Stand-up comedian and actress Rachel Feinstein joins to talk about relationships, addiction, finding love, and being married to a firefighter. They share funny dating stories, childhood experiences, and navigating life challenges during the pandemic.
Reflecting on childhood trauma and seeking validation in relationships led to joining support groups like Al-Anon for healthier boundaries.
The speaker found solace in understanding her patterns and navigating relationships effectively through sharing stories in support groups.
The contrasting yet complementary dynamics of being with a first responder and a comedian highlight mutual respect and support in the relationship.
Deep dives
Struggles with Addiction and Codependency
The guest discusses her struggles with addiction and codependency, reflecting on her attraction towards alcoholics and unavailable partners. Through programs like Al-Anon, she aims to set healthier boundaries and avoid trying to fix or save others. By sharing and listening to stories in support groups, she finds solace in understanding her patterns and learning to navigate relationships more effectively.
Childhood Trauma and Seeking Validation
She opens up about her challenging childhood, including experiencing parental separation and navigating life without a strong support system. Seeking affirmation and validation from partners led her to engage in relationships with individuals who may not have been emotionally available, prompting her to join therapy and support groups like Al-Anon for guidance and a sense of community.
Effect of Childhood Experiences on Relationships
Reflecting on early experiences, she delves into the impact of childhood trauma on her adult relationships. From naming a rock after a crush to desperately seeking love and attention, she traces her progression through unhealthy dynamics to seeking recovery and healthier boundaries. Al-Anon serves as a vital resource in her journey towards self-awareness and breaking destructive relationship patterns.
Struggles During COVID and Coping Mechanisms
The speaker discusses the challenges faced during COVID, including feeling overwhelmed with various aspects of life such as parenting, work, and the absence of stand-up comedy as an escape. Dealing with these stressors led to seeking help, including going on medication due to homeschooling pressures. The pandemic highlighted the need for creative outlets and the impact of restrictions on daily life.
Relationship Development and Acceptance
The speaker shares the experience of meeting her husband, a firefighter, at a firehouse Christmas party. The relationship blossomed quickly, with her recognizing his understanding and acceptance of her career as a comedian. The contrasting yet complementary dynamics of being with a first responder and a stand-up comedian are explored, highlighting mutual respect and support in their relationship.
My HoneyDew this week is Rachel Feinstein! Make sure to catch her new special, “Big Guy,” on Netflix now! Rachel joins me to Highlight the Lowlights of relationships throughout her life. Starting with her father, Howie, a civil rights attorney turned blues musician, who started his own band called "The Vomitones" and loved goofing around. We dive into Rachel’s past of being addicted to addicts, trying to find love in people who were not interested (even if she went as far as naming a pet rock after them), and how she ended up finding her husband. Rachel opens up about what married life has been like and how friends, family, and fans have helped her better understand certain experiences of being married to a firefighter.
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