August 19, 2021 • 46 mins
Michele (@michelebaci) catches up with writer, comedian and actor Sophie Spiers (@sophiespierscomedy). Sophie tells us how she first started therapy when she moved to Los Angeles, opens up about her experience with panic attacks, the wonders of medication, talk therapy, and learning how her body reacts to anxiety. She explains her motivation for doing standup, why she’s totally fine with bombing on stage, creating outrageous characters, and filming funny videos for YouTube and social media. Michele and Sophie discuss how to find a therapist and get started with therapy, documentary “experts,” and why TikTok doesn’t work for millennials.
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Episode Transcript
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Theme Song (00:05):
Therapy Roulette Consent to Vent / Trauma
disguised as comedy / TherapyRoulette: Consent to Vent / If
you dont have problems, thenyoure likely repressing sh*t
and you should find a therapist/ (Whos not me)
Michele Baci (00:19):
Hey, you crazy people. What's happening? You're
not crazy. I promise we're alltotally. Okay. Just the way we
are. Welcome back to TherapyRoulette consensus that my name
is Michele Baci, and we're backwith another episode. This week
is a fun interview with SophieSpiers. She is a comedian, a
(00:41):
writer, and an actress based inLos Angeles, I actually met
Sophie, when I first moved outhere almost four years ago,
which is wild to think about,she was one of the first people
I've met. And I know she waspursuing a writing career at the
time. And I think she's sincelike, branched out into
(01:02):
different areas ofentertainment. Similar to what I
have done so many people I knowout here in LA, I've done
talking to her was really nice,because she reminded me that
comedy is real. And you can goout there and pursue comedy, you
can have fun, you can make upcharacters, she is really
entertaining to watch on socialmedia, and I know she has a
(01:23):
YouTube channel. So when we hadour interview, I was like, Oh,
my God, Sophie's really likegoing after it, she's doing the
thing I want to do. So hereminded me that I got to get
back out there and do morecomedy I haven't been doing
stand up, I haven't been reallylike leaving my house. So it's
nice that other people are and Igive her major props. I would
(01:48):
love to go back and do stand up.
This this month is August. And Ihad a goal for myself to get out
and get back on stage in August.
But I don't know if I'm going toreach that goal, I might have to
push it a little further. I amtraveling back to New York to
see family, I have a engagementparty to attend for my sister.
(02:09):
And I was hoping I could hit upa few mics or shows while I was
in New York. But now the Deltavariant is raging a little bit.
I don't really know if it's thebest thing for me to do while
I'm visiting my family. So we'llsee. But I really do miss
comedy. Also on a COVID note, goget the vaccine if you're not
vaccinated, now is the best timeto get the vaccine. I wasn't
(02:32):
going to make a statement aboutit. But I think it's important
to at least research it lookinto it. You know, it makes
sense for most people, I thinkif you're not at risk, like
immunocompromised or you haveother health factors that could
impact a negative reaction. Ifyou're healthy, the vaccine
makes a lot of sense. And it canprotect the rest of us. So
(02:54):
please, research it and don'tjust listen to people on the
internet who are just you know,posting memes. Yeah, I'm about
to hop on a flight to New York.
So I think I'll make this introshort and sweet. I want to
encourage you to do what youlove. chase your dreams. And if
you're like me, and you'vebecome a total hermit, in the
(03:16):
past, whatever we're in now, ayear and a half, like I leave my
house only to do errands andit's crazy. So if you become a
hermit like me, don't give up onyour dreams. You owe it to
yourself to go chase them. Ifyou like this podcast, leave us
a review. It only takes likefive seconds to do write me five
(03:37):
stars. Any number of stars,write a few words. Boom, send
that review. that'll really helpthe podcast to grow. Thank you
so much. And here's theinterview.
Theme Song (03:49):
guest interview / a friend for you / strangers whose
issues are relatable / guestinterview / They're the voice
that's new / this person hasproblems and they don't mind
discussing it, but they stillneed a therapist / (Whos not me)
Michele Baci (04:05):
Okay, so welcome back to another episode of
Therapy Roulette. I'm MicheleBaci, and we're here with Sophie
spires. She is a comedian, awriter and actress. I think
that's the hierarchy of thingsshe is. She is based in Los
Angeles, as am I and she hosts aweekly open mic at the comedy
nook, which I asked to go checkout of a meeting to Sophie,
(04:26):
welcome to the podcast.
Sophie Spiers (04:27):
Thank you for having me.
Michele Baci (04:29):
Of course. It's a pleasure. I always like a girl
named Sophie. It's a good namefor you.
Sophie Spiers (04:34):
You know, I found that it's the name of a lot of
dogs. Um, it was. It was it'sOprah Winfrey's dog's name. So
Michele Baci (04:42):
Oh,
Sophie Spiers (04:42):
You know.
Michele Baci (04:43):
A successful dog
Sophie Spiers (04:44):
a successful dog.
Exactly. I don't care that I'm adog as long as I have money.
Michele Baci (04:51):
I mean, that that works for me.
Sophie Spiers (04:53):
Yeah, why not?
Michele Baci (04:54):
Truly I have a thing about dogs with people
names. It's such a trend now. Itis.
Sophie Spiers (04:59):
I know. I'm like, I want to meet a dog named
Rupert, or like some kind ofvery traditional name like that.
I feel like that's a dog I canrespect.
Michele Baci (05:08):
Yeah, a royal dog.
Exactly.
That's funny. Ifeel like it's just a mark that
we cannot connect to otherhumans anymore. We have to
transfer it to the dog. Exactly.
Right bird and Sophie come over.
Sophie Spiers (05:20):
I know. And who can blame us? Honestly, there
are a lot of humans that I don'twant to connect to. I might as
well have a dog with a humanname.
Michele Baci (05:28):
Yeah, I feel like it's common problem. I don't
have a dog. But if I did, Iprobably name it, Rupert. Yeah,
I would just pick a name not incirculation. So you don't get
offended like you probably do.
Sophie Spiers (05:41):
I know. I did hear when I was on vacation, I
heard somebody like Sophie,Sophie, and it was for the dog.
And that was confusing.
Michele Baci (05:51):
Yeah, like, what do you do you go up to that
person and correct them or letit be? Let it be. I know, as
long as
Sophie Spiers (05:58):
people don't accidentally call me, Sophia,
and I don't care whose name isSophie. But that's my bigger pet
peeve.
Michele Baci (06:04):
It's a much different vibe.
Sophie Spiers (06:07):
And people are always like, is Sophie short for
Sophia? And I'm like, well, theyhave the same number of letters.
So no. Not like, no offense toSofia's with Sophia is I feel
like have poodles and likeparents that are artists, and I
feel like Sophie's or I don'tknow, right? Anywhere from like,
(06:28):
Royal to practicalbusinesswoman. We can be
anything.
Michele Baci (06:33):
I think you got to be more down to earth without
that fancy A at the end. Yeah,exactly. So let's talk about
therapy. Are you in therapy? Ifnot, why not?
Sophie Spiers (06:45):
I am the poster child for therapy. And I am so
glad you're having me on thispodcast because I will talk
about therapy all day
Michele Baci (06:53):
long. Please do because I just I think I started
it just to like, dig intoinformation and be like, what
can I learn? Like, I want to beback in psychology classes.
Sophie Spiers (07:02):
Yes. I never took psychology classes because like,
my brain was a textbook in andof itself. But I started
therapy. God, I guess it waslike three years now. So
probably a year after moving toLA. And I have been seeing the
same therapist for the wholetime. And we like recently just
(07:25):
went all remote and we meet oncea week. And you know, it's love
at first sight, love at firstsight. I take my little meds I
have my little meeting with heronce a week. It's amazing. She
gets me her name is Katie. Andit's funny. Like I know nothing
about her life. And she knowsevery painful detail. Yeah. And
(07:50):
that's the kind of relationshipyou can only pay for.
Michele Baci (07:53):
It's a professional one. That's true.
Do you ever think about Katie'sand things like the she get
overwhelmed knowing everythingabout you?
Sophie Spiers (08:03):
Um, sometimes I think well sometimes, like, on
the zoom, I'm like, I'm so hyperaware of what she's doing. So if
I see her look down, or like,look in a different direction, I
never say this. But I'm like, isshe looking at a text? Like, is
she not paying attention to me?
Because what I'm saying is soimportant. Um, and so I wonder
if someday she just can'tfucking deal with anything. I'm
(08:24):
sure we're all human.
Michele Baci (08:28):
Yeah, like, does she have a notepad or something
that she goes to write out?
Sophie Spiers (08:32):
She's never used a notepad. And she just because
I went to a therapist when Ifirst got here, who wrote out
everything about me on a notepadand I was like, Oh, this is
great, you know, writer towriter, I appreciate that. But
Katie, she remembers everything.
And sometimes she'll get detailsslightly off, but like, I'll
just correct her and the essenceof what she knows is correct.
And it's really impressive.
(08:55):
Like, I don't know how manyclients she has, but I feel very
special.
Michele Baci (08:59):
It sounds like she's really present.
Sophie Spiers (09:00):
She is she's present. Um, and she's funny.
Yeah, go ahead.
Michele Baci (09:06):
It's funny you started three years ago, because
we I think we moved to LA aroundthe same time. Because I think
I'm hitting year four inOctober. Me too. And I wanted to
do therapy so bad when I gothere because I just felt so like
alone. And so in a newenvironment, and also it was
like trendy, cool to do therapy.
I think la was a big impetus forme to be like, go get help.
Sophie Spiers (09:29):
I know, I, like I always my family knows this. You
know, I don't blame them foranything. But I think we didn't
really come from a therapyhousehold. And so I would like
in high school. I now look backand see that I was having panic
attacks, but at the time, I justconsidered the mental
breakdowns. And my mom was like,you know, she's quirky, she's
(09:49):
emotional. She's very intense.
And I'm like, yeah, you know,it's normal, I guess to lock
yourself in your room for aweekend like crying, having a
panic attack about a chorusconcert. Like it's not, yeah,
does it have to be that serious,but I didn't, we didn't have
therapy as an option justbecause it seemed more like a
punishment than a thing that weactually, you know, wanted to
(10:10):
embrace. I think it was alsolike a different time. And I
think as many people weretalking openly about, like
mental health and all thatstuff.
Michele Baci (10:20):
The young generation has the better end of
it. Yeah, for sure.
Sophie Spiers (10:24):
So then when I moved to LA, I was like, having
I remember I went into a TraderJoe's and I was trying to decide
what to get for dinner, and Iwas on the phone with my mom, as
if like she was there and couldhelp me decide. And I just
started, like, I couldn'tbreathe. And I was having a
panic attack. And I went into mycar, and I was like, you just
had a panic attack attack. Andan LA Trader Joe's, like, the
(10:44):
next logical step is to go totherapy, because you've become
to LA, you know, yeah, this isthe word. I started and the rest
is history.
Michele Baci (10:55):
And that's so awesome. Like you said, you
mentioned maybe two therapists,but otherwise, like, the one you
have with the therapist, now,it's been like a pretty long
relationship.
Sophie Spiers (11:03):
Yeah. And I can't and I mean, she used to see her
in person. And I would like rushfrom work to get to Beverly
Hills. And it was always astressful thing. But I was like,
I have to do this because myweek doesn't feel complete
without it. And she's actuallymoving. So it's going to be
fully remote. But I've actuallyliked the remote therapy,
because I really can make itwork with my schedule. Like I
(11:25):
don't have to forego otherthings, you know, or leave early
or anything. So it's reallyconvenient.
Michele Baci (11:32):
Yeah, I think it definitely helps you like, build
your schedule a little bit moreout and like you don't have to
drive to Beverly Hills. It's ahuge plus.
Sophie Spiers (11:40):
Yeah, totally. I know driving to Beverly Hills at
six o'clock on a weekday is fromlike Burbank, or somewhere like
that is not ideal.
Michele Baci (11:50):
Where they they make you pay for parking extra
Beverly Hills,
Sophie Spiers (11:53):
nothing is free.
And I was always like, likegoing down accidentally going
down one way streets or like,you know, parking in the garage,
because I was just too lazy tofind a meter and paying 40 bucks
and then going outside andseeing all these years. And I'm
like, this is why, like theparking enough is a reason to go
to therapy. Yeah.
Michele Baci (12:15):
For sure, like let me deal with the stress of
living in Los Angeles by
Sophie Spiers (12:20):
right by the time I would get to the sessions. I'd
be like sweaty and disheveled.
And sitting in like on her nicesuede couch. And I'm like, I'm
so sorry. I look like a freakyathlete who just finished like a
big tournament.
Michele Baci (12:33):
Yeah, her other clients like have chauffeurs
dropping them off? Yeah, that'snot me.
Sophie Spiers (12:39):
I mean, it's not cheap. But like, I don't know, I
just kind of decided it wassomething I was never going to
forego. So I'd rather eat beansthan like miss my therapy. Do
you pay out of pocket? Or do youuse insurance? I pay out of
pocket, which is when I firststarted with this particular
practice, they took my parent'sinsurance and I was only 25 I
(13:01):
guess. So. So on theirinsurance. And then the minute I
got my own, it was like, Oh, theonly insurance we take is what
your parents had. And we don'ttake any other. Like, great,
right? So then I had to go outof pocket. And she did like a
sliding scale for me, which isnice. And it's it's so a lot but
it's you know, again, it's likean investment that I'd rather
(13:22):
make than other things.
Michele Baci (13:23):
It's worth it for you. Plus, you've already like
invested in in her in the fire,right?
Sophie Spiers (13:28):
I cannot imagine starting fresh with someone new
and telling them all my shitlike that, to me. Sounds
exhausting.
Michele Baci (13:35):
Yeah, that's the hard part of finding a new
therapist. Like I was talking tosomeone a few months ago, and
she was definitely an olderlady. But she kept forgetting
what I had told her in othersessions. And I was like, if you
can't remember anything, likecome on. Where where's this
gonna go? How am I gonna gethealed? If you can't remember
what I did? How are you going toheal me? Fix me? How am I gonna
(14:00):
become normal? Yeah. Isn't thatthe goal? Yeah. What? What was
your big fix for the panicattacks? Like how did you
approach that? I think
Sophie Spiers (14:14):
I think a couple things like obviously, medic,
I'm a big proponent formedication if you need it like
that, coupled with talk therapy,or cognitive behavioral therapy
or any of that, I think isgreat. Obviously, everyone's
different, but that felt for me,like, I was talking about a
friend with this the other day,it was like when I started
taking medication, I was like,Oh, is this how normal people
(14:36):
feel? like is this how they gothrough a day feeling because
this feels like I'm on cloudnine. And that definitely took
some of the weight off of myanxiety and like OCD and things
and then just through the talktherapy kind of talking about
Okay, when you get in these likesituations and you feel
(14:58):
something coming on how Can youin your own brain and like body?
How can you and your body try tolike Calm down, calm yourself
down? And I like my therapist,cuz she does a lot of like,
okay, but how does that make youfeel in your body? And so it
makes you like come outside ofyour brain for a minute and be
like, okay, when I make thisstatement, I feel this in my
chest, or I feel this in mystomach. So I think that's
(15:20):
helpful because it likerefocuses you. And I also before
I felt like my default was tojust put in no thought to like
what was happening, and to juststart, like, crying and
complaining and calling my mom,like all hours of the day. So
now I tried to take a minutebefore I do that, and I don't
have to do it as much anymore. Imean, hardly at all anymore.
(15:42):
That's good.
Michele Baci (15:43):
I know. Like, I think I've definitely had a few
panic attacks, like in my life.
Yeah. And I feel like I wouldalways like, shut myself in an
actual room or behind the doorand just deal with it behind a
door. But like, I didn't, Ididn't, I felt like, you know,
overwhelmed in that moment,like, my brain was like, outside
my body. And I was like, What doI do? So it's good to know,
like, doing that body scan andbeing like, how do I actually
(16:05):
feel? And why like really takingit, taking that step outside of
yourself to be like, what'sgoing on?
Sophie Spiers (16:11):
Right? And even when you're feeling good things
to like we talked about, youknow, if I tell her something
good, that's happening. She'llsay, okay, and where do you feel
that good feeling? And it'slike, Oh, you're right. Not
everything has to come from mybrain. It can be in my body,
too. And that's a good reminderto my brain. Is my brain just
(16:32):
like fuck with me all day long.
So it's like, no, there areother things at play here
besides you, you dumb bitch.
Michele Baci (16:37):
Yeah, your body's actually way more than your
brain. Right? Left to remember.
Yeah. What's like a really?
What's a really like? Greatthing about Katie like that? She
does that you appreciate?
Sophie Spiers (16:54):
Oh, my gosh, um, that's a good question. I think
I think I really like the wayshe reminds me that my, like, I
am at the center of all of this.
So like, whenever I'm saying,Oh, I didn't know what to do
about this. And I asked thesepeople for their advice. That's
(17:15):
all fine and good. That'ssomething I'm working on is like
going into looking into myselffirst before asking people for
advice. And she always remindsme, she's like, okay, so and so
said this, so and so said that,but it sounds like you didn't,
you weren't satisfied with whatthey said. So like, why did you
feel the need to ask them?
(17:36):
Because it sounds like youalready know what you wanted to
do. And so I really like how shealways brings it back to me,
which is like, maybe me, youknow, but that is the point of
therapy. Like, I tell people,like I was telling my mom the
other day, because she wastelling me, you know, if you go
to therapy, is it? Is it? Dothey give you Oh, did they say
oh, this person should be doingthis, that or this person should
be doing this? And I said, No,they don't like to correct the
(17:58):
people in your life. They tellyou how to better deal with
them. And your
Michele Baci (18:03):
mom is like fishing for for gossip.
Sophie Spiers (18:06):
Exactly. Right?
And I'm like, no, we're notsitting there saying you're
doing things wrong. I'm saying,you know, this is what I feel
and Katie's reminding me tofocus on how I feel and like,
Yeah, what I know. And my gutreactions and all of that. And
so she constantly brings it backto that which is helpful,
because otherwise I'll getbogged down in like, what should
I do? What should I have doneall that stuff?
Michele Baci (18:30):
Right? I feel like people who might not people who
haven't really done a lot oftherapy or not at all, like they
don't realize how onprescriptive It is like, yeah,
the therapist is not there totell you what to do at all,
they're supposed to dig it outof you. So you come to the
realization,
Sophie Spiers (18:45):
right? Which is so brilliant, because, you know,
I'll leave a lot of sessions andI'll be like, Oh, well, Katie
told me I should do this. Justbecause that's easier than
explaining to someone. Katietold me to look within myself.
And then I somehow decided Ineeded to do this. Because
really what it Yeah, it's she'sasking the right questions and
(19:06):
making me think in a way that Ihave, you know, I've gotten
better, but I still have troublethinking on that way, thinking
that way on my own, like I need.
I think I need someone who Iconsider to be an expert to
like, pull the questions out ofme.
Michele Baci (19:21):
Yeah, and have that unbiased person to talk to
just because like, you don'treally get that anywhere else.
Sophie Spiers (19:26):
Right? at all, especially because like she
knows, I know, she knows. Heknows my family. And I come from
a very loud, opinionated family.
And because I'm someone who'sconstantly asking for advice, I
get a lot of advice. And then Itake that advice, and I'm like,
I'm mad at everyone. Why wouldthey tell me all of this? And
it's like, well, Sophie, you youwent into the lion's den asking
for advice, and you came outwith advice. And you know, if
(19:49):
you didn't want it, youshouldn't have asked. So
Michele Baci (19:53):
yeah, if we circle back to the beginning. Hey,
Sophie. Yeah, exactly. Hestarted it right.
Sophie Spiers (20:00):
Basically therapy is her reminding me that I
caused a lot of my own problemsand then helping me fix.
Michele Baci (20:06):
Yeah, which is great. Because like otherwise
you'd be such as zigzag all overthe place like riding around
with no head, on your brain onyour shoulders. Exactly. Which
is Sam? Does your life in LAhelp you like process mental
health and feel more mentallysounds like doing acting,
(20:29):
writing comedy?
Sophie Spiers (20:31):
Yeah, um, I would say, I think life in LA in
general, like the lifestylehelps me process mental health
because I think my mental healthgets trickiest when I don't have
enough stimulation and enoughstuff that I'm doing and
involved in. And so, you know,no shade to home and where I
(20:52):
grew up, and I love love myhome, my family. But going back
to the suburbs, I know that one,two weeks fine. But a few weeks
after that, I might start tofeel like more anxious and more
in my own head. And my lifestylein LA is just a lot busier. And
it's a lot more interactive. Andit doesn't allow for time for me
to like spend in my own head.
Yeah,
Michele Baci (21:15):
yeah, that idle time.
Sophie Spiers (21:16):
Exactly. So that's a good thing. And then
also, the comedy is great formental health. Because I mean, I
guess good and bad, but it'slike, you know, you could get on
stage and totally bomb, but Idon't actually find that that
affects my mental health.
Because you know that I mean,sometimes you're like, Oh, I did
shitty. I wish I had done well.
But you also know, every timeyou do shitty, there's another
(21:37):
time that you're going to bedoing well. So like,
Michele Baci (21:40):
yeah, just like hopefully, that you've learned
that the shitty does does notstay. Like roughly that's
happens. But like, everythinghappens. So totally loads
momentary.
Sophie Spiers (21:50):
Yeah. And there's always someone who's been
shittier than you. So like, Oh,definitely remember that? Yeah.
Michele Baci (21:56):
There's a surplus of comics who have no business
doing it?
Sophie Spiers (22:00):
Totally. I mean, that's what I remind myself
about everything. Because I'mlike, yeah, so many people out
here trying to be the best. Andyou have to remind yourself what
a large percentage are not eventhe anything. That's so mean.
But like,
Michele Baci (22:16):
even I'd like I've seen a couple professional
comedy shows recently. And likethe the less famous people who
are on stage with the famouspeople. I'm like, Who are these
guys? They're like, jokesters.
They have no net, they gotnothing for them. And they're
still like, opening for the bignames. Yeah, I know, honestly,
keep putting yourself out thereand it will work out.
Sophie Spiers (22:37):
That's my attitude, too. And also, like,
I, I never act like I mean,there may be times where I get
anxious. And I think, Oh, I see.
So and So doing this, should Ibe doing that? Like, that's a
huge thing I struggle with, butI also, in my heart of hearts
never think, oh, all thesepeople are better than me. I
mean, we're talking about anego. Like, I think every comic
has to have some kind of ego,like, do what we do. And so
(23:00):
that's the whole magic of it.
Exactly. That's right. And I'mlike, I'm not going to look
around and be like, Oh, I'mbowing down to all these people
doing these things. It's like,No, you just have to do what
you're doing. And that can behard to remember. But
Michele Baci (23:15):
yeah, I think I and my better days, I have that
feeling to where I'm like, Oh,no, I'm the best one here. Like
none of these people deserve tobe here too. Yeah. Which is, you
know, when you say it out loud,it's terrible. But it's also
what you need to survive inHollywood.
