I’ve been a fan of Mayim Bialik since watching her play Amy in The Big Bang Theory. What I love most about Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, which Mayim cohosts with Jonathan Cohen, is its trajectory since launching in 2021. Its early episodes are what I’d expect from someone in Hollywood—interviews with several famous people and many of Mayim’s co-stars over the years. In recent times, Mayim (a neuroscientist) and Jonathan have delved into spirituality, and I can’t get enough of the newer episodes. I especially love their deep reflections at the start and end of episodes, as they often help me connect the dots and think differently.

Full disclosure: if you are anti ‘woo-woo’ or aren’t at least curious about the many things science can’t explain, this top 10 likely isn’t for you. That said, you’ll find a few celebrity interviews listed below as well. Also, I haven’t listened to every episode of the podcast. I gravitate towards the episodes I know I’ll be most interested in. Here are 10 of my favourite episodes of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, in no particular order.

Addiction Made it Easier to Be Human, with David Arquette

I knew very little about David Arquette before this interview, aside from watching him star in Scream and being somewhat aware of his addiction issues—mostly because I recall he was married to former Friends star Courteney Cox. Arquette was nothing like what I expected, which is why I enjoyed the conversation so much. I listened a while back now. I recall David's enthusiasm for clowns and the super interesting family dynamics he touches on. He also speaks very candidly about having a heart attack and addiction, which I always feel is brave for anyone in the public eye.

Seth Green: Always Performing

My love of Seth Green stems from his portrayal of Oz on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. To this day, I feel the writers didn’t do Oz’s character justice, as his departure was rushed and so out of character. I listened to this interview and had the distinct feeling that some people are destined for certain careers. Green’s love of performing is front and centre in this conversation, and he talks openly about the pitfalls of being a child star and the realisation he had in his teens, which likely saved his life and career.

Rosie O’Donnell: Love People Back to Life

I didn’t know much about Rosie O’Donnell before listening to this. I knew she had a television show once upon a time and is openly gay, but that’s about it. To be honest, I didn’t even know she was a comedian. Hearing about O’Donnell’s upbringing was incredibly sad, especially regarding the loss of her mother to cancer at such a young age. The more I listened, the more I came to admire her resilience as she delved into her experience in show business and the adoption process in the United States. 

Sharon Salzberg: Treat Your Anger with Lovingkindness

My appreciation of this episode is influenced by my increasing interest in Buddhism. What I am quite fascinated by is learning the origin stories of anomalies like Sharon Salzberg. Sharon had a tough upbringing dominated by trauma. What struck me while listening to this is how she seems very much dedicated to the teachings she has helped bring to the Western world, rather than having an interest in the spotlight or being ‘famous.’ My biggest takeaway is that it’s our relationship with our feelings and emotions that matter most.

Can the Living Communicate with the Dead? Dr Raymond Moody 

I’ve listened to several interviews with Dr Raymond Moody, who coined the term ‘near-death experience.’ I’m fairly sure I've heard something like one in 25 people have a near-death experience at some point in their lives. So, I feel we’re moving away from asking, “Is this real?” and more toward, “What exactly is happening?” Just read the comments underneath this YouTube video! This is one of those episodes where I especially appreciate Mayim and Jonathan’s commentary before and after the conversation.

Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo. Can We Really Talk to the Dead?

I have fond memories of watching Theresa Caputo with my mum while I was still living with my parents. It’s an understatement to say Theresa is a larger-than-life character. Mayim’s interview style is always incredibly respectful, which I appreciate. While watching all mediums, I feel until you have an encounter that only you can confirm, it’s hard to truly be a believer. Again, if you’re up for an interesting read, have a look at the YouTube comments underneath the video.

After Lightning Struck, She Met God and Saw the Future. Elizabeth Krohn’s NDE

This is one of the most incredible near-death experiences I’ve ever heard explained. Any summary I provide won’t do it justice, so I’ll spare you. One thing I distinctly remember from this conversation is when Elizabeth says there is no death—our physical bodies die, but our souls continue (I’m paraphrasing, but the sentiment is along these lines). This conversation is confronting in so many ways, especially when Elizabeth recounts past abuse as a child. I think the best tagline I’ve read for Elizabeth’s story is, “changed in a flash.”

She Met God in a Near Death Experience. What She Learned About Healing

This conversation with Betty Guadagno is another confronting episode in several ways. However, it does prove that people change. “I never wanna be considered sane in an insane world.” This line is becoming more profound by the moment. If you take away the near-death element, I feel many people can relate to some of the experiences Betty talks about as part of her story. We all have a story. People usually end up in certain situations for good reason(s).

3 Words That Can Change Your Life! Psychic Medium Explains

What got me hooked on this episode straight away is Suzanne Giesemann’s professional background: a former high-ranking United States Navy Commander who served as a commanding officer and aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She really has nothing to gain by pivoting to become a psychic medium (of all things). I feel she’s super brave to be doing the work she does, given the reputation and career she spent a lifetime building.

The Secret to Hearing Your Spirit Guides - Lee Harris

I found it amusing how Lee Harris talks openly about being surprised to be invited on this podcast. I’m fairly sure I’d seen Harris’ videos on my YouTube feed before, but never really paid much attention. Since hearing more about how he found this work, I’ve been listening to Lee's monthly energy updates on YouTube and enjoying them. I’ll be honest, I never took channelling seriously until someone I respect told me they’ve been listening to Darryl Anka, who has been channelling Bashar, for years. I’m not even sure it matters if it’s ‘real’ if this work is helping people.

And a special bonus episode

Michael Singer: How to Let Go of Everything That’s Hurting You

I haven’t included this episode in the main top 10 because it’s part 1, and part 2 hasn’t been released at the time of writing. The Untethered Soul is one of my favourite books. Michael Singer has been on the podcast before and is one of my favourite teachers. I’ve been more open to the notion of acceptance recently, and this episode discusses how important it is for us to be ok on the inside. Singer is a gift to this world, and I love the simplicity of “I can handle this” as a mantra.

I can’t wait to see the new episodes Mayim and Jonathan have in the pipeline. Since Mayim is a public figure and neuroscientist, I think it’s incredibly brave of her to be leading what I’ve heard and read is the merging of science and spirituality. Thank you, Mayim and Jonathan, for making this content available to the public and for using your platform to help the world!

Interested in journaling but can’t build and maintain the habit?

It’d be remiss of me to have your attention without relishing the opportunity to mention journaling. Especially since Bialik has mentioned in several episodes that journaling is one of the emotional coping skills that she uses for her mental health and well-being. 

I want you to try journaling for yourself with my free 7-day Guided Journal Prompts for Self-Care trial. Learn more via this web page. This is a safe space to land if you’re done with putting yourself last. After the free trial ends, you’ll pay AU$11 monthly. If you’re like the average woman I speak with, I bet you spend more on coffee in a typical week (or other vices) to try and calm your nerves.