Mental Notes with Matt™

Season two opens with a reunion nearly 20 years in the making. A photo appeared on Matt's phone — two young actors at the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, clearly happy, clearly free, clearly drinking. He sent it to his old friend Michael Borrelli. Michael's response changed everything: I'm sober now. Nearly 20 years.In this episode, Matt — six months alcohol-free himself — sits down with actor, director, and filmmaker Michael Borrelli to talk about what sobriety actually looks like from the inside. Michael shares his full story: the summer that became his bottom, the New Year's Eve that became his last drunk, the unexpected relapse through prescription medication and Kratom, the three weeks in detox that cracked him open, and the sponsor he lost who left him feeling rudderless in ways he's still reckoning with. Together, these two Pisces brothers — birthdays one day apart — explore what it means to get sober not perfectly, but honestly.Key TakeawaysThe difference between physical addiction and the obsession of the mind — and why the absence of one doesn't mean the absence of the otherWhat Michael calls being a "well-intended drunk": planning on moderation, ending in blackoutHow grief — four profound losses in three years — can disguise itself as an attention problemWhy sobriety only guarantees sobriety, not the career or the life you imaginedThe radical idea that getting sober was the most reckless, dangerous thing Michael could do as an artistHow the pandemic's silence gave Michael the clarity to found West 52nd Street Films and eventually direct The Last Days of Byron BrayWhat it looked and felt like to reset a sobriety date — and why doing so was the best decision he ever madeProgress, not perfection — and why "star student of AA" was never the pointGo where it's warm: finding your people over finding the right doctrineSobriety in the first year means permission to say no to things you used to need alcohol to get throughThe justification loop is universal — and recognizing it is half the workKeeping it in the day is both the simplest and the hardest instructionNobody ever woke up wishing they'd had that drink the night beforeConnect With Michael BorrelliInstagram: @west52ndstreetfilmsWest 52nd Street Films: westsecondstreetfilms.comThe Last Days of Byron Bray — now on the festival circuitConnect with MattWebsite: mentalnoteswithmatt.comInstagram: @mentalnoteswithmatt

In this deeply reflective conversation, Matt sits down with author and ikigai researcher Nicholas Kemp to explore the true meaning of the Japanese concept of ikigai — a word often misunderstood, oversimplified, and misapplied in Western culture.Rather than a Venn diagram, a career formula, or a secret to longevity, Nicholas explains that ikigai is an emotional experience — the feeling that life is worth living. It’s found in small moments, meaningful connections, personal agency, and the quiet sense of being alive “here and now.”Together, Matt and Nicholas unpack why ikigai is misunderstood, how to reconnect with intrinsic motivation, and why purpose doesn’t need to be chased — only felt. This episode is a grounding reminder that a “life worth living” is built moment by moment, not achieved all at once.Key TakeawaysWhat ikigai truly means in Japanese cultureWhy Western interpretations — including the Venn diagram — miss the pointIkigai as a feeling, not a life goalHow intrinsic motivation shapes our sense of purposeThe role of connection, agency, and belongingMisconceptions linking ikigai to longevity and OkinawaThe importance of embracing ambiguity and cultural nuanceHow to cultivate everyday meaning in your own lifeIkigai lives in everyday life, not a grand destinyIt’s about felt experience, not achievement or productivityMeaning grows through connection, curiosity, and agencyLetting go of pressure opens space for genuine fulfillmentA “life worth living” is personal, emotional, and always evolvingConnect With Nicholas KempWebsite: https://ikigaitribe.comBook: Ikigai-Kan: Feel a Life Worth LivingInstagram: @ikigaitribeConnect with MattWebsite: mentalnoteswithmatt.comInstagram: @mentalnoteswithmattLinkedIn Newsletter: Morning Mental Notes

In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with Stewart Pearce, world-renowned voice coach and master sound healer. Stewart has worked with some of the world’s most recognized performers, leaders, and visionaries, including Princess Diana, to help them unlock the deeper resonance of their voice.I first met Stewart over twenty years ago while studying at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London as part of my acting conservatory program. He was my voice teacher then, and even in that short window of time, his presence and wisdom left a lasting mark. This conversation felt like a return, a chance to revisit the part of me that first learned to breathe, speak, and show up with courage.We talk about what it means to find your signature note, that inner frequency that lives beneath fear, conditioning, and self-doubt, and how reconnecting to it can change the way we move through the world. We explore authenticity, breath, sound, trauma, and the quiet, unseen ways that voice and presence can bring us back to ourselves.It’s a conversation about resonance, healing, and the lifelong practice of learning to sound like you.💡 In This Episode, We Explore:What it means to discover your “signature note”The connection between breath, emotion, and authenticityHow fear and social conditioning mask our true voiceThe difference between doing and beingWhy stillness and presence are acts of resistance in a noisy worldThe physical and spiritual power of vibration and soundHow simple practices—like humming—can help the body heal and decompressThe importance of unlearning everything that made us doubt our voice🧭 Key TakeawayYour voice isn’t just how you speak, it’s who you are. When you stop performing and start breathing, you don’t need to be louder to be heard; you simply resonate.📚 Learn More About Stewart Pearce🌐 ⁠stewartpearce.com⁠📖 "The Alchemy of Voice" and Diana: The Voice of Change🎓 Founder of The Magnetic Voice AcademyYou can find this episode and more at ⁠mentalnoteswithmatt.com⁠ or wherever you get your podcasts.👉 If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a comment or review. It goes a long way in helping the show grow.

In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with my very first acting teacher, Ron Millkie. While many may know him as Officer Dorf from the original Friday the 13th, I know him as the person who saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself.Ron was the first person to invite me into the world of professional acting, and this conversation is a chance to not only honor that legacy but also explore what it means to live a life in the arts—with all its twists, setbacks, and unexpected moments of serendipity.We talk about ambition, rejection, mentorship, making peace with missed opportunities, and the power of showing up for yourself even when no one else does. It’s a full-circle conversation about legacy, resilience, and what it really takes to keep going when you're wired to feel everything deeply.This one means a lot to me, and I hope it speaks to something in you too.💡 In This Episode, We Explore:What drew Ron to acting and how teaching found himThe five prerequisites for success in the entertainment industryThe story behind landing his role in Friday the 13thTaking initiative and the role of serendipityHow to stay grounded through years of rejectionWhat it means to “follow your bliss”, and the risk of not tryingBuilding confidence without external validationThe ongoing tension between sensitivity and resilienceCreating and directing independent horror films in 2025The lasting impact of being truly seen by a mentor🧭 Key TakeawaySometimes the people who shape us most aren’t the ones with the biggest spotlight, but the ones who saw us early, before we fully knew who we were. This episode is about honoring those people, recognizing the quiet power of mentorship, and remembering that every step forward starts with a moment of being seen.📺 Check Out Ron’s Work🎬 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTXa-94F2JNAwkNSOAGNImA 📼 Short films, horror projects, and student collaborationsYou can find this episode and more at mentalnoteswithmatt.com or wherever you get your podcasts.👉 If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a comment or review. It goes a long way in helping this channel grow.

In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with Ezra Dewolfe, founder of ADHD Tools, a platform helping thousands of late-diagnosed adults reframe their ADHD not as a flaw to manage, but as a strength to harness.Ezra’s work stands out because it goes beyond surface-level hacks and quick fixes. His mission is to help people with ADHD, especially entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders, thrive by understanding the root causes behind their challenges and designing systems that truly work for their brains.As someone who’s been on this journey myself, this conversation hit close to home. Ezra and I talk about the emotional roller coaster of getting diagnosed later in life, the myths and misconceptions that hold people back, and how to build a life that honors neurodiversity rather than fights it.💡 In This Episode, We Explore:​The emotional highs and lows of a late ADHD diagnosis​Why “normal” is a myth — and how reframing it changes everything​The difference between symptom management and root cause work​Common learned behaviors that keep adults with ADHD stuck​Practical tools for building focus, reducing burnout, and working with your brain​How community, structure, and repetition can rewire the mind​Ezra’s one-minute focus exercise and his favorite daily tool: the humble stopwatch🧭 Key TakeawayADHD isn’t just something to manage, it’s a lens that can reveal your most creative, strategic, and empathetic self. But thriving with it means doing the deeper work: learning, unlearning, and designing systems that fit you.📚 Connect with Ezra https://www.theadhdtools.com/training- https://www.facebook.com/theadhdtools- https://www.instagram.com/theadhdtoolsYou can find this episode and more at mentalnoteswithmatt.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Show NotesWhat does it mean to lead with presence, empathy, and authenticity?In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with Michael Cinquino — actor, educator, and creator of the Communication Dynamics Lab (CDL) — to talk about how high sensitivity can be a superpower and why the skills of performance belong everywhere from the stage to the boardroom.Michael shares his journey from actor and photographer, to becoming a coach and professor helping leaders and teams communicate with clarity and humanity. Together, we explore:Why high sensitivity is often misunderstood — and how it fuels leadership and creativityThe actor’s toolkit for connecting deeply and authenticallyOvercoming shame, fear, and resistance to show up fullyWhy emotional fluency isn’t a “soft skill,” but a vital leadership strength in today’s worldThe daily courage it takes to act, communicate, and live authenticallyThis is a conversation about sensitivity, resilience, and the courage to communicate in ways that move people.Michael Cinquino is the creator of the Communication Dynamics Lab (CDL), a research-driven training studio that turns communication science into practical, repeatable skills for leaders and teams. Through fast experiments, high-rep training, and precise measurement, CDL develops confident, clear, and compelling communicators.Michael has built a career at the intersection of performance, psychology, and leadership. He began his professional journey as a United States Navy Rescue Swimmer, where he learned to stay calm and decisive under extreme pressure. After his military service, Michael earned his BA in Acting and Directing from DeSales University and trained at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts with William Esper, a protégé of Sanford Meisner. The program has produced actors such as Sebastian Stan, Tom Pelphrey, Kristin Davis, and Calista Flockhart, carrying forward the Meisner lineage of authentic, presence-driven performance.Michael then spent nearly a decade working with the founders of the CIO Strategy Exchange, an elite forum that brought together 25 Fortune 70 CIOs from organizations like Boeing, Goldman Sachs, the Department of Defense, and the CIA. Behind closed doors, he witnessed how the world’s most powerful leaders navigate communication, trust, and influence at the highest levels.Today, Michael combines these experiences as a professor at the University of New Hampshire’s Paul College of Business and Economics, where he teaches The Work-Ready Communicator. He is also founder of SoHo Creative Studio, where he helps executives, founders, and thought leaders translate their expertise into compelling video, podcasts, and keynote presence.Currently pursuing a second master’s in Applied Psychology at Northwestern University, Michael continues to deepen the bridge between communication science and the psychology of presence.He lives and works between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Brooklyn, New York.🔗 Connect with Michael:InstagramLinkedInSoHo Creative Studio

Show Notes:What do you do when life takes everything you’ve built… and breaks it? What do you hold onto when the person you loved most is suddenly gone?In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with someone I’ve known since childhood to talk about grief, resilience, and what it really looks like to keep going after devastating loss. From losing her mother while pregnant, to unexpectedly losing her husband years later, she shares the raw, unfiltered truth of what it takes to survive and rebuild.We talk about parenting through pain, what grief looks like in everyday moments, and how being strong doesn’t always mean being okay.This is an emotional one. But it’s also filled with quiet strength, hard-earned wisdom, and the reminder that there’s no “right” way to move forward. Just your way.If you’ve ever experienced loss—or love that left a mark—this one is for you.📝 Mental Note of the Week:“The storm may change you, but it doesn’t erase you. What’s left can still be whole—just a different kind of whole than before.”—🎧 Listen now on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | iHeartRadio🔗 Connect: mentalnoteswithmatt.com | @mentalnoteswithmatt

Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of suicide. Please listen with care. If you are struggling, resources are linked below.In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with Stephen Mosher—photographer, writer, sober alcoholic, and truth-teller. Stephen has captured portraits of some of Broadway’s brightest stars, but his greatest art may be the life he has built out of honesty, resilience, and creative courage.From surviving two suicide attempts as a teenager to building a life anchored in transcendental meditation, therapy, and the love of his husband, Stephen shares openly about what it means to choose life day after day. Together, we talk about authenticity, the masks we wear, the small things that keep us going, and why asking for help is never a burden.This conversation is raw, moving, and deeply human, an invitation to tell the truth out loud.In this episode: How photography became a mirror of Stephen’s hope, beauty, and joyLessons from living through depression and addictionThe role of transcendental meditation and daily self-care in his healingWhat it means to truly show up authentically, even when it feels riskyWhy sharing your story and asking for help matters more than you thinkAbout the GuestStephen Mosher is a celebrated photographer and writer whose portraits of Broadway stars and artists are recognized for their sincerity and presence. Beyond his creative work, Stephen is open about his lifelong journey with depression, sobriety, and resilience. His story is one of truth-telling, connection, and finding beauty even in the hardest seasons.You can find Stephen here:FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenMosherPhotography/ If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone and help is available:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Dial 988 for free, 24/7, confidential support.Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor.National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Call 1-800-950-6264 or visit nami.org for resources and support.If outside the U.S., please look up the local crisis hotline in your country.Thank you for tuning in to Mental Notes with Matt. If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who might need it. And remember, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Episode Summary:In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with licensed professional counselor Andrea Evgeniou to talk about the emotional masks we wear and why taking them off isn’t always as simple as it sounds.We explore how past experiences and trauma can shape the way we present ourselves to the world, often leading us to hide our authentic selves in the name of safety, acceptance, or control. Andrea shares insights from her trauma-informed practice, including the role of safety in unmasking, the connection between ADHD and masking, and why self-compassion might be the most underused tool in healing.From small, low-risk moments of authenticity to deeper values work, Andrea offers practical ways to loosen the straps of the masks we’ve been carrying for years. Whether you’ve felt the weight of performance in your personal life, at work, or even in friendships, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to rip the mask away all at once, you can start by simply letting more of yourself show.What We Cover:What “wearing a mask” really means in daily lifeHow masks can be both protective and limitingThe role of safety in showing up authenticallyWhy masking is so common for people with ADHDSmall, practical steps for living more in alignment with your valuesHow self-compassion can change the unmasking processGuest Bio:Andrea Evgeniou is a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma-informed care, somatic healing, and helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves. With over 16 years in the mental health field, Andrea uses approaches like EMDR, DBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support clients in creating meaningful, sustainable change.Connect with Andrea:Instagram: @andrea_evgeniouIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to speak honestly, even if it makes people uncomfortable.For more episodes, visit mentalnoteswithmatt.com or follow @mentalnoteswithmatt on Instagram.

SHOW NOTESIn this candid and insightful episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with meditation teacher, author, and podcast host David Gandelman to explore how we can reclaim our energy, reconnect with ourselves, and stay grounded in a chaotic world.From his early training in the Himalayas to his work with thousands of students around the world, David shares a blend of ancient wisdom, modern insight, and personal truth. We talk about the discomfort of stillness, the epidemic of distraction, and why sitting with our pain might be the most healing thing we can do.The episode ends with a short 2-minute guided meditation, led by David, to help you center yourself wherever you are.Whether you're brand new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this one’s for you.In this episode, we explore:What meditation really is, and why people give up on itWhy discomfort is essential for growthHow wealth and constant comfort can create deeper sufferingThe role of creativity and insight in mindfulnessWhat it means to “make friends with your anxiety”Reframing addiction as avoidance of painMeditation as a form of emotional maintenanceWhy true change only happens through, not around, discomfortFavorite Quotes:“Sitting still through discomfort is really the core practice.”“Our enlightenment is in our ability to accept our imperfections, not to make them perfect.”“The pain will never go away if you don’t sit with it -it just compounds.”Guest Info:David GandelmanFounder of https://www.meditationschool.us/ Host of The Grounded Sleep Podcast and Energy MattersInstagram: @davidgandelmanSkip to 34:09 for a short, calming 2-minute meditation led by David.If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to speak honestly, even if it makes people uncomfortable.For more episodes, visit mentalnoteswithmatt.com or follow @mentalnoteswithmatt on Instagram.

SHOW NOTESIn this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with award-winning playwright and screenwriter Samuel Brett Williams to talk about what it really means to tell the truth on stage, in life, and with yourself.Brett’s work doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable. He writes the kind of stories that spark walkouts, raise eyebrows, and, more importantly, invite reflection. We talk about his journey from Arkansas to New York and back again, the inner battles of imposter syndrome, the fear of not being good enough, and the emotional courage it takes to put something honest into the world.Whether you’re an artist, a creative, or just someone trying to live a little more truthfully, this conversation is a powerful reminder that telling the truth might be the most radical thing we can do, and the most freeing.In this episode, we explore:Why Brett believes every great story starts with discomfortHow fear, grief, and personal loss shaped his creative pathThe tension between artistic integrity and audience approvalLessons from theater that apply to real lifeThe quiet power of building something authentic, one brick at a timeGuest Bio: Samuel Brett Williams is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. His work has been developed and produced at theaters across the country, including Cherry Lane Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is also a professor of writing and the founder of Southern Theater Company in Hot Springs, Arkansas.Connect with Brett:Follow Brett's Theater Company: https://www.instagram.com/southern_theatre_company/If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to speak honestly, even if it makes people uncomfortable.For more episodes, visit mentalnoteswithmatt.com or follow @mentalnoteswithmatt on Instagram.

Show Notes In this episode of Mental Notes, host Matt engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jamie Hannigan about the importance of living authentically and embracing one's truth. They discuss the challenges of navigating relationships, the impact of ADHD, and the journey of self-discovery through parenting. Jamie shares her experiences of heartbreak and resilience, emphasizing the value of surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives. The conversation highlights the significance of authenticity in both personal and professional realms, encouraging listeners to honor their truth and advocate for themselves and others. In this episode, we discuss:The importance of staying true to oneself.Surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives enriches life.Heartbreak can be a profound teacher in relationships.ADHD can manifest differently in individuals, often misunderstood.Parenting can lead to significant self-discovery and growth.Authenticity attracts genuine connections and relationships.The courage to speak one's truth is a powerful act.Using one's platform for advocacy is essential.Living authentically can be both freeing and challenging.Healing begins when one aligns with their true self. Follow her creations:Instagram: @stagestarsnjFaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/stagestarsproductions/  Let’s Connect:🌐 Website: ⁠mentalnoteswithmatt.com⁠📧 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠📸 Instagram: @mental_notes_with_matt🎵 TikTok: @mental.notes.with.matt If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might need to hear it today.

Show NotesIn this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I’m joined by longtime friend and creative force Ray McAnally. Ray is an actor, writer, traveler, and one of the most present people I know. We explore how getting outside of our daily rhythms, especially through travel, can create powerful shifts in our perspective and deepen our empathy.Ray shares stories from his travels, reflecting on how being immersed in different cultures, histories, and landscapes has helped him reconnect to himself and others. We talk about the healing power of nature, the vulnerability of being seen outside your comfort zone, and the beauty of living with curiosity instead of control.This conversation is a gentle invitation to look up, look around, and maybe even plan your own reset.In this episode, we discuss: How travel can awaken empathy and disrupt personal narrativesThe difference between escape and expansionWhy slowing down helps us hear ourselves more clearlyReconnecting to childlike awe through movement and natureStorytelling as a bridge between personal experience and shared humanityRay McAnally is an actor, producer, writer, and storyteller whose work spans television, film, and theater. A deep thinker with an infectious sense of humor, Ray brings heart and curiosity into everything he does. His current project, Raymond’s Where, explores history, place, and people through the lens of storytelling.Follow his adventures and creations:Website: raymcanally.com Instagram: @raymondswhereYouTube: www.youtube.com/user/dailyfiberfilmsIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2197708/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0Let’s Connect:🌐 Website: ⁠mentalnoteswithmatt.com⁠📧 Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠📸 Instagram: @mental_notes_with_matt🎵 TikTok: @mental.notes.with.mattIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might need to hear it today.

Show NotesEpisode Summary:In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with my friend Christina Ross, a gifted writer and someone who doesn’t shy away from truth, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. We dive deep into what happens when the healing work you’ve been doing starts to unravel, and what it really takes to choose life again after a major fall.This conversation is raw, emotional, and deeply human. Christina speaks openly about depression, anxiety, grief, and the seductive pull of old coping mechanisms. But more importantly, we explore how love, for your partner, your animals, your friends, and the world, can become the thread that pulls you back.This episode is a reminder that doing the work isn’t about arriving, it’s about staying present, even when it’s hard.In this episode, we discuss:What it feels like when the healing stops workingThe quiet strength of showing up to therapy when you want to quitLetting go of shame and embracing radical vulnerabilityHow writing and nature can anchor us through the stormGiving ourselves grace in the midst of setbacksAbout the Guest:Christina Ross is a writer and creative who believes in the power of vulnerability and honesty to foster connection and healing. From battling anxiety and agoraphobia to navigating grief and rediscovering herself, Christina shares her journey through deeply personal writing that resonates with anyone who’s ever struggled to stay afloat.Her work is a reminder that choosing life isn’t a one-time decision, it’s a practice.Want to connect with Christina or explore working with her? Visit her freelance profile: RossWorks Creative Development on GuruLet’s Connect:🌐 Website: mentalnoteswithmatt.com📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @mental_notes_with_matt🎵 TikTok: @mental.notes.with.mattIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might need to hear it today.

