Dr. Lisa Gives A Sh*t

It's so much fun to have a band on Dr. Lisa ! Gillian Visco and John Swanson of Shadow Monster spend time with me at the RFB studio., the day before their album from Dadstash Records launches and they honor RFB by releasing a song from Punching Bag, their new album: Kill Me Sweetie. Here's what Gillian writes about her new album.: "Punching Bag is an album about betrayal and isolation. It's about being so heartbroken that you lose yourself. It's about depression and loneliness, anxiety and panic. It's about a hunger so insatiable and unshakeable that a part of you has to completely die in order to move on. I hope it can be a source of comfort for anyone going through a rough patch - because it was built on one." Anyways - we talk about the relationship that they album is based on and I have to say, I think Gillians processing her relationship through this work has been very healing for her. We also chat about the bands creative process, play some more of the music from the new album and basically have a blast

I have to say, Eryn Levine, host of RFB's Game Play Radio on Thursday's 2-3pm does not hold back on diving into her exploration of doing more than she needs to so other people will be happy. Eryn is an impressive young woman who is intelligent, responsible, initiative taking... all those things that will make her a huge success. She sees how her people pleasing is getting in her way and is becoming vigilant about jettising some of this behavior. I would say Eryn's affliction is not uncommon, but her honestly and drive to change her behavior is. We explore Eryn's background on how this behavior has developed in her past and we figure out some tactical ways to change her behavior so she can focus all that valuable energy on her own goals. Eryn has smarts and motivation, so we agreed she will come back for a second appointment in a month or so. I anticipate great progress which we can all learn from. Eryn is a gem. Her show Game Play Radio harnesses her prodigious storytelling skills.

I saw Michele Balan perform a comedy set recently and I was blown away. It made me wonder about what a career path for someone in my age group with comedy chops/success, like Michele, would have been like to travel on. To be a successful women in comedy clubs in 90's must have been... well I just can't imagine. Therefore, I was thrilled when she agreed to be on Dr. Lisa Gives A Shit. In doing research in preparation to have Michele on my show, I came across a podcast she had done with another goddess comedian, Judy Gold. Michele laid out a history with was so deep and complex starting with the death of her mother at age 10 and the insanity that comes with not having a point person in your life. Michele is a great storyteller and a fascinating survivor—I encourage you to listen to the account which is detailed and inspiring. What someone can do without a college degree! Here's the links to the podcast - it's 3 parts-if you just listen to the first one, you can get the idea—only 1/2 hr. long! Michele and Judy P

I've been curious about Ayahuasca a naturally grown, highly potent hallucinogenic plant since it's become recently popular in the culture. What's up with this shit? Can you really learn something or is it just another party drug? Jesse is an expert. She calls her healing practice Enhanced Living through Acupuncture, Herbs, and Alchemy. She's been practicing with Ayahuasca for over 25 years. Jesse has a shamin she works with regularly in her travels to Peru to do "ceremony," They have become good friends. She have traveled with him all over Peru in small groups, and have taken several trips to Colombia with him as well.  Also, Jesse is a very successful and down to earth human, not just some nutcase, so I get her to tell us what her take is. I find her experiences and perspective authentic. Jesse has full command of a wide range of healing practices which she draws from to use with her clients. She has published several books and recently completed a documentary film: The I Ching, Ancient Consciousness, and t

I don’t usually bring out the word “kvell” in my sessions, but I brought it out about 3 times here. Shona’s work is profound to say the least. She dives into intimacy and the relationship with one’s body and so much more. She is a physically large (by our bullshit society standards) female who was brought up by a perfectly beautiful mother and charismatic father. There are two qualities that Shona has that I posit got her through her growing up to the healing place as a repaired relationship with her family, in a healthy, loving relationship and a soaring career as an artist—the qualities I identify in her are: her talent and connection to art, and her talent and strength in trusting her instincts. And she’s only 28! Her boyfriend, Stuart who is a talented artist as well, is on the air with us. To hear about his own personal development within his relationship with Shona is the stuff of romance novels. This discussion moved me on so many levels. More proof that art is indeed healing. More about Shona and her

I first met Martin Kramer when he was about 9 years old—his dad, artist David Kramer, brought him over to join in on a father/son therapy video I was creating. Martin is, above all else, a creative soul that marches to his own drummer. I can't help but think his highly active creative parents along with the myriad of opportunities that come with growing up in Manhattan have enriched his experiences, in many ways, from what might typically be assumed of a 19 year old sophomore at Concordia Film School in Montreal. Martin shares 2 of his films that he recently made at Concordia: Empty Nest and Blue Cowboy. WATCH THEM-they are only about 5 minutes each. EMPTY NEST: https://vimeo.com/332693808 BLUE COWBOY: https://vimeo.com/352360247 Both films are metaphorical but are directly born of Martin's emotional conflicts that he articulates surprisingly well for any adult filmmaker, and especially for one so young. Personally, I find it impressive to see any art that is so in touch and unafraid of personal revelations.

Just to shorthand what this episode with Ken is mostly about—it's a deep dive with Ken about his drinking and recovery. I am grateful to Ken for being so open, candid and generous with discussing his life experiences. Ken Perlstein is a successful actor with a great career (recurring role on Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, touring comedian, accomplished writer, etc. https://www.kenperlstein.com/ Ken has written a new TV pilot, How Am I Doing? a story about a middle aged man struggling with his acting career, his relationship with his daughter and addiction, which is making the festival rounds. As Ken states in the GoFundMe Page: My dream of creating this pilot began with looking at my own struggles and challenges, raising a family, being a husband and a father, keeping my sobriety, all while continuing to pursue my career as an actor. This pilot must get to air. Please donate on the Go Fund Me page and see the sizzle reel for it or go see the full pilot at the Golden Door FIlm Festival on September 22, 2019.

I came across this book The Performing Art of Therapy and immediately I had to met the man who wrote it. Mark has a M.S.W. with honors, Silberman School of Social Work AND an M.F.A. in Acting, Trinity Rep Conservatory (affiliated with Brown University). As a self-proclaimed psychotherapist, myself, I have no formal training in either therapy or performance. Mark’s created innovation in the area of psychotherapy by using acting techniques himself as well as teaching theses techniques to other shrinks to use in their practice. I sent Mark a bunch of tapes of my work prior to the show so I could get some feedback on my technique. Mark was mostly complimentary though I did push him to tell me some things I might work on. Which lead to some dueling countertransference. More about Mark's therapy practice here: http://markoconnelltherapist.com/

Fresh off of a plane, in town from Seattle, Jude Miqueli came to the studio for a in-depth therapy session. Meeting Jude IRL for the first time, we chatted briefly about her day job as a kindergarten teacher—herding kids that age is sort of like "forming a community," she said. Once we were on the mic, it was off to the races. Jude's family had a tragedy about five years ago and she talks about it openly. I feel like this session was quite a journey that Jude and I went on together, all the more extreme because we had never met. I look back at this session as sort of having a surprising but satisfying wrap-up. This episode is a great example of an artist showing her strength through vulnerability. Jude's band Moon Palace is SO GOOD. We play some of the music throughout so you will see what I mean. A new record drops August 23. LISTEN TO MOON PALACE HERE: https://www.moonpalacemusic.com/ More about Moon Palace: Moon Palace is a queer Seattle rock band led by identical twin sisters Cat Biell (guitar, vocals) an

Penny Arcade is an icon. By that I mean she stands for something. Something important which involves being aware. She is also incredibly talented and entertaining. Penny travels a lot performing all over the world, but she is on the phone and not too far away, calling in from a residency at The Watermill Center  to talk to me in the studio. Her latest show Longing Lasts Longer, is a rock n’ roll blend of stand-up comedy and memoir which she has performed for the past 4 years, all around the world and is bringing it home to Joe's Pub. It's described as –  "An evening of dangerous ideas and radical inquiry into what it means to be human, right now! Right here!" Penny and I talk in depth about a lot of what's on her mind which are topics in the show, such as the failed promise of the internet, and the culture we live in. So much thinking here from someone who's traveled the world and seen it all. Penny's FABULOUS SHOW is at JOE'S PUB, Tues., Aug. 13, Tues., Aug. 20 and Tues., Aug. 27. Tickets $20 which is a b

My BFF of thirty years, bestselling author and professional tarot card reader, Margot Berwin reads my cards for the first time in two years. I want to find out from her/the cards how my art career is doing. I am frustrated with my career, like every other artist and in this session, I begin to see that it's not always my actual career, it's my emotional problems getting in my way, and things are much better than I have internalized. There's really good thinking about creative careers and a view into my blind spots. You likely have some of the same issues. I felt SO MUCH better after this session. Also, Margot sees a big opportunity  in store for me in October too, stay tuned. More about Margot here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/85206/margot-berwin https://www.margotreadstarot.com/ Get your cards read by Margot in person or electronic method of your choice: Skype, phone, Facetime, text, up to you! Set up an appointment: margot.berwin@gmail.com Don't let my haranging Willy Hartland, the call in g

Fresh off  her first in person live performance at an exclusive club in Montauk on July 4th weekend, artist Leah Schrager unloads about her experience (positive = exciting) performing for an unsuspecting audience at the $2000/lounge chair pool. Photos of her performance. Angles On A Woman HERE. Leah was on #DrLisaGivesAShit in 2016, and at that time we tried to make clear how hard it is for her work to be interpreted as art and photography. Once again I stress all of Leah’s achievements: her academic awards (B.A. Dance and B.S. Biology, summa cum laude, University of Washington, Seattle, high school valedictorian), numerous high profile dance performances such as with Martha Graham Dance company and her trade of choosing art over becoming a doctor. She has many options, people! She is not just trying to do this work for money, if you think so, you are missing the point! Her recent experience leads us to a discussion about the power/power struggle of women’s sexuality and more. It’s exciting to see Leah’s prog

Bring you own tissues!!!    This interview took place on July 11, a short time before artist/activist/photographer, Savannah Spirit’s 44th birthday which is a year to the date of her mother’s unexpected death at age 73. In this session, Savannah generously and openly articulates the experience she went through and the subsequent personal growth she, as well as her father and brother, have developed individually and as a family, going forward. A turning point for her is a meeting a friend takes her to in January of this past year. I think this episode will be a true gift to anyone who has or is currently experiencing grief or has a mission to grow as a human. Scroll down to read the notes from Savannah in preparing herself for this session. MORE ABOUT SAVANNAH and her work: https://savannahspirit.photography/ FOLLOW on Instagram- @savannahspirit.artist Savannah's Notes:  - My mom was my first champion cheerleader as an artist and photographer, always supportive of my projects and vision, when I lost her, I

Loren Munk is an amazing painter and art world chronicler. His art and videos are an amalgamation of art history. The well-known painter, Katherine Bradford said he deserves a MacArthur "Genius" Award and I wholeheartedly agree. As James Kalm, he’s had over 2 million views of his web series covering art, galleries, artists, openings and even some street musicians. There is so much to learn about this former Mormon from Utah. Loren was talented as a child but art didn’t come alive for him until he was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army during the 70’s. Loren was a highly active part of the art world in the 80’s. He never quit, but the art world went through it’s paces and he and his wife, Kate, focused on bring up two boys. In the meantime Loren, reentered the art world with a vengeance. This is genuine inside scoop, folks. There’s even a discussion of, “What’s more important for an art career,-the work or the relationships?” Find out more about Loren and see his work here: http://www.lorenmunk.com/ Enjoy

In this episode I am away at an artist residency but I want to get in a session with my good friend, artist David Kramer, because his exhibition is opening at The Front Room gallery and I need to know what he is wearing there, (he didn't know). RFB host, Billy C of THE Attitude Adjustment Show and Cosmic Debris, runs the studio and chimes in while David is on the air. David is clearly excited about the show and happy with his work. We get a view of some of the behind the scenes antics involving a film made for the exhibition with the help of his film-school son, Martin's young friend, Sebastian, which ultimate leads to some unexpected father-son creative bonding.

