In this conversation, Stephen James shares his journey of navigating grief after the loss of his mother. He discusses the importance of honoring loved ones through daily routines and acts of kindness, emphasizing the need for compassion and connection in the community. The podcast serves as a platform for deeper conversations about mental health and personal experiences, encouraging listeners to engage and share their stories.

In this engaging conversation, Stephen James and Danielle Arce delve into the complexities of navigating a career in comedy while managing mental health challenges. They discuss the evolution of Danielle's journey from acting to stand-up, her writing process, and the importance of pausing during performances. The conversation also touches on the balance of parenthood and comedy, the significance of community support, and the challenges of networking in the comedy scene, especially in the age of social media.

In this conversation, Brad Bonar discusses his nonprofit organization, One Degree of Separation, which focuses on mental health through comedy. He shares insights on the importance of close friendships, the role of laughter in healing, and how comedy can serve as a powerful tool for discussing mental health issues. The conversation also touches on the structure of their shows, the significance of support systems, and the evolving perspectives on mental health in society

*This conversation Is not for the faint of hearts

In this conversation, Stephen James shares three stories that highlight the importance of women's rights and the need for compassion and support. He discusses a case of a special needs child who was sexually abused and the mother's decision to do an at-home birth. He also recounts an incident where he had to save a woman in the hospital parking lot who had taken too many pills. Lastly, he shares a story of a woman who was being abused and eventually turned over her baby through the safe haven law. Stephen emphasizes the need to respect women's choices and not let personal beliefs override their rights.

The conversation revolves around the topic of addiction and hate. The host shares personal stories and observations about addiction in various forms, such as substance abuse, social media, and shopping. He also discusses the destructive impact of addiction on individuals and their loved ones. The conversation then transitions to the theme of hate, exploring why society seems to be more addicted to hate and negativity. The host shares stories of encountering hate and ignorance in his own life, highlighting the importance of self-worth and resilience. The conversation concludes with a call to reject hate and focus on helping others.

In this conversation, Stephen sits down with comedian Chandler Watson. They discuss their shared interests in painting, photography, and comedy. They talk about their preferences and experiences in each field, as well as the changes they have seen in the comedy scene over the years. They also touch on topics like cancel culture, consequences for jokes, and the importance of human connection in comedy. They briefly discuss their experiences at Burning Man and Coachella, and Chandler shares his thoughts on performing comedy on mushrooms. In this conversation, Bubba Butler discusses the benefits of psilocybin mushrooms and their ability to create new neural pathways in the brain. He also talks about the Multiple Disciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and their scientific studies on how different substances can affect the brain and help with PTSD. Chandler shares his passion for comedy, photography, and painting, and how these creative outlets help him slow down and appreciate life. He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and finding success in being free and living in the present moment.

Summary

Stephen James shares his journey from being a security guard to becoming a stand-up comedian and starting Bubba's Comedy. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with people and having conversations. He discusses his passion for helping others and using comedy to deescalate situations. Stephen also talks about his experiences working with female comedians and his desire to turn Bubba's Comedy into a podcast where he can have meaningful conversations with guests.

In this episode, we tackle the subjects of depression, overcoming fears, and chasing dreams despite life's challenges. Traditionally, pregnancy involves three parties: the couple and the doctor. Some might consider my views traditional, but I believe this is the proper approach. Yet, this pregnancy was extraordinary; she aimed to bestow the gift of life upon a couple who couldn't conceive naturally. In the South, women seeking pregnancy often confront hurdles, sometimes needing to consult senators and governors. Our guest today, Anna Rhodes, opted to become a surrogate, jokingly remarking that her uterus was 'just lying around.' Enjoy the episode as we share laughter, shed tears, and explore deep topics. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated.