delves into the complexities of co-parenting after divorce. Mayim shares her personal experience of navigating this transition with her ex-husband, stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship for the benefit of their children. She acknowledges the difficulties that come with divorce but underscores the need for cooperation to provide a stable environment for their kids. Mayim shares that she has had to navigate challenging conversations with her kids about the changes in their family dynamic and the importance of being open and honest about their feelings. She emphasizes the value of communication and vulnerability in parenting, allowing her children to see her own mistakes and growth.
Raising a Child with Autism
Mayim also touches on her son's journey with autism, sharing how her family has adapted to support his unique needs. She discusses the challenges of communication and understanding tone in interactions with her son, highlighting the importance of patience and empathy in parenting a child on the spectrum.
Mayim's Reflection on Early Acting Career
Reflecting on her career, Mayim recounts her early start as a child actor at the age of 11, working on shows like "Blossom" and "The Big Bang Theory." She provides insights into how her experiences in the entertainment industry shaped her perspective on life. She notes that the challenges she faced within her family had a more significant impact on her mental health than her career in Hollywood.
Mayim's Journey with Autoimmune Condition
At the age of 23, Mayim was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, specifically an overactive thyroid. She shares that back in 1998, there was limited information available about managing autoimmune conditions, and she was simply prescribed medication without much guidance on lifestyle changes. Over the years, she has come to realize the importance of taking care of her body, prioritizing optimal sleep, proper nutrition, and meditation.
Embracing Rest and Self-Care
Mayim discusses how she has had to slow down in recent years and listen to her body's needs. She acknowledges that she used to function on minimal sleep and push herself to the limit but now recognizes the importance of rest and self-care. She emphasizes the significance of truly understanding what it means to meditate and practice yoga, not just going through the motions but truly connecting with her body and emotions.
Embracing Emotions and Self-Discovery
Mayim also discusses her personal growth and understanding of herself over the years. She talks about being a "super feeler" and embracing her emotions, which has led her to appreciate her unique qualities and quirks. She emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and being kinder to oneself, highlighting the significance of self-love and self-compassion.
Mayim's Podcast
The conversation also delves into Mayim's podcast, where she explores the intersection of mind, body, and spirit. Her podcast focuses on providing information and insights on mental health and holistic well-being and currently has over 200 episodes and over a million subscribers. She emphasizes the need for connection and understanding in a world that often lacks nuance and honest conversations.
Breaking the stigma of postpartum issues
Mayim also touches on her experiences with postpartum issues and the importance of addressing mental health challenges openly. She shares her admiration for individuals like Brooke Shields, who have been courageous in sharing their struggles with postpartum depression, paving the way for others to seek help and support.
Mayim's Personal Connection to Israel
The conversation takes a turn as Mayim discusses her family's connection to Israel and the complexities surrounding discussions of anti-Semitism and political tensions. She emphasizes the need to differentiate between criticizing government policies and perpetuating hatred towards a particular group of people.
Mayim's Future Plans
As the discussion shifts towards Mayim's future plans, she expresses a desire to slow down and focus on her family, particularly as her children reach significant milestones in their lives. She aims to be present for her younger son as he transitions to high school and for her older son as he embarks on his college journey. She also looks towards dedicating more time to her podcast and projects centered around holistic well-being, aiming to focus on all aspects of mind, body, and spirit.