Sophie Spiers (23:29):
Totally. Even if you don't actually believe it.
You have to just say it untilyou do believe it. Because
that's stealthier
Michele Baci (23:35):
by overanalyzing, the people around me I can find
their flaws.
Sophie Spiers (23:39):
Exactly, exactly.
And I don't think, you know,finding people's flaws. I think
we can all support people whilestill knowing their flaws and
making ourselves feel better. So
Michele Baci (23:50):
yeah, honestly, I just admired the work ethic.
Like they showed up, they,they're practicing, they're
doing mics, they're doing shows,like good for that I could, I
could be doing the same.
Sophie Spiers (24:01):
Right? That's it.
I mean, that's a huge thing. Ithere are people that I see that
are doing a lot. And that's whenI get equal parts stressed
about, like, failing andeverything and motivated to do
more. So yeah, you know, I thinkif I didn't have that motivate,
like if I didn't have thattrigger, I might not be as
motivated.
Michele Baci (24:22):
What do you do?
Like, what's your daily routine?
Do you do comedy writing daily?
Or like, do you still have a dayjob?
Sophie Spiers (24:30):
I still have a day job. I'm a freelance writer
right now. Oh, nice, which hasbeen great. I mean, I was
working for drunk history, prepandemic, and that was amazing.
And then you know, we gotcancelled and so I was really
like, what can I do during theday in this totally like,
digital remote worlds that willstill pay the bills and that
(24:52):
because comedy wasn't an option.
And so I call me also isn't anoption for paying the bills
right now.
Michele Baci (24:59):
But I Explaining the podcast today, I was like,
it's kind of like what comedyused to be like, I don't know,
like comedy is like stillfinding its way back into my
life.
Sophie Spiers (25:08):
Right, right same and I started doing the
freelance writing. And that'sbeen great, because then in the
afternoons or evenings, I can doopen mics, shows, and whatever.
I mean, I'm not doing one everynight, but I do try to, like, I
don't put too much pressure onmyself to write new stuff every
day. Because, I mean, a lot ofwriters, like you know, I think
(25:30):
it just, you've either feel itor you don't. So if I really
don't feel like it, nothing Iproduce is going to be great. So
I might as well wait for a daywhen I do feel like it and
write, you know, 10 new jokesand work on those, then, like,
force myself to do somethingevery day. But yeah, I do also
get a lot of thoughts at night,and I'll write them down on my
notes on my phone, and I'll wakeup and there'll be like murder
(25:51):
or murder. Like they don't makesense. Or sometimes they do, and
they're great. So
Michele Baci (25:57):
yeah, that the Notes app is definitely it's a
safe haven for all my crazyideas.
Sophie Spiers (26:02):
Yeah, same. I mean, I look at that app,
sometimes just for fun, becauseI've written like, mom who loves
zebras, and you're like, what
Michele Baci (26:10):
does that mean?
Like, maybe that's a part of me.
Right? Exactly. coming out inthe night. Yeah. That's funny.
The Notes app, I think justgives me full anxiety now
because it's like, way, there'sway too many notes. Like it's
it's way far god what it shouldbe.
Sophie Spiers (26:25):
Yeah. Until, I mean, I've just, I started as
like a place to have my actualform jokes. And now it's just a
scribble pad and I am let youknow, which is no surprise, I'm
not really an organized person.
So it just looks like me.
Michele Baci (26:40):
Yeah. Tell me about your YouTube channel.
Because I I've seen like some ofyour content that you've been
putting out in the past year.
How do you how do you shootcontent? Do you have like a
regular schedule? Or is it justlike, whatever you feel like it,
Sophie Spiers (26:53):
that's also just kind of whenever I feel like it,
I get like, talking about what Ifeel in my body, I get like a
feeling. And I'm like, Oh, thisis funny. I feel like I want to
explore this, do something withthis. And I'll just go and shoot
it and like, edit it together.
And, you know, put it out there.
And I didn't ever do that untilpandemic hit. And I had free
(27:15):
time. And I had never consideredmyself like someone who puts
stuff up on Instagram. But Istarted because I was like, why
not? And I love it. I mean, I'veseen a lot of people really take
off in the last year with videosand stuff. And it's so
inspiring, because I'm like, younever know what is going to be
the thing that people love. But,you know, I make myself laugh.
So like that's, I think that'swhat matters.
Michele Baci (27:38):
Yeah, and it's a lot of like short videos, too,
which is what people are reallydigesting like the most
Sophie Spiers (27:44):
right? I started out with some I was like, Oh, I
can't cut this. I can't cut thisand I'd have these like minute
and a half videos. And I go backnow and I'm like, oh, no one
wants to watch a video thatlong. That's like, it's like a
sermon. So I had a half fullminute and a half. So I I
started like really cuttingmyself down to a minute at the
most. Also so that you can whenyou post on Instagram, you can
(28:07):
like see how many views you'regetting and all of that. I just
feel like it's more helpful withthat way. And I love Instagram
like I haven't really I poststuff on Tick tock, but I'm not
really a big Tick Tock owl. SoI'm still chugging away on the
Insta, and then I put stuff onYouTube to tick tock is still
the sketchy. Yes, so yeah,
Michele Baci (28:26):
stay away. Yeah, I
Sophie Spiers (28:27):
can say I just always get on there. And I'm
like, I don't feel like this isfor me. I'm not I sometimes I
enjoy it, but it's just not mything.
Michele Baci (28:36):
I feel like it's a fad and I just don't have time
for it. Like maybe someday,right?
Sophie Spiers (28:41):
I know. Well, I had a friend who worked for I
have a friend who worked for tiktok, and she was, you know, a
couple years ago, she was likeSophie, you have to get on tik
tok. It's gonna blow up. And I'mlike, the last thing I need is
another dumb app that doesn't goanywhere. No, lo and behold,
Michele Baci (28:56):
I mean, here we are number one app in America.
Exactly. But also stealing yourinformation. So right?
Sophie Spiers (29:03):
Yeah, who knows?
Who knows how they're gonna gethis videos with me and wigs and
like, talking about boobs? Sogood luck to them.
Michele Baci (29:13):
Yeah, it's probably not the most helpful to
like steal your identity, butit's still Tick Tock. Do you
have a favorite character thatyou do or that you've done
before?
Sophie Spiers (29:23):
Um, oh, that's I so I started doing this one
celebrity in LA duringquarantine. And it was just, it
was just like a parody of what acelebrity might be focused on
during a pandemic. And I did onevideo a few weeks ago that I
really liked. So that was like,I felt it Yes, I was using the
(29:44):
title of celebrity but I justfeel like this is a lot of
people's attitudes, which waslike, do you know when like the
pan when something affectseveryone a lot, but it doesn't
affect you at all. Like that wasthis pandemic for me and just
making all these statementsabout like The effect of the
pandemic but really, it didn'taffect you at all. That makes me
(30:06):
laugh. And then, I mean, I'm, Idon't want to broadcast this
because I feel now like,embarrassed by it. But before we
knew what was happening withBritney Spears, I was doing an
impression of her. Yeah, itwasn't one of your early Yeah,
one of my early things justbecause I was doing a podcast
with a friend and all of asudden I had this impression
(30:26):
come out, and it was like, Hey,guys, I'm gonna show you a
little bit of my quarantineroutine. And it was like, an
actual Britney accent. And so Istarted working on it and I
those videos got a lot of views.
But then things started to get alittle dicey er with her and I
was like, Oh, I want to be asupporter and not like making
fun of her. So I mean, not thatI was making fun of her, but I
could see people seeing it thatway.
Michele Baci (30:47):
We didn't we didn't have all the information
yet the documentary. Exactly.
But you do like you listen toBrittany's social media stuff
her court here and she doessound like a character. So
Sophie Spiers (30:58):
she does, right.
And it was mostly the voice thatI thought was funny, you know,
whatever. She wants to do morepower to her like she can twirl
around and dance and put onoutfits Good for her. But you
know, if a comic can do a voice,then a comics gonna do a voice.
Like, yeah,
Michele Baci (31:15):
I was. I won't hold it against you. I still
have to watch that documentary.
I've been like working up to itand like, Am I immensely good
place? No.
Sophie Spiers (31:25):
Well, no, I know.
I, I had trouble with thedocumentary because I felt like
I've seen this trend and a lotof documentaries, which is where
they use, like online experts,which are really like online
sleuths, which are really justpeople who love the internet.
They're using them as likeactual sources of information.
And I'm like, it just seemsirresponsible from like a
(31:49):
journalism point of view. Theyactually make a documentary
about Britney and someone whodoesn't know Brittany and just
knows her internet presencecould talk like an expert on
like,
Michele Baci (31:59):
I don't know, like it's not a journalist. It's just
someone with a Twitter account.
Sophie Spiers (32:03):
Yeah, like that.
That documentary? Oh, God, itwas either Cecil Cecil Hotel or
don't fuck with cats. Andsomeone was literally either. Oh
my god, I recommend it becausethey're both ridiculous and
entertaining. But they someoneis literally listed and credited
as a. What was it internetsleuth? And I was like, that is
(32:26):
just someone who discoveredYouTube early on and then went
ham with it. Like that's not anactual job.
Michele Baci (32:35):
Can that just be anybody with like, why?
Sophie Spiers (32:37):
I'm an internet sleuth? Like, you've got a
question about JLo and BenAffleck like I'm there. I've got
the answers. Yeah, all internetslopes.
Michele Baci (32:45):
You want to check someone's criminal record? I got
it right here. It's not thathard. Oh, that's crazy. I'll
yeah, I'll watch it soon. Well,we'll talk about it in real life
soon. Oh, definitely. Um, do youhave any advice for back to
therapy? Like someone who wantsto seek out therapy? Or maybe
they know they need meds? Andlike, how do they start that
(33:05):
process when it's so like,intimidating,
Sophie Spiers (33:08):
honestly, come to me, I love finding people.
That's a good. I mean, I think Ithink either you reach a point
where you just want someone tohelp you or you reach a point
where you feel willing to takethe risk. And I think it's just
finding, like, it can feeldaunting to look online and see
all these options and not knowwho's going to work for you. And
(33:29):
that's just part of the process.
Like, it's like dating kind of,you know, you don't know if
someone's going to be a goodfit, but you should try it
because otherwise you're notgoing to have the opportunity.
So I use Psychology Today,actually, which is how I found
my psychiatrists and therapists.
And I, you can filter it by likewho you know, if you want male
(33:50):
or female, what issues you wantto deal with. And then I really
just like would go to theirwebsites and look at their
descriptions and see what spoketo me. I feel like you get a
vibe off of those.
Michele Baci (33:59):
And I also do do like, message a few of them are
just the first one worked out.
Sophie Spiers (34:05):
I messaged a couple one woman didn't pick up
her phone ever. So I was like,This is not a good sign. And
then I messaged this company andthey got back to me really or
this practice and they got backto me quickly. And were so
professional and I felt like Iwas in good hands. So that's why
I kept going. I also thinkpeople get afraid of like, the
(34:26):
logistics people get overwhelmedby logistics of having to call
someone having to admit towanting therapy. It seems like a
big deal. I don't have an answerto that other than like, get
over it because it'll be reallyhelpful. And on the other side,
you won't care that you had tomake a call and like schedule an
appointment. You'll be glad thatyou did. Yeah, just start. Just
(34:47):
start Exactly.
Michele Baci (34:50):
And especially like the appointment thing, like
can I set an appointment and tomy week it's like, try it.
Sophie Spiers (34:56):
Right if you can fit seven panic attacks into
your week, then you can Settingappointment like,
Michele Baci (35:01):
yeah, you'll probably get more done with that
one appointment.
Sophie Spiers (35:04):
Exactly right.
You might limit it to three aweek, and then you'll really be
cooking.
Michele Baci (35:08):
Yeah. It's like how many depression cries Can I
have in a week? I think of thatmy limits,
Sophie Spiers (35:13):
right? And then, yeah, I was like, I'm tired of
doing this all the time. If Icould just have an appointment a
week, and I didn't know if itwould work. I mean, I was
skeptical. I sound like acontestant on The Bachelor.
Like, I didn't know I wasskeptical going into this. But I
could just feel it like I gotthere. And I wanted to tell
someone what was on my mind. AndI didn't want to tell a friend
(35:35):
or family I wanted to tell astranger who'd be able to look
at me and be like, I'm sorry,you're feeling this way. Let's
try to deal with it.
Michele Baci (35:43):
Yeah, like your friend or family, you know them
too well. So whenever, whatevertheir responses as good
intentions as they may have,it's like, you're never going to
perceive it the way you wouldfrom a therapist who's like,
this person doesn't know you,like they're not trying to
placate you or lying to you orthey're not trying to make
themselves feel better. It'slike, this is someone. We're
doing their job, right. Totallydifferent.
Sophie Spiers (36:04):
Like there's nothing worse than crying, and
like needing someone to help youand then they start crying too.
And you're like, Okay, this isjust a huge mess. Yeah, you
stole my moment. Right, exactly.
stealing my thunder. So, youknow, and also, I think with a
stranger, you're better behavedlike, you can't blame them.
Michele Baci (36:24):
Yeah, really? Just focus. You want to get that that
hour's worth.
Sophie Spiers (36:28):
Yeah, exactly. I mean, I am the type of person
who finishes a meal because shepaid for it. Even if she's not
hungry. So like, I get thathour's worth.
Michele Baci (36:37):
Oh, yeah. I just ate a mediocre pumpkin pie. I
brought it home. August pumpkinpie my stomach. Yeah, it was. It
was from a bakery. I don't knowhow they made it. That sounds
delicious. I love pumpkin pie.
It wasn't bad as a leftover pie.
That's good. Yeah, it turned outokay.
Sophie Spiers (36:57):
I ate some old soup yesterday because I got
back from vacation and hadn'tgone to the grocery store. And I
found it in my cabinet. And Iate stale crackers with it. And
I was like, the limits that Iwill go to to not have to walk
across the street to TraderJoe's are astounding.
Michele Baci (37:12):
you're that close to Trader Joe's and literally
like, I can see it from myhouse. You know, that's funny. I
made it. Because you're gettingback from the east coast. You're
like, I don't need to makeanother journey to the store.
Exactly. limit that. Totally.
Okay, well, I think we can moveon to the roulette wheel.
Unknown (37:34):
Okay.
Michele Baci (37:37):
Here it is.
Normally, I just give it a spin.
And then you could tell me yourresponse to something I have
been wanting to ask every guest.
Is there anything you want tovent about? Is that anything
really piss you off? Or you wantto like ramble for a minute in
your life? Anything that comesto mind?
Sophie Spiers (37:56):
Yes, it's happening to me, right? I mean,
where do I even start, but onething I've bent about, it's very
personal to me. And it's howmuch I sweat, which like, I and
I talk about it all day long. Iam always hot. And I literally,
I just had the guy who works inmy building the maintenance man
come and look at my airconditioner for the second time
(38:16):
because I'm like, I swear it'snot working. It's always hot in
this room. And he's like, Imeasured it with it. thermometer
is the same temperature as therest of the room and I'm like,
Oh my god, I am just like amenopausal woman and I don't
know what to do about it. It'salarming. And I hear like my
roommate and I, I think 50% ofour conversation throughout the
day is sweating. I'm sweating.
I'm so sweaty. Right? I'mboiling. But the roommates also
(38:39):
sweating. He's also sweating. Sowe're both just like too sweaty
people complaining about beingsweaty. But I really feel like
I'm sweaty or
Michele Baci (38:49):
Yeah, I guess you guys need like a lot of fans
maybe a pool?
Sophie Spiers (38:54):
Yeah, I think that's what it comes down to is
like I need a house on a cliffwith a pool. And people like
bathing me and ice chips andthen maybe I'll be okay.
Michele Baci (39:04):
I need a kitchen stocked to Trader Joe's so I
don't have to go.
Sophie Spiers (39:07):
Yeah, yeah, right. Maybe if I didn't have to
shop I wouldn't be such a sweatymess. That's funny. Thank you
for Red Sea and sharing. Thankyou for making it a safe space.
Michele Baci (39:16):
Of course I try.
So let's give you a spin. If youcould choose a superpower, what
would you choose? And why?
Sophie Spiers (39:28):
Oh my god. Um, I would Okay, so I would actually
choose the ability to fly.
Because I have these dreams. Mydad and I both have them. Really
once in our family that we'reconnected to them. I dream that
I'm flying and I can feel it sovividly. I feel it in my stomach
and I just like take off with myarms and I'm flapping and I'm
(39:49):
flying above the clouds. Andit's just like whenever I need
to get out of any situation or Iwant to have fun. I'm just
flying and I'm like how greatwould that be? If I could just
like If I were in a bar and someguy was boring me talking about
his love of stocks, I would justbe like tah tah and flutter my
way. Fly away
Michele Baci (40:09):
as a as a person, though not as a bird, right as a
person. No, I don't want to be abird. They smell weird, but I
would like to fly. Yeah, I wouldjust like to keep my human sweat
and right. Right, just. I alsolike pretty good one.
Sophie Spiers (40:24):
I don't want the power to be able to poop on
people. Because that's a bigpower. And I think I would abuse
it.
Michele Baci (40:31):
Yeah, it might be hard to control once you get it.
Oh, yeah. If you could, I would.
Yeah. Like, how many enemies doI have? I
Sophie Spiers (40:39):
can make some I can make a lot. Yeah. But then
people think that it's goodluck. So you have to be careful
because I don't want the wrongpeople thinking I'm wishing them
luck.
Michele Baci (40:47):
Okay, fair enough.
Yeah. Got to target themcarefully. Exactly. I think we
have time for another. Okay,awesome. Oh, what have you been
obsessed with? Oh, ever orlately? Whatever comes to mind.
Sophie Spiers (41:06):
Like cuz I'm like, Oh, I was obsessed with
one guy senior year of highschool. But okay, lately? Does
he deserve the attention? No, hedoesn't. And that's why I'm not
going to discuss whatever theybeen obsessed with. Oh my god, I
think I'm obsessed with so okay.
This isn't a new thing for me.
(41:27):
But as of late, anytime that Iwant to treat myself to
anything. I haven't gone to TJMaxx or Marshall's
Michele Baci (41:35):
as a good one.
Sophie Spiers (41:36):
Yeah. And I have always been obsessed because
like my mother raised us to lovegoing to Marshalls and TJ Maxx
and like I to get to the onesnear me It's by the it's a by
the grove. It's like kind of ait's so close. But it's like an
annoying parking lot andwhatever. But if I'm in a mood
or I want to celebrate somethingI just don't like I'm going to
TJ Maxx like a middle aged likeMother of 12. And I went oh
(42:02):
sweet,
Michele Baci (42:02):
like a little worried about you with the
Metapod and the teaching. No.
Sophie Spiers (42:06):
I'm like, way too settled in my midlife crisis for
28 years old. But I love teadays. And I was there Sunday and
I spent a ton of money and I waslike, You know what, I don't
even feel bad because I neededthese loofahs and like this fur
coat even though it's August.
Michele Baci (42:25):
Yeah, at your bargain hunting. I mean, no one
else is gonna buy that fur coat.
Sophie Spiers (42:30):
Right? And like 50 makeup products that are only
399 each feels a lot better thanbuying like 350 dollar makeup
products. So
Michele Baci (42:39):
you're not supporting the big brands.
You're not supporting KylieJenner. It's TJ Maxx.
Sophie Spiers (42:44):
Exactly. It's something cheaper. It's keeping
me humble.
Michele Baci (42:49):
I like that obsession. Yeah. It keeps you
grounded ties you to your roots.
Sophie Spiers (42:53):
Exactly. I could be a millionaire and I guarantee
I would still do all my shoppingat those two places. And it's
funny because like, I have asister. I have two sisters. But
my youngest sister is afashionista obsessed with big
brands and like true art, youknow, style and whatever. And
she will know if Santa Clausbrings her a gift. That is it.
(43:14):
That's from one of those places,even though if it has no tag, no
other identifier. She's like Inoticed with TJ Maxx I don't
want it for like, my parentsknow that they can give me all
gifts from TJ Maxx and I'll beover the moon about it.
Michele Baci (43:27):
That's funny. The differences in siblings,
Sophie Spiers (43:30):
right? It's also like an oldest versus youngest
situation, I think.
Michele Baci (43:34):
Probably she gets more She's the youngest.
Sophie Spiers (43:36):
Exactly. And I am fine with the cheap things from
TJ is that you know, keep mehumble.
Michele Baci (43:44):
Are you are you the oldest sibling?
Sophie Spiers (43:46):
Yeah, I am. And then I have two sister three
years younger and then a sistersix years younger.
Michele Baci (43:52):
Okay. I I'm also the oldest with two sisters and
a brother. Oh, I didn't knowthat. I think I'm the scrappiest
of us all. But who knows? Yeah,I'm scrappy. I like that. Yeah,
you got to be the first one inthe bunch. You got to survive.
Sophie Spiers (44:05):
Totally. I always joke with my mom. I'm like, oh,
have already raised two kids.
Like
Michele Baci (44:10):
I feel like I raised three.
Sophie Spiers (44:13):
Even though I give my parents full credit. I
do feel like we had a hand. Idon't know about you. But I did.
Michele Baci (44:19):
I was a third parent for Yeah, yeah. Well,
Sophie, this has been so nice.
Please tell us where to find youonline. Anything you'd like to
promote?
Sophie Spiers (44:28):
I would like to promote myself. Please do thank
you. Check out my Instagram. Nowit is at Sophie spiers comedy.
Spiers is S-P-I ers I knowthat's like, I feel like the
story of my life is peopleconfused about my name. So as
Michele said, if you go to mybio, you'll see that it's
(44:49):
spiers, bitch.
Michele Baci (44:50):
Yeah. It's like you got to throw in the word pie
somehow. Like it's the word piein there. Yeah. Oh, true. Yeah,
spot s s py Yeah, Rs Rs. It'snot the easiest, but I would
remember it. Will you like pI?
So I know my audience. Yeah,there you go. Well, thanks,
Sophie, I'll talk to you soon.
Sophie Spiers (45:11):
Thank you so much for having me.
Michele Baci (45:13):
Of course.
Hey, I want to thank youpersonally for listening to the
podcast. This has been TherapyRoulette, where I give you
consent to vent. I would love tokeep making episodes and putting
out this podcast into the world.
And in order to do that, peoplehave to find out about it and
they have to listen. So pleaseleave a review. If you have 10
seconds to spare, reviews go along way. Any app, any place on
(45:34):
the internet, please leave agood review. Please tell your
friends about the podcast. Youcould explain it, say it's about
an honest mental healthconversation. It's a little bit
funny. It's a little bitdeprecating, or don't explain
it at all. And just send them aairdrop link and boom, they h
ve it in their phone. Thank yu so much for listening. I w
(45:57):
ll be back with a new episode. Nt next Thursday but the f
llowing Thursday.