In this short solo reflection, I talk about what it’s been like reaching out to people from my past as I build this podcast, how memory, fear, and inspiration all collide when you decide to put yourself out there. Some people say yes. Some don’t respond. But either way, I’m learning how to keep going, and how to honor the spark when it shows up.“What is personal, what does matter, is the fact that I’m finally honoring this urge I’ve had for years… to create something honest, to reach out, to speak up, even when I’m scared.”

Episode Summary: In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I reconnect with my former Mason Gross School of the Arts acting teacher and longtime inspiration, Kevin Kittle. What begins as a conversation about performance quickly becomes something deeper - a reflection on voice, identity, courage, and the challenge of showing up fully in today’s world.We unpack the idea of having a strong point of view, not just in art, but in life, and how the fear of saying the “wrong thing” can sometimes keep us from saying anything at all. Kevin brings decades of wisdom as a director, educator, and founder of The One One Project, sharing how he's adapted the Meisner technique to help artists reclaim their voices in a culture that often demands conformity.This is a grounded, thought-provoking episode about truth, nuance, and the quiet bravery of being yourself.In this episode, we discuss:​What it really means to have a strong point of view​How fear of being “inappropriate” can suppress authenticity​The cultural shift in how young people express themselves​Kevin’s new acting exercise and how it helps unlock honesty​Reclaiming your emotional core and value system as a foundation for expressionAbout the Guest: Kevin Kittle is a director, educator, and the founder of The One One Project in NYC. With decades of experience teaching and directing, including collaborations with legends like Arthur Miller and Sam Shepard, Kevin is known for pushing artists to dig deep, speak honestly, and embrace the full truth of their experience, onstage and off.Follow his work on Instagram: @theone1projectCheck out his podcast: It’s Not NOT A Meisner Podcast (@meisnerpodcast)Let’s Connect:Email: [email protected]: @mental_notes_with_mattTikTok: @mental.notes.with If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s on their own journey of finding their voice.

Full episode with my guest, acting teacher, educator, and thought leader Kevin Kittle, is on its way. But before it drops, here’s a quick teaser to set the stage.In this short preview, I reflect on a moment from acting school that’s stayed with me for over 20 years, and how it led to an honest, deeply personal conversation about finding your voice and owning your point of view.

In this solo episode, I reflect on a simple phone call with an old friend that revealed something deeper: how often we retreat from connection even when we crave it most. This is a story about friendship, silence, showing up, and the quiet courage it takes to answer when life calls.

Ever catch yourself arguing with the voice in your head? Yeah, me too. In this quick episode, I dive into that inner dialogue, what it tries to protect us from, and how we can shift the conversation.

Episode Duration:20:16Episode Description:In this debut episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with Sarah Wolfson—licensed social worker, former special education teacher, and a therapist who brings both personal presence and professional insight to her work.We talk about what it really means to “live the work” as a therapist, the moments when personal and professional identities blur, and how being grounded, direct, and emotionally honest can change the way we show up in the world.This isn’t a clinical breakdown—it’s a human conversation. And it’s the perfect place to begin.Guest Info:Sarah Wolfson, LSWhttps://www.riseupcounseling.net/sarahWhat We Talk About:The transition from teaching to therapyNavigating vulnerability as a mental health professionalThe gift (and challenge) of emotional presenceWhy honesty in the room mattersThe tension between "doing the work" and simply being humanFor Listeners:If this episode resonates, consider following the show, sharing with a friend, or leaving a quick review. Your support helps grow this community.Track Title: First Day In SpringArtist Name(s): GEMMWriter Name: Molly CherryholmesWriter IPI Number: 430002728Writer PRO: ASCAPWriter Percentage: 100.00%Publisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONPublisher IPI Number: 882718598Publisher PRO: ASCAPPublisher Percentage: 100.00%

In this short introduction to Mental Notes, host Matt Ungermah shares the personal journey that inspired the podcast and what you can expect from future episodes—honest conversations, emotional insight, and a shared commitment to better understanding ourselves.Music licensed via SoundstripeTrack: Iron and SteelArtist: Wicked CinemaLicense Code: FCRNGM0JYDPDFDSV