PODCAST · arts
the Mentally Oddcast
by Wednesday Lee Friday
the Mentally Oddcast features creatives discussing how mental illness, addiction, neurodivergence, and the impact of trauma informs & inspires their art. New eps every Wednesday! CW/TW for discussions of suicide, addiction, abuse, SA. Host Wednesday Lee Friday is the author of A Stabbing for Sadie, Kiss Me Like You Love Me, The Finster Effect, and multiple short story collections. Her career has included wrangling reptiles, sex writing, sociopolitical activism, and lots and lots of retail management. She also runs a soap & gift shop you should totally check out. Intro/Outtro music by Peter Alway
Episodes
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Weird Fiction Author and Politics Maven: Michael Bruggeman
This week, two passionate political activists (Wednes and Michael) talk about what's happening in America. And most of it is not very nice. We talk Ai in D&D, Bezos, Kaepernik, space aliens, and why disabled people often feel like a burden to those they love. We parse how peasants were convinced…
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Guest: Digital Creator and Writer Rhiannon
This week, Rhiannon and Wednes discuss the what happens when fascists buy up all the good TV, parasocial relationships, and whether Ryan Murphy is losing his shine for even us die-hards. Also Etsy, killer bees, Jenny Gump, and the dangers and possible benefits of humanizing murderers. Also VJs,...
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Guest: Carolyn of Beyond 6 Seconds Podcast
This week, we talk with Carolyn, a fellow ND podcaster and creative. We talk about the how and why (and maybe why NOT) of getting a diagnosis in adulthood. We parse authentic personality vs masking, why readers have more empathy, and how psychology has been failing women for generations. Also…
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Guest: Author, Educator, and Screenwriter Bob Pondillo
This week, Bob Pondillo discusses screenwriting and novelisations, the horrors of Catholicism, and media history from radio to TV and the Hayes Code to cartoon skirts on animals. We talk depression and work output, the socratic method vs the woke mind virus, and why it's important to speak your...
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Gamers, Creatives, and Dungeon Enthusiasts: Gene & Say
This week, we talk Daddy Doms, House Eternum, and what you might not suspect is true of the kink community. Millicent the dog makes an unplanned appearance, and we explain what's going on with the Dexter franchise. Also what it's like to be disabled or to need mental health care when you're...
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Guest: Artist Brian MacGregor
This week, Wednes talks sleep disorders with painter, sculptor, and dream curator Brian MacGregor. We parse whether ocean creatures only seem alien because we're on land, and whether or not art ought to be confrontational all the time. Also, Geiger, Dragon's Lair, Pet Sematary 2, and trigger...
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Author, Educator, Science Guy, and Beekeeper Patrick Freivald
This week, Patrick Freivald and Wednes parse whether neurodivergence as a concept is even real--or if we're all on a spectrum of one sort or another. We discuss anthropology and how ND conditions may increase one's value to the tribe. Also fight-or-flight, writing and publishing, Rod Serling, why...
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Guest: Mimi U
This week, we talk international travel, music, and autism with Mimi U. She's a self-proclaimed pop-idol with a love of anime, J-pop, and smiling. We discuss whether autism can be a gift, a superpower, or a PitA. Also tips for living with intrusive thoughts, media portrayals of autism, and how...
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Guest: Reverend Josh Hosler
The Mentally Oddcast returns for a sixth season with Rev Josh Hosler. We talk religion and society, and why a god can be a source of mockery and doubt as well as hope and community. We parse whether depression and anxiety are really 'disorders' or logical reactions to a world that sucks. Also...
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Guest: Playwright and Author Frank Anthony Polito
This week Wednes matches wits (and witty barbs) with Frankie--cutest kid in elementary school and award-winning writer with the medal to prove it. We talk about the perils of marketing with Zuckerbots afoot. Wednes learns what a Literary Death Match is, and we both realize we named characters…
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Author, Tie-in Writer, and Podcaster Cat Voleur
This week's guest, Cat Voleur, wears many hats and tackles a variety of issues in her life and work. We talk movie tie-in novels and Graveyard Shark in general. Also representation, horror and comedy, politics, non-fiction, and of course, a MadLib. The ep concludes with a killer short story you...
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Guest: Screenwriter and Author Eric Miller
This week has lots of movie talk--especially B movies and horror movies. Wednes and author Eric Miller disagree about The Mist, agree on Matheson and BSG, and parse whether all demons are bad or if some just have bad press. Miller shares his journey of seeking help for depression, navigating a...
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Australian Author, Publisher, and LGBTQ+ Advocate: David-Jack Fletcher
This week, Wednes and David-Jack speak frankly and angrily about propaganda and contemporary politics. We also talk borderline disorder, trauma, horror movies of the 90s, and how we can receive love even when we don't feel worthy of it. Also representation, why "Hell is other people," and how we...
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Guest: Author and Activist: TT Madden
This week Wednes speaks with gender-fluid author of sci-fi, spec-fic, and the perpetually weird. We opine on the importance of support systems, when gender dysphoria shows up later in life, and the mandela effect. We also talk zombies, publishing, and Conrad Veidt. Also TWs and why anyone…
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Author, Game Developer, Animal Advocate: Chloe Spencer
TW for discussions of an active shooter situation and frