Ep007: Mara Shapshay - Award-winning Writer, Mental Health Awareness Activist, Baker and ComedianEp007: Mara Shapshay - Award-winning Writer, Mental Health Awareness Activist, Baker and Comedian
Unpause Your Life
"I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that. I'm still surviving it, but bring it on. Better me than you." Carrie Fisher Mara received her BFA in directing from NYU – Tisch School of the Arts. Her short documentary,...
34:17•29 Oct 2021
Mara Shapshay: Finding Laughter Amidst Life's Darkest Moments
“If you want to be mental health, you have to get licensed by the state.”
Ever wondered how humor can be a lifeline in the darkest times? Meet Mara Shapshay, an award-winning writer, mental health advocate, baker, and comedian who has faced immense challenges head-on. From her early days at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts to writing for top sitcoms like FRIENDS and South Park, Mara's journey is anything but ordinary. But it was her struggle with mental illness that truly shaped her path.
After hitting rock bottom in 2005, losing her job, and going through a divorce, Mara found herself homeless. In a twist of fate, Carrie Fisher took her in, and during this period, Mara began to rebuild her life. She wrote a novel, started contributing to major publications, and found solace in stand-up comedy. In this episode of 'Unpause Your Life', Mara opens up about using comedy as a coping mechanism and the importance of breaking the stigma around mental illness.
Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of laughter in healing. Tune in to hear about her upcoming projects and how she continues to inspire others through her work.
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