How Humor Heals: Robin Hopkins on Trauma, Identity, and the Power of Storytelling | ANEW Ep 87

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On this episode of the ANEW Insight Podcast, Dr. Supatra Tovar sits down with award-winning writer, producer, and podcast host Robin Hopkins for a refreshingly candid and deeply funny conversation about healing, identity, and the messy beauty of being human. Robin, known for their hit podcast Well...Adjusting and Substack Shit I Learned From My Crappy Childhood, shares how personal trauma, a smart mouth, and a lifetime of self-discovery led to a creative career centered on humor, storytelling, and helping others navigate life’s chaos.

From stand-up comedy clubs in New York City to major TV credits on Boardwalk Empire and Teen Mom Reunion, Robin reflects on their nonlinear path to becoming a creator whose work speaks to the heart. In this episode, Robin reveals how childhood emotional turbulence shaped their relationship with humor, why they used jokes to defuse pain, and how hosting informal living room “seminars” helped queer couples build families in a world not always built for them.

The conversation dives deep into topics rarely covered with such levity—like childhood trauma, emotional suppression, addiction, and the long road toward self-esteem. Robin shares powerful insights on using laughter to process difficult experiences, the healing role of therapy (shout-out to Patricia), and why self-growth is a lifelong commitment—not a quick fix.

Listeners will also hear how Robin’s podcast became a space for guests to unpack real struggles—parenting, career changes, relationship challenges—and discover clarity, connection, and next steps through thoughtful conversation and shared humanity. Dr. Tovar and Robin discuss the importance of emotional safety, the misconception that people need to be “fixed,” and the profound joy that can come from laughing in the middle of hardship.

Whether you’re navigating your own healing journey, curious about the role humor plays in mental health, or simply looking to feel seen and inspired, this episode offers warmth, wisdom, and plenty of laughs.

Here are the social media channels links of Robin Hopkins: https://www.robinhopkins.org/, https://www.instagram.com/realrobhops/?hl=en, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRDKsrEdGF4MwYhOUvl98nQ, https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-hopkins-564813101, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/well-adjusting/id1649386566. 

If you’re ready to stop dieting and start building a compassionate relationship with food and your body, visit anew-insight.com to join the Deprogram Diet Culture course and begin your journey toward sustainable health.

Tune in now to explore how humor, honesty, and human connection can change lives.

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