Theme Song (46:06):
Therapy Roulette Consent to Vent / Trauma
disguised as comedy / TherapyRoulette: Consent to Vent / If
you dont have problems, thenyoure likely repressing sh*t
and you should find a therapist/ (Whos not me)
Therapy Roulette Consent to Vent / Trauma
disguised as comedy / TherapyRoulette: Consent to Vent / If
you dont have problems, thenyoure likely repressing sh*t
and you should find a therapist/ (Whos not me)
Michele Baci (00:19):
Hey, you crazy people. What's happening? You're
not crazy. I promise we're alltotally. Okay. Just the way we
are. Welcome back to TherapyRoulette consensus that my name
is Michele Baci, and we're backwith another episode. This week
is a fun interview with SophieSpiers. She is a comedian, a
(00:41):
writer, and an actress based inLos Angeles, I actually met
Sophie, when I first moved outhere almost four years ago,
which is wild to think about,she was one of the first people
I've met. And I know she waspursuing a writing career at the
time. And I think she's sincelike, branched out into
(01:02):
different areas ofentertainment. Similar to what I
have done so many people I knowout here in LA, I've done
talking to her was really nice,because she reminded me that
comedy is real. And you can goout there and pursue comedy, you
can have fun, you can make upcharacters, she is really
entertaining to watch on socialmedia, and I know she has a
(01:23):
YouTube channel. So when we hadour interview, I was like, Oh,
my God, Sophie's really likegoing after it, she's doing the
thing I want to do. So hereminded me that I got to get
back out there and do morecomedy I haven't been doing
stand up, I haven't been reallylike leaving my house. So it's
nice that other people are and Igive her major props. I would
(01:48):
love to go back and do stand up.
This this month is August. And Ihad a goal for myself to get out
and get back on stage in August.
But I don't know if I'm going toreach that goal, I might have to
push it a little further. I amtraveling back to New York to
see family, I have a engagementparty to attend for my sister.
(02:09):
And I was hoping I could hit upa few mics or shows while I was
in New York. But now the Deltavariant is raging a little bit.
I don't really know if it's thebest thing for me to do while
I'm visiting my family. So we'llsee. But I really do miss
comedy. Also on a COVID note, goget the vaccine if you're not
vaccinated, now is the best timeto get the vaccine. I wasn't
(02:32):
going to make a statement aboutit. But I think it's important
to at least research it lookinto it. You know, it makes
sense for most people, I thinkif you're not at risk, like
immunocompromised or you haveother health factors that could
impact a negative reaction. Ifyou're healthy, the vaccine
makes a lot of sense. And it canprotect the rest of us. So
(02:54):
please, research it and don'tjust listen to people on the
internet who are just you know,posting memes. Yeah, I'm about
to hop on a flight to New York.
So I think I'll make this introshort and sweet. I want to
encourage you to do what youlove. chase your dreams. And if
you're like me, and you'vebecome a total hermit, in the
(03:16):
past, whatever we're in now, ayear and a half, like I leave my
house only to do errands andit's crazy. So if you become a
hermit like me, don't give up onyour dreams. You owe it to
yourself to go chase them. Ifyou like this podcast, leave us
a review. It only takes likefive seconds to do write me five
(03:37):
stars. Any number of stars,write a few words. Boom, send
that review. that'll really helpthe podcast to grow. Thank you
so much. And here's theinterview.
Theme Song (03:49):
guest interview / a friend for you / strangers whose
issues are relatable / guestinterview / They're the voice
that's new / this person hasproblems and they don't mind
discussing it, but they stillneed a therapist / (Whos not me)
Michele Baci (04:05):
Okay, so welcome back to another episode of
Therapy Roulette. I'm MicheleBaci, and we're here with Sophie
spires. She is a comedian, awriter and actress. I think
that's the hierarchy of thingsshe is. She is based in Los
Angeles, as am I and she hosts aweekly open mic at the comedy
nook, which I asked to go checkout of a meeting to Sophie,
(04:26):
welcome to the podcast.
Sophie Spiers (04:27):
Thank you for having me.
Michele Baci (04:29):
Of course. It's a pleasure. I always like a girl
named Sophie. It's a good namefor you.
Sophie Spiers (04:34):
You know, I found that it's the name of a lot of
dogs. Um, it was. It was it'sOprah Winfrey's dog's name. So
Michele Baci (04:42):
Oh,
Sophie Spiers (04:42):
You know.
Michele Baci (04:43):
A successful dog
Sophie Spiers (04:44):
a successful dog.
Exactly. I don't care that I'm adog as long as I have money.
Michele Baci (04:51):
I mean, that that works for me.
Sophie Spiers (04:53):
Yeah, why not?
Michele Baci (04:54):
Truly I have a thing about dogs with people
names. It's such a trend now. Itis.
Sophie Spiers (04:59):
I know. I'm like, I want to meet a dog named
Rupert, or like some kind ofvery traditional name like that.
I feel like that's a dog I canrespect.
Michele Baci (05:08):
Yeah, a royal dog.
Exactly.
That's funny. Ifeel like it's just a mark that
we cannot connect to otherhumans anymore. We have to
transfer it to the dog. Exactly.
Right bird and Sophie come over.
Sophie Spiers (05:20):
I know. And who can blame us? Honestly, there
are a lot of humans that I don'twant to connect to. I might as
well have a dog with a humanname.
Michele Baci (05:28):
Yeah, I feel like it's common problem. I don't
have a dog. But if I did, Iprobably name it, Rupert. Yeah,
I would just pick a name not incirculation. So you don't get
offended like you probably do.
Sophie Spiers (05:41):
I know. I did hear when I was on vacation, I
heard somebody like Sophie,Sophie, and it was for the dog.
And that was confusing.
Michele Baci (05:51):
Yeah, like, what do you do you go up to that
person and correct them or letit be? Let it be. I know, as
long as
Sophie Spiers (05:58):
people don't accidentally call me, Sophia,
and I don't care whose name isSophie. But that's my bigger pet
peeve.
Michele Baci (06:04):
It's a much different vibe.
Sophie Spiers (06:07):
And people are always like, is Sophie short for
Sophia? And I'm like, well, theyhave the same number of letters.
So no. Not like, no offense toSofia's with Sophia is I feel
like have poodles and likeparents that are artists, and I
feel like Sophie's or I don'tknow, right? Anywhere from like,
(06:28):
Royal to practicalbusinesswoman. We can be
anything.
Michele Baci (06:33):
I think you got to be more down to earth without
that fancy A at the end. Yeah,exactly. So let's talk about
therapy. Are you in therapy? Ifnot, why not?
Sophie Spiers (06:45):
I am the poster child for therapy. And I am so
glad you're having me on thispodcast because I will talk
about therapy all day
Michele Baci (06:53):
long. Please do because I just I think I started
it just to like, dig intoinformation and be like, what
can I learn? Like, I want to beback in psychology classes.
Sophie Spiers (07:02):
Yes. I never took psychology classes because like,
my brain was a textbook in andof itself. But I started
therapy. God, I guess it waslike three years now. So
probably a year after moving toLA. And I have been seeing the
same therapist for the wholetime. And we like recently just
(07:25):
went all remote and we meet oncea week. And you know, it's love
at first sight, love at firstsight. I take my little meds I
have my little meeting with heronce a week. It's amazing. She
gets me her name is Katie. Andit's funny. Like I know nothing
about her life. And she knowsevery painful detail. Yeah. And
(07:50):
that's the kind of relationshipyou can only pay for.
Michele Baci (07:53):
It's a professional one. That's true.
Do you ever think about Katie'sand things like the she get
overwhelmed knowing everythingabout you?
Sophie Spiers (08:03):
Um, sometimes I think well sometimes, like, on
the zoom, I'm like, I'm so hyperaware of what she's doing. So if
I see her look down, or like,look in a different direction, I
never say this. But I'm like, isshe looking at a text? Like, is
she not paying attention to me?
Because what I'm saying is soimportant. Um, and so I wonder
if someday she just can'tfucking deal with anything. I'm
(08:24):
sure we're all human.
Michele Baci (08:28):
Yeah, like, does she have a notepad or something
that she goes to write out?
Sophie Spiers (08:32):
She's never used a notepad. And she just because
I went to a therapist when Ifirst got here, who wrote out
everything about me on a notepadand I was like, Oh, this is
great, you know, writer towriter, I appreciate that. But
Katie, she remembers everything.
And sometimes she'll get detailsslightly off, but like, I'll
just correct her and the essenceof what she knows is correct.
And it's really impressive.
(08:55):
Like, I don't know how manyclients she has, but I feel very
special.
Michele Baci (08:59):
It sounds like she's really present.
Sophie Spiers (09:00):
She is she's present. Um, and she's funny.
Yeah, go ahead.
Michele Baci (09:06):
It's funny you started three years ago, because
we I think we moved to LA aroundthe same time. Because I think
I'm hitting year four inOctober. Me too. And I wanted to
do therapy so bad when I gothere because I just felt so like
alone. And so in a newenvironment, and also it was
like trendy, cool to do therapy.
I think la was a big impetus forme to be like, go get help.
Sophie Spiers (09:29):
I know, I, like I always my family knows this. You
know, I don't blame them foranything. But I think we didn't
really come from a therapyhousehold. And so I would like
in high school. I now look backand see that I was having panic
attacks, but at the time, I justconsidered the mental
breakdowns. And my mom was like,you know, she's quirky, she's
(09:49):
emotional. She's very intense.
And I'm like, yeah, you know,it's normal, I guess to lock
yourself in your room for aweekend like crying, having a
panic attack about a chorusconcert. Like it's not, yeah,
does it have to be that serious,but I didn't, we didn't have
therapy as an option justbecause it seemed more like a
punishment than a thing that weactually, you know, wanted to
(10:10):
embrace. I think it was alsolike a different time. And I
think as many people weretalking openly about, like
mental health and all thatstuff.
Michele Baci (10:20):
The young generation has the better end of
it. Yeah, for sure.
Sophie Spiers (10:24):
So then when I moved to LA, I was like, having
I remember I went into a TraderJoe's and I was trying to decide
what to get for dinner, and Iwas on the phone with my mom, as
if like she was there and couldhelp me decide. And I just
started, like, I couldn'tbreathe. And I was having a
panic attack. And I went into mycar, and I was like, you just
had a panic attack attack. Andan LA Trader Joe's, like, the
(10:44):
next logical step is to go totherapy, because you've become
to LA, you know, yeah, this isthe word. I started and the rest
is history.
Michele Baci (10:55):
And that's so awesome. Like you said, you
mentioned maybe two therapists,but otherwise, like, the one you
have with the therapist, now,it's been like a pretty long
relationship.
Sophie Spiers (11:03):
Yeah. And I can't and I mean, she used to see her
in person. And I would like rushfrom work to get to Beverly
Hills. And it was always astressful thing. But I was like,
I have to do this because myweek doesn't feel complete
without it. And she's actuallymoving. So it's going to be
fully remote. But I've actuallyliked the remote therapy,
because I really can make itwork with my schedule. Like I
(11:25):
don't have to forego otherthings, you know, or leave early
or anything. So it's reallyconvenient.
Michele Baci (11:32):
Yeah, I think it definitely helps you like, build
your schedule a little bit moreout and like you don't have to
drive to Beverly Hills. It's ahuge plus.
Sophie Spiers (11:40):
Yeah, totally. I know driving to Beverly Hills at
six o'clock on a weekday is fromlike Burbank, or somewhere like
that is not ideal.