Emily Frembgen is a talented singer/songwriter, so when I had to go out of town I had one of our music hosts, Gianluca Tramontana, with serious chops as a music journalist (among other things) sit in with her to great results. Great chemistry, personalities and best of all Emily's music - she brought her guitar. You can hear more of her work on Spotify as well. And you can listen to Gianluca's show, Sitting with Gianluca every Wednesday on Radio Free Brooklyn at 6pm, where he has made it his mission in life to get people to listen to his favorite music. He wants to leave you with that extra bit of knowledge so you can hear a familiar record in a completely different way.

Rachel Music (her real last name) is a multi-hyphenate creative. Currently her main focus is Schadenfrau, an emergent interdisciplinary studio dedicated to playful defiance, which she is the founder of.At only 28, she's gone through some serious sexual, emotional and physical abuse. But let's not forget Rachel is super multi-talented and hard working too. She details her journey in a straightforward manner. In all my years as a fake shrink, I don't think I've heard such strength and humor in how Rachel has confronted her demons head on and wrestled them to the ground. There's a great demonstration of how someone who you work with can heal you in a way that sometimes a friend or family can't because they see the side of you that's productive and talented first. This episode sounds heavy, but somehow there's a lightheartedness to it. Also, I found Rachel through this great interview in the Bushwick Daily.

George Tannenbaum was hired the same time I was in 1990, to be my copywriter-partner at a well-known (at the time) ad agency, Ally & Gargano, 1990-1995. I was an art director. We were both just past a solid start in our careers as creatives in advertising. George wound up being super-successful in advertising—he’s an Executive Creative Director and Copy Chief at Ogilvy & Mather Advertising and I wound up flunking out of that business that George still works in. In this episode, I coerce George into making a lot of this session into therapy about me, while putting George on the spot. I must say he’s a great sport about trying to help me resolve some difficult questions I still have about myself as a functioning adult in a workplace. It’s interesting to hear George’s take on our shared experiences, what George’s natural abilities are and how he’s succeeded in a highly cutthroat, competitive environment. George has a lot of his own great insights and anecdotes about working as a creative person in a corporat

Abby Ehmann was one of those "cool chicks" that everyone knew or was aware of, but my nerd lifestyle kept us from crossing East Village paths until now. Abby was at the helm of so many important and radical events. I was just about to write them in here, but there are too many so scroll down. Anyway Abby is in my age group she's almost 60, I'm 63. I identify with Abby now, or I would like to! I think it's because we're in the same age group, but both still as crazy as we were when we were younger. We've had some parallel paths in our lives, so I get to understand where we diverged (we both started out as creatives in advertising, never had kids) and what I missed because I don't have the balls she does. Her life is still more exciting right now because she has a new boyfriend who sounds like a dream, where I've been married since 2010. I am making up for lost time now though, cause I can hang at her bar that she opened 2 years ago on Ave.B, Lucky! BEST JUKEBOX anywhere because it's curated by Abby's friends.

00.00-00.30: Art critic/writer and now curator, Jillian Steinhauer hit a collective nerve with a powerfully meaningful exhibition she’s curated at the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts titled In the Presence of Absence. The show is described briefly here by Mary Louise Schumacher, "When it comes to grief, our culture values the stiff upper lip. But stoic composure comes with a price. It keeps the realities at arm’s length, including truths about the erasure, enslavement and slaughter of Native Americans and Africans. A small show in New York, “In the Presence of Absence,” suggests that mourning may be a means of empowerment and a way through. It is a show that requires a certain openness, a bit of courage even, to experience." — Picking up on a line in exhibition statement from Jillian, it says, This exhibition is dedicated to Henrietta, Suzanne, and Bronia. We learn that two of these women are Jillian's grandmothers, and the third is her partners mother, who have all passed away in the past three years. Jil