Vanessa Bayer & Jonah Bayer: Transcendental Meditation & Confronting Cancer with Humor
Sep 19, 2023
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Vanessa Bayer, SNL alum and cancer survivor, discusses using humor to cope with her diagnosis, her time on SNL, and her transcendental meditation practice. Her brother Jonah Bayer, a writer and podcaster, talks about his studies in mental health counseling and his own battle with leukemia. They talk about their love of Blossom, their working relationship, and the difficulties of mental health treatment.
Using humor as a coping mechanism, Vanessa Bayer discusses her cancer diagnosis and how it influenced her comedic approach to life.
Jonah Bayer shares his transition from comedy and music journalism to supporting artists' mental health journeys in community mental health.
Finding a wellness practice that works for you, such as meditation or yoga, can aid in self-care and establishing routine for cumulative benefits over time.
Deep dives
The power of laughter and optimism during illness
During a hospital stay, Vanessa Bayer reflects on the only time death crossed her mind and discusses how her mother's reassurance helped her stay optimistic and overcome fear.
The impact of illness on teenage experiences
Vanessa Bayer shares her experience of being diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 15 and the ways in which it shaped her comedy and approach to life.
The journey from comedy to mental health advocacy
Jonah Bayer discusses his transition from a career in comedy and music journalism to working in community mental health and his desire to support artists and musicians in their mental health journeys.
Importance of Finding a Wellness Practice
Finding a wellness practice that works for you, whether it's meditation, yoga, or something else, can provide rest and conscious self-care. Getting started with a practice may be challenging, but committing to just five minutes a day and gradually increasing can help establish a routine and yield cumulative benefits over time.
The Value of Being in the Present Moment
Eckhart Tolle's teachings on living in the present moment have resonated with many, including the interviewees. Being present and accepting one's life situation can bring a sense of peace and contentment. Jonah Bayer and Vanessa Bayer highlight the importance of not letting ego or judgment interfere with finding balance and working towards personal growth.
Vanessa Bayer (SNL, I Love That for You) joins us in the MBB studio to discuss using humor to cope with her cancer diagnosis as a teenager, her tenure as one of longest-running female cast members of Saturday Night Live, and her transcendental meditation practice. She opens up about her Make-A-Wish experience, landing SNL and the resiliency working on the show entails. Vanessa’s brother Jonah Bayer (writer, podcaster, musician) joins in virtually to discuss his current studies in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, what inspired him to enter into the mental health field, and why he’s interested in the mental health of creatives in particular. He opens up about his experience navigating Vanessa’s illness, his own battle with leukemia, and how he uses yoga to maintain his mental wellness. Vanessa and Jonah profess their deep love of Blossom, explain their working relationship as siblings, and consider the difficulties around getting started with any mental health treatment.