Michele Baci (11:50):
Where they they make you pay for parking extra
Beverly Hills,
Sophie Spiers (11:53):
nothing is free.
And I was always like, likegoing down accidentally going
down one way streets or like,you know, parking in the garage,
because I was just too lazy tofind a meter and paying 40 bucks
and then going outside andseeing all these years. And I'm
like, this is why, like theparking enough is a reason to go
to therapy. Yeah.
Michele Baci (12:15):
For sure, like let me deal with the stress of
living in Los Angeles by
Sophie Spiers (12:20):
right by the time I would get to the sessions. I'd
be like sweaty and disheveled.
And sitting in like on her nicesuede couch. And I'm like, I'm
so sorry. I look like a freakyathlete who just finished like a
big tournament.
Michele Baci (12:33):
Yeah, her other clients like have chauffeurs
dropping them off? Yeah, that'snot me.
Sophie Spiers (12:39):
I mean, it's not cheap. But like, I don't know, I
just kind of decided it wassomething I was never going to
forego. So I'd rather eat beansthan like miss my therapy. Do
you pay out of pocket? Or do youuse insurance? I pay out of
pocket, which is when I firststarted with this particular
practice, they took my parent'sinsurance and I was only 25 I
(13:01):
guess. So. So on theirinsurance. And then the minute I
got my own, it was like, Oh, theonly insurance we take is what
your parents had. And we don'ttake any other. Like, great,
right? So then I had to go outof pocket. And she did like a
sliding scale for me, which isnice. And it's it's so a lot but
it's you know, again, it's likean investment that I'd rather
(13:22):
make than other things.
Michele Baci (13:23):
It's worth it for you. Plus, you've already like
invested in in her in the fire,right?
Sophie Spiers (13:28):
I cannot imagine starting fresh with someone new
and telling them all my shitlike that, to me. Sounds
exhausting.
Michele Baci (13:35):
Yeah, that's the hard part of finding a new
therapist. Like I was talking tosomeone a few months ago, and
she was definitely an olderlady. But she kept forgetting
what I had told her in othersessions. And I was like, if you
can't remember anything, likecome on. Where where's this
gonna go? How am I gonna gethealed? If you can't remember
what I did? How are you going toheal me? Fix me? How am I gonna
(14:00):
become normal? Yeah. Isn't thatthe goal? Yeah. What? What was
your big fix for the panicattacks? Like how did you
approach that? I think
Sophie Spiers (14:14):
I think a couple things like obviously, medic,
I'm a big proponent formedication if you need it like
that, coupled with talk therapy,or cognitive behavioral therapy
or any of that, I think isgreat. Obviously, everyone's
different, but that felt for me,like, I was talking about a
friend with this the other day,it was like when I started
taking medication, I was like,Oh, is this how normal people
(14:36):
feel? like is this how they gothrough a day feeling because
this feels like I'm on cloudnine. And that definitely took
some of the weight off of myanxiety and like OCD and things
and then just through the talktherapy kind of talking about
Okay, when you get in these likesituations and you feel
(14:58):
something coming on how Can youin your own brain and like body?
How can you and your body try tolike Calm down, calm yourself
down? And I like my therapist,cuz she does a lot of like,
okay, but how does that make youfeel in your body? And so it
makes you like come outside ofyour brain for a minute and be
like, okay, when I make thisstatement, I feel this in my
chest, or I feel this in mystomach. So I think that's
(15:20):
helpful because it likerefocuses you. And I also before
I felt like my default was tojust put in no thought to like
what was happening, and to juststart, like, crying and
complaining and calling my mom,like all hours of the day. So
now I tried to take a minutebefore I do that, and I don't
have to do it as much anymore. Imean, hardly at all anymore.
(15:42):
That's good.
Michele Baci (15:43):
I know. Like, I think I've definitely had a few
panic attacks, like in my life.
Yeah. And I feel like I wouldalways like, shut myself in an
actual room or behind the doorand just deal with it behind a
door. But like, I didn't, Ididn't, I felt like, you know,
overwhelmed in that moment,like, my brain was like, outside
my body. And I was like, What doI do? So it's good to know,
like, doing that body scan andbeing like, how do I actually
(16:05):
feel? And why like really takingit, taking that step outside of
yourself to be like, what'sgoing on?
Sophie Spiers (16:11):
Right? And even when you're feeling good things
to like we talked about, youknow, if I tell her something
good, that's happening. She'llsay, okay, and where do you feel
that good feeling? And it'slike, Oh, you're right. Not
everything has to come from mybrain. It can be in my body,
too. And that's a good reminderto my brain. Is my brain just
(16:32):
like fuck with me all day long.
So it's like, no, there areother things at play here
besides you, you dumb bitch.
Michele Baci (16:37):
Yeah, your body's actually way more than your
brain. Right? Left to remember.
Yeah. What's like a really?
What's a really like? Greatthing about Katie like that? She
does that you appreciate?
Sophie Spiers (16:54):
Oh, my gosh, um, that's a good question. I think
I think I really like the wayshe reminds me that my, like, I
am at the center of all of this.
So like, whenever I'm saying,Oh, I didn't know what to do
about this. And I asked thesepeople for their advice. That's
(17:15):
all fine and good. That'ssomething I'm working on is like
going into looking into myselffirst before asking people for
advice. And she always remindsme, she's like, okay, so and so
said this, so and so said that,but it sounds like you didn't,
you weren't satisfied with whatthey said. So like, why did you
feel the need to ask them?
(17:36):
Because it sounds like youalready know what you wanted to
do. And so I really like how shealways brings it back to me,
which is like, maybe me, youknow, but that is the point of
therapy. Like, I tell people,like I was telling my mom the
other day, because she wastelling me, you know, if you go
to therapy, is it? Is it? Dothey give you Oh, did they say
oh, this person should be doingthis, that or this person should
be doing this? And I said, No,they don't like to correct the
(17:58):
people in your life. They tellyou how to better deal with
them. And your
Michele Baci (18:03):
mom is like fishing for for gossip.
Sophie Spiers (18:06):
Exactly. Right?
And I'm like, no, we're notsitting there saying you're
doing things wrong. I'm saying,you know, this is what I feel
and Katie's reminding me tofocus on how I feel and like,
Yeah, what I know. And my gutreactions and all of that. And
so she constantly brings it backto that which is helpful,
because otherwise I'll getbogged down in like, what should
I do? What should I have doneall that stuff?
Michele Baci (18:30):
Right? I feel like people who might not people who
haven't really done a lot oftherapy or not at all, like they
don't realize how onprescriptive It is like, yeah,
the therapist is not there totell you what to do at all,
they're supposed to dig it outof you. So you come to the
realization,
Sophie Spiers (18:45):
right? Which is so brilliant, because, you know,
I'll leave a lot of sessions andI'll be like, Oh, well, Katie
told me I should do this. Justbecause that's easier than
explaining to someone. Katietold me to look within myself.
And then I somehow decided Ineeded to do this. Because
really what it Yeah, it's she'sasking the right questions and
(19:06):
making me think in a way that Ihave, you know, I've gotten
better, but I still have troublethinking on that way, thinking
that way on my own, like I need.
I think I need someone who Iconsider to be an expert to
like, pull the questions out ofme.
Michele Baci (19:21):
Yeah, and have that unbiased person to talk to
just because like, you don'treally get that anywhere else.
Sophie Spiers (19:26):
Right? at all, especially because like she
knows, I know, she knows. Heknows my family. And I come from
a very loud, opinionated family.
And because I'm someone who'sconstantly asking for advice, I
get a lot of advice. And then Itake that advice, and I'm like,
I'm mad at everyone. Why wouldthey tell me all of this? And
it's like, well, Sophie, you youwent into the lion's den asking
for advice, and you came outwith advice. And you know, if
(19:49):
you didn't want it, youshouldn't have asked. So
Michele Baci (19:53):
yeah, if we circle back to the beginning. Hey,
Sophie. Yeah, exactly. Hestarted it right.
Sophie Spiers (20:00):
Basically therapy is her reminding me that I
caused a lot of my own problemsand then helping me fix.
Michele Baci (20:06):
Yeah, which is great. Because like otherwise
you'd be such as zigzag all overthe place like riding around
with no head, on your brain onyour shoulders. Exactly. Which
is Sam? Does your life in LAhelp you like process mental
health and feel more mentallysounds like doing acting,
(20:29):
writing comedy?
Sophie Spiers (20:31):
Yeah, um, I would say, I think life in LA in
general, like the lifestylehelps me process mental health
because I think my mental healthgets trickiest when I don't have
enough stimulation and enoughstuff that I'm doing and
involved in. And so, you know,no shade to home and where I
(20:52):
grew up, and I love love myhome, my family. But going back
to the suburbs, I know that one,two weeks fine. But a few weeks
after that, I might start tofeel like more anxious and more
in my own head. And my lifestylein LA is just a lot busier. And
it's a lot more interactive. Andit doesn't allow for time for me
to like spend in my own head.
Yeah,
Michele Baci (21:15):
yeah, that idle time.
Sophie Spiers (21:16):
Exactly. So that's a good thing. And then
also, the comedy is great formental health. Because I mean, I
guess good and bad, but it'slike, you know, you could get on
stage and totally bomb, but Idon't actually find that that
affects my mental health.
Because you know that I mean,sometimes you're like, Oh, I did
shitty. I wish I had done well.
But you also know, every timeyou do shitty, there's another
(21:37):
time that you're going to bedoing well. So like,
Michele Baci (21:40):
yeah, just like hopefully, that you've learned
that the shitty does does notstay. Like roughly that's
happens. But like, everythinghappens. So totally loads
momentary.
Sophie Spiers (21:50):
Yeah. And there's always someone who's been
shittier than you. So like, Oh,definitely remember that? Yeah.
Michele Baci (21:56):
There's a surplus of comics who have no business
doing it?
Sophie Spiers (22:00):
Totally. I mean, that's what I remind myself
about everything. Because I'mlike, yeah, so many people out
here trying to be the best. Andyou have to remind yourself what
a large percentage are not eventhe anything. That's so mean.
But like,
Michele Baci (22:16):
even I'd like I've seen a couple professional
comedy shows recently. And likethe the less famous people who
are on stage with the famouspeople. I'm like, Who are these
guys? They're like, jokesters.
They have no net, they gotnothing for them. And they're
still like, opening for the bignames. Yeah, I know, honestly,
keep putting yourself out thereand it will work out.
Sophie Spiers (22:37):
That's my attitude, too. And also, like,
I, I never act like I mean,there may be times where I get
anxious. And I think, Oh, I see.
So and So doing this, should Ibe doing that? Like, that's a
huge thing I struggle with, butI also, in my heart of hearts
never think, oh, all thesepeople are better than me. I
mean, we're talking about anego. Like, I think every comic
has to have some kind of ego,like, do what we do. And so
(23:00):
that's the whole magic of it.
Exactly. That's right. And I'mlike, I'm not going to look
around and be like, Oh, I'mbowing down to all these people
doing these things. It's like,No, you just have to do what
you're doing. And that can behard to remember. But
Michele Baci (23:15):
yeah, I think I and my better days, I have that
feeling to where I'm like, Oh,no, I'm the best one here. Like
none of these people deserve tobe here too. Yeah. Which is, you
know, when you say it out loud,it's terrible. But it's also
what you need to survive inHollywood.
Sophie Spiers (23:29):
Totally. Even if you don't actually believe it.
You have to just say it untilyou do believe it. Because
that's stealthier
Michele Baci (23:35):
by overanalyzing, the people around me I can find
their flaws.
Sophie Spiers (23:39):
Exactly, exactly.
And I don't think, you know,finding people's flaws. I think
we can all support people whilestill knowing their flaws and
making ourselves feel better. So
Michele Baci (23:50):
yeah, honestly, I just admired the work ethic.
Like they showed up, they,they're practicing, they're
doing mics, they're doing shows,like good for that I could, I
could be doing the same.
Sophie Spiers (24:01):
Right? That's it.
I mean, that's a huge thing. Ithere are people that I see that
are doing a lot. And that's whenI get equal parts stressed
about, like, failing andeverything and motivated to do
more. So yeah, you know, I thinkif I didn't have that motivate,
like if I didn't have thattrigger, I might not be as
motivated.
Michele Baci (24:22):
What do you do?
Like, what's your daily routine?
Do you do comedy writing daily?
Or like, do you still have a dayjob?
Sophie Spiers (24:30):
I still have a day job. I'm a freelance writer
right now. Oh, nice, which hasbeen great. I mean, I was
working for drunk history, prepandemic, and that was amazing.
And then you know, we gotcancelled and so I was really
like, what can I do during theday in this totally like,
digital remote worlds that willstill pay the bills and that
(24:52):
because comedy wasn't an option.
And so I call me also isn't anoption for paying the bills
right now.
Michele Baci (24:59):
But I Explaining the podcast today, I was like,
it's kind of like what comedyused to be like, I don't know,
like comedy is like stillfinding its way back into my
life.
Sophie Spiers (25:08):
Right, right same and I started doing the
freelance writing. And that'sbeen great, because then in the
afternoons or evenings, I can doopen mics, shows, and whatever.
I mean, I'm not doing one everynight, but I do try to, like, I
don't put too much pressure onmyself to write new stuff every
day. Because, I mean, a lot ofwriters, like you know, I think
(25:30):
it just, you've either feel itor you don't. So if I really
don't feel like it, nothing Iproduce is going to be great. So
I might as well wait for a daywhen I do feel like it and
write, you know, 10 new jokesand work on those, then, like,
force myself to do somethingevery day. But yeah, I do also
get a lot of thoughts at night,and I'll write them down on my
notes on my phone, and I'll wakeup and there'll be like murder
(25:51):
or murder. Like they don't makesense. Or sometimes they do, and
they're great. So
Michele Baci (25:57):
yeah, that the Notes app is definitely it's a
safe haven for all my crazyideas.
Sophie Spiers (26:02):
Yeah, same. I mean, I look at that app,
sometimes just for fun, becauseI've written like, mom who loves
zebras, and you're like, what
Michele Baci (26:10):
does that mean?
Like, maybe that's a part of me.
Right? Exactly. coming out inthe night. Yeah. That's funny.
The Notes app, I think justgives me full anxiety now
because it's like, way, there'sway too many notes. Like it's
it's way far god what it shouldbe.
Sophie Spiers (26:25):
Yeah. Until, I mean, I've just, I started as
like a place to have my actualform jokes. And now it's just a
scribble pad and I am let youknow, which is no surprise, I'm
not really an organized person.
So it just looks like me.
Michele Baci (26:40):
Yeah. Tell me about your YouTube channel.
Because I I've seen like some ofyour content that you've been
putting out in the past year.
How do you how do you shootcontent? Do you have like a
regular schedule? Or is it justlike, whatever you feel like it,
Sophie Spiers (26:53):
that's also just kind of whenever I feel like it,
I get like, talking about what Ifeel in my body, I get like a
feeling. And I'm like, Oh, thisis funny. I feel like I want to
explore this, do something withthis. And I'll just go and shoot
it and like, edit it together.
And, you know, put it out there.
And I didn't ever do that untilpandemic hit. And I had free
(27:15):
time. And I had never consideredmyself like someone who puts
stuff up on Instagram. But Istarted because I was like, why
not? And I love it. I mean, I'veseen a lot of people really take
off in the last year with videosand stuff. And it's so
inspiring, because I'm like, younever know what is going to be
the thing that people love. But,you know, I make myself laugh.
So like that's, I think that'swhat matters.
Michele Baci (27:38):
Yeah, and it's a lot of like short videos, too,
which is what people are reallydigesting like the most
Sophie Spiers (27:44):
right? I started out with some I was like, Oh, I
can't cut this. I can't cut thisand I'd have these like minute
and a half videos. And I go backnow and I'm like, oh, no one
wants to watch a video thatlong. That's like, it's like a
sermon. So I had a half fullminute and a half. So I I
started like really cuttingmyself down to a minute at the
most. Also so that you can whenyou post on Instagram, you can
(28:07):
like see how many views you'regetting and all of that. I just
feel like it's more helpful withthat way. And I love Instagram
like I haven't really I poststuff on Tick tock, but I'm not
really a big Tick Tock owl. SoI'm still chugging away on the
Insta, and then I put stuff onYouTube to tick tock is still
the sketchy. Yes, so yeah,
Michele Baci (28:26):
stay away. Yeah, I
Sophie Spiers (28:27):
can say I just always get on there. And I'm
like, I don't feel like this isfor me. I'm not I sometimes I
enjoy it, but it's just not mything.
Michele Baci (28:36):
I feel like it's a fad and I just don't have time
for it. Like maybe someday,right?
Sophie Spiers (28:41):
I know. Well, I had a friend who worked for I
have a friend who worked for tiktok, and she was, you know, a
couple years ago, she was likeSophie, you have to get on tik
tok. It's gonna blow up. And I'mlike, the last thing I need is
another dumb app that doesn't goanywhere. No, lo and behold,
Michele Baci (28:56):
I mean, here we are number one app in America.
Exactly. But also stealing yourinformation. So right?
Sophie Spiers (29:03):
Yeah, who knows?
Who knows how they're gonna gethis videos with me and wigs and
like, talking about boobs? Sogood luck to them.
Michele Baci (29:13):
Yeah, it's probably not the most helpful to
like steal your identity, butit's still Tick Tock. Do you
have a favorite character thatyou do or that you've done
before?
Sophie Spiers (29:23):
Um, oh, that's I so I started doing this one
celebrity in LA duringquarantine. And it was just, it
was just like a parody of what acelebrity might be focused on
during a pandemic. And I did onevideo a few weeks ago that I
really liked. So that was like,I felt it Yes, I was using the
(29:44):
title of celebrity but I justfeel like this is a lot of
people's attitudes, which waslike, do you know when like the
pan when something affectseveryone a lot, but it doesn't
affect you at all. Like that wasthis pandemic for me and just
making all these statementsabout like The effect of the
pandemic but really, it didn'taffect you at all. That makes me
(30:06):
laugh. And then, I mean, I'm, Idon't want to broadcast this
because I feel now like,embarrassed by it. But before we
knew what was happening withBritney Spears, I was doing an
impression of her. Yeah, itwasn't one of your early Yeah,
one of my early things justbecause I was doing a podcast
with a friend and all of asudden I had this impression
(30:26):
come out, and it was like, Hey,guys, I'm gonna show you a
little bit of my quarantineroutine. And it was like, an
actual Britney accent. And so Istarted working on it and I
those videos got a lot of views.
But then things started to get alittle dicey er with her and I
was like, Oh, I want to be asupporter and not like making
fun of her. So I mean, not thatI was making fun of her, but I
could see people seeing it thatway.
Michele Baci (30:47):
We didn't we didn't have all the information
yet the documentary. Exactly.
But you do like you listen toBrittany's social media stuff
her court here and she doessound like a character. So
Sophie Spiers (30:58):
she does, right.
And it was mostly the voice thatI thought was funny, you know,
whatever. She wants to do morepower to her like she can twirl
around and dance and put onoutfits Good for her. But you
know, if a comic can do a voice,then a comics gonna do a voice.
Like, yeah,
Michele Baci (31:15):
I was. I won't hold it against you. I still
have to watch that documentary.
I've been like working up to itand like, Am I immensely good
place? No.
Sophie Spiers (31:25):
Well, no, I know.
I, I had trouble with thedocumentary because I felt like
I've seen this trend and a lotof documentaries, which is where
they use, like online experts,which are really like online
sleuths, which are really justpeople who love the internet.
They're using them as likeactual sources of information.
And I'm like, it just seemsirresponsible from like a
(31:49):
journalism point of view. Theyactually make a documentary
about Britney and someone whodoesn't know Brittany and just
knows her internet presencecould talk like an expert on
like,
Michele Baci (31:59):
I don't know, like it's not a journalist. It's just
someone with a Twitter account.
Sophie Spiers (32:03):
Yeah, like that.
That documentary? Oh, God, itwas either Cecil Cecil Hotel or
don't fuck with cats. Andsomeone was literally either. Oh
my god, I recommend it becausethey're both ridiculous and
entertaining. But they someoneis literally listed and credited
as a. What was it internetsleuth? And I was like, that is
(32:26):
just someone who discoveredYouTube early on and then went
ham with it. Like that's not anactual job.
Michele Baci (32:35):
Can that just be anybody with like, why?
Sophie Spiers (32:37):
I'm an internet sleuth? Like, you've got a
question about JLo and BenAffleck like I'm there. I've got
the answers. Yeah, all internetslopes.
Michele Baci (32:45):
You want to check someone's criminal record? I got
it right here. It's not thathard. Oh, that's crazy. I'll
yeah, I'll watch it soon. Well,we'll talk about it in real life
soon. Oh, definitely. Um, do youhave any advice for back to
therapy? Like someone who wantsto seek out therapy? Or maybe
they know they need meds? Andlike, how do they start that
(33:05):
process when it's so like,intimidating,
Sophie Spiers (33:08):
honestly, come to me, I love finding people.
That's a good. I mean, I think Ithink either you reach a point
where you just want someone tohelp you or you reach a point
where you feel willing to takethe risk. And I think it's just
finding, like, it can feeldaunting to look online and see
all these options and not knowwho's going to work for you. And
(33:29):
that's just part of the process.
Like, it's like dating kind of,you know, you don't know if
someone's going to be a goodfit, but you should try it
because otherwise you're notgoing to have the opportunity.
So I use Psychology Today,actually, which is how I found
my psychiatrists and therapists.
And I, you can filter it by likewho you know, if you want male
(33:50):
or female, what issues you wantto deal with. And then I really
just like would go to theirwebsites and look at their
descriptions and see what spoketo me. I feel like you get a
vibe off of those.
Michele Baci (33:59):
And I also do do like, message a few of them are
just the first one worked out.
Sophie Spiers (34:05):
I messaged a couple one woman didn't pick up
her phone ever. So I was like,This is not a good sign. And
then I messaged this company andthey got back to me really or
this practice and they got backto me quickly. And were so
professional and I felt like Iwas in good hands. So that's why
I kept going. I also thinkpeople get afraid of like, the
(34:26):
logistics people get overwhelmedby logistics of having to call
someone having to admit towanting therapy. It seems like a
big deal. I don't have an answerto that other than like, get
over it because it'll be reallyhelpful. And on the other side,
you won't care that you had tomake a call and like schedule an
appointment. You'll be glad thatyou did. Yeah, just start. Just
(34:47):
start Exactly.
Michele Baci (34:50):
And especially like the appointment thing, like
can I set an appointment and tomy week it's like, try it.
Sophie Spiers (34:56):
Right if you can fit seven panic attacks into
your week, then you can Settingappointment like,
Michele Baci (35:01):
yeah, you'll probably get more done with that
one appointment.
Sophie Spiers (35:04):
Exactly right.
You might limit it to three aweek, and then you'll really be
cooking.
Michele Baci (35:08):
Yeah. It's like how many depression cries Can I
have in a week? I think of thatmy limits,
Sophie Spiers (35:13):
right? And then, yeah, I was like, I'm tired of
doing this all the time. If Icould just have an appointment a
week, and I didn't know if itwould work. I mean, I was
skeptical. I sound like acontestant on The Bachelor.
Like, I didn't know I wasskeptical going into this. But I
could just feel it like I gotthere. And I wanted to tell
someone what was on my mind. AndI didn't want to tell a friend
(35:35):
or family I wanted to tell astranger who'd be able to look
at me and be like, I'm sorry,you're feeling this way. Let's
try to deal with it.
Michele Baci (35:43):
Yeah, like your friend or family, you know them
too well. So whenever, whatevertheir responses as good
intentions as they may have,it's like, you're never going to
perceive it the way you wouldfrom a therapist who's like,
this person doesn't know you,like they're not trying to
placate you or lying to you orthey're not trying to make
themselves feel better. It'slike, this is someone. We're
doing their job, right. Totallydifferent.
Sophie Spiers (36:04):
Like there's nothing worse than crying, and
like needing someone to help youand then they start crying too.
And you're like, Okay, this isjust a huge mess. Yeah, you
stole my moment. Right, exactly.
stealing my thunder. So, youknow, and also, I think with a
stranger, you're better behavedlike, you can't blame them.
Michele Baci (36:24):
Yeah, really? Just focus. You want to get that that
hour's worth.
Sophie Spiers (36:28):
Yeah, exactly. I mean, I am the type of person
who finishes a meal because shepaid for it. Even if she's not
hungry. So like, I get thathour's worth.
Michele Baci (36:37):
Oh, yeah. I just ate a mediocre pumpkin pie. I
brought it home. August pumpkinpie my stomach. Yeah, it was. It
was from a bakery. I don't knowhow they made it. That sounds
delicious. I love pumpkin pie.
It wasn't bad as a leftover pie.
That's good. Yeah, it turned outokay.
Sophie Spiers (36:57):
I ate some old soup yesterday because I got
back from vacation and hadn'tgone to the grocery store. And I
found it in my cabinet. And Iate stale crackers with it. And
I was like, the limits that Iwill go to to not have to walk
across the street to TraderJoe's are astounding.
Michele Baci (37:12):
you're that close to Trader Joe's and literally
like, I can see it from myhouse. You know, that's funny. I
made it. Because you're gettingback from the east coast. You're
like, I don't need to makeanother journey to the store.
Exactly. limit that. Totally.
Okay, well, I think we can moveon to the roulette wheel.
Unknown (37:34):
Okay.
Michele Baci (37:37):
Here it is.
Normally, I just give it a spin.
And then you could tell me yourresponse to something I have
been wanting to ask every guest.
Is there anything you want tovent about? Is that anything
really piss you off? Or you wantto like ramble for a minute in
your life? Anything that comesto mind?
Sophie Spiers (37:56):
Yes, it's happening to me, right? I mean,
where do I even start, but onething I've bent about, it's very
personal to me. And it's howmuch I sweat, which like, I and
I talk about it all day long. Iam always hot. And I literally,
I just had the guy who works inmy building the maintenance man
come and look at my airconditioner for the second time
(38:16):
because I'm like, I swear it'snot working. It's always hot in
this room. And he's like, Imeasured it with it. thermometer
is the same temperature as therest of the room and I'm like,
Oh my god, I am just like amenopausal woman and I don't
know what to do about it. It'salarming. And I hear like my
roommate and I, I think 50% ofour conversation throughout the
day is sweating. I'm sweating.
I'm so sweaty. Right? I'mboiling. But the roommates also
(38:39):
sweating. He's also sweating. Sowe're both just like too sweaty
people complaining about beingsweaty. But I really feel like
I'm sweaty or
Michele Baci (38:49):
Yeah, I guess you guys need like a lot of fans
maybe a pool?
Sophie Spiers (38:54):
Yeah, I think that's what it comes down to is
like I need a house on a cliffwith a pool. And people like
bathing me and ice chips andthen maybe I'll be okay.
Michele Baci (39:04):
I need a kitchen stocked to Trader Joe's so I
don't have to go.
Sophie Spiers (39:07):
Yeah, yeah, right. Maybe if I didn't have to
shop I wouldn't be such a sweatymess. That's funny. Thank you
for Red Sea and sharing. Thankyou for making it a safe space.
Michele Baci (39:16):
Of course I try.
So let's give you a spin. If youcould choose a superpower, what
would you choose? And why?
Sophie Spiers (39:28):
Oh my god. Um, I would Okay, so I would actually
choose the ability to fly.
Because I have these dreams. Mydad and I both have them. Really
once in our family that we'reconnected to them. I dream that
I'm flying and I can feel it sovividly. I feel it in my stomach
and I just like take off with myarms and I'm flapping and I'm
(39:49):
flying above the clouds. Andit's just like whenever I need
to get out of any situation or Iwant to have fun. I'm just
flying and I'm like how greatwould that be? If I could just
like If I were in a bar and someguy was boring me talking about
his love of stocks, I would justbe like tah tah and flutter my
way. Fly away
Michele Baci (40:09):
as a as a person, though not as a bird, right as a
person. No, I don't want to be abird. They smell weird, but I
would like to fly. Yeah, I wouldjust like to keep my human sweat
and right. Right, just. I alsolike pretty good one.
Sophie Spiers (40:24):
I don't want the power to be able to poop on
people. Because that's a bigpower. And I think I would abuse
it.
Michele Baci (40:31):
Yeah, it might be hard to control once you get it.
Oh, yeah. If you could, I would.
Yeah. Like, how many enemies doI have? I
Sophie Spiers (40:39):
can make some I can make a lot. Yeah. But then
people think that it's goodluck. So you have to be careful
because I don't want the wrongpeople thinking I'm wishing them
luck.
Michele Baci (40:47):
Okay, fair enough.
Yeah. Got to target themcarefully. Exactly. I think we
have time for another. Okay,awesome. Oh, what have you been
obsessed with? Oh, ever orlately? Whatever comes to mind.
Sophie Spiers (41:06):
Like cuz I'm like, Oh, I was obsessed with
one guy senior year of highschool. But okay, lately? Does
he deserve the attention? No, hedoesn't. And that's why I'm not
going to discuss whatever theybeen obsessed with. Oh my god, I
think I'm obsessed with so okay.
This isn't a new thing for me.
(41:27):
But as of late, anytime that Iwant to treat myself to
anything. I haven't gone to TJMaxx or Marshall's
Michele Baci (41:35):
as a good one.
Sophie Spiers (41:36):
Yeah. And I have always been obsessed because
like my mother raised us to lovegoing to Marshalls and TJ Maxx
and like I to get to the onesnear me It's by the it's a by
the grove. It's like kind of ait's so close. But it's like an
annoying parking lot andwhatever. But if I'm in a mood
or I want to celebrate somethingI just don't like I'm going to
TJ Maxx like a middle aged likeMother of 12. And I went oh
(42:02):
sweet,
Michele Baci (42:02):
like a little worried about you with the
Metapod and the teaching. No.
Sophie Spiers (42:06):
I'm like, way too settled in my midlife crisis for
28 years old. But I love teadays. And I was there Sunday and
I spent a ton of money and I waslike, You know what, I don't
even feel bad because I neededthese loofahs and like this fur
coat even though it's August.
Michele Baci (42:25):
Yeah, at your bargain hunting. I mean, no one
else is gonna buy that fur coat.
Sophie Spiers (42:30):
Right? And like 50 makeup products that are only
399 each feels a lot better thanbuying like 350 dollar makeup
products. So
Michele Baci (42:39):
you're not supporting the big brands.
You're not supporting KylieJenner. It's TJ Maxx.
Sophie Spiers (42:44):
Exactly. It's something cheaper. It's keeping
me humble.
Michele Baci (42:49):
I like that obsession. Yeah. It keeps you
grounded ties you to your roots.
Sophie Spiers (42:53):
Exactly. I could be a millionaire and I guarantee
I would still do all my shoppingat those two places. And it's
funny because like, I have asister. I have two sisters. But
my youngest sister is afashionista obsessed with big
brands and like true art, youknow, style and whatever. And
she will know if Santa Clausbrings her a gift. That is it.
(43:14):
That's from one of those places,even though if it has no tag, no
other identifier. She's like Inoticed with TJ Maxx I don't
want it for like, my parentsknow that they can give me all
gifts from TJ Maxx and I'll beover the moon about it.
Michele Baci (43:27):
That's funny. The differences in siblings,
Sophie Spiers (43:30):
right? It's also like an oldest versus youngest
situation, I think.
Michele Baci (43:34):
Probably she gets more She's the youngest.
Sophie Spiers (43:36):
Exactly. And I am fine with the cheap things from
TJ is that you know, keep mehumble.
Michele Baci (43:44):
Are you are you the oldest sibling?
Sophie Spiers (43:46):
Yeah, I am. And then I have two sister three
years younger and then a sistersix years younger.
Michele Baci (43:52):
Okay. I I'm also the oldest with two sisters and
a brother. Oh, I didn't knowthat. I think I'm the scrappiest
of us all. But who knows? Yeah,I'm scrappy. I like that. Yeah,
you got to be the first one inthe bunch. You got to survive.
Sophie Spiers (44:05):
Totally. I always joke with my mom. I'm like, oh,
have already raised two kids.
Like
Michele Baci (44:10):
I feel like I raised three.
Sophie Spiers (44:13):
Even though I give my parents full credit. I
do feel like we had a hand. Idon't know about you. But I did.
Michele Baci (44:19):
I was a third parent for Yeah, yeah. Well,
Sophie, this has been so nice.
Please tell us where to find youonline. Anything you'd like to
promote?
Sophie Spiers (44:28):
I would like to promote myself. Please do thank
you. Check out my Instagram. Nowit is at Sophie spiers comedy.
Spiers is S-P-I ers I knowthat's like, I feel like the
story of my life is peopleconfused about my name. So as
Michele said, if you go to mybio, you'll see that it's
(44:49):
spiers, bitch.
Michele Baci (44:50):
Yeah. It's like you got to throw in the word pie
somehow. Like it's the word piein there. Yeah. Oh, true. Yeah,
spot s s py Yeah, Rs Rs. It'snot the easiest, but I would
remember it. Will you like pI?
So I know my audience. Yeah,there you go. Well, thanks,
Sophie, I'll talk to you soon.
Sophie Spiers (45:11):
Thank you so much for having me.
Michele Baci (45:13):
Of course.
Hey, I want to thank youpersonally for listening to the
podcast. This has been TherapyRoulette, where I give you
consent to vent. I would love tokeep making episodes and putting
out this podcast into the world.
And in order to do that, peoplehave to find out about it and
they have to listen. So pleaseleave a review. If you have 10
seconds to spare, reviews go along way. Any app, any place on
(45:34):
the internet, please leave agood review. Please tell your
friends about the podcast. Youcould explain it, say it's about
an honest mental healthconversation. It's a little bit
funny. It's a little bitdeprecating, or don't explain
it at all. And just send them aairdrop link and boom, they h
ve it in their phone. Thank yu so much for listening. I w
(45:57):
ll be back with a new episode. Nt next Thursday but the f
llowing Thursday.
Theme Song (46:06):
Therapy Roulette Consent to Vent / Trauma
disguised as comedy / TherapyRoulette: Consent to Vent / If
you dont have problems, thenyoure likely repressing sh*t
and you should find a therapist/ (Whos not me)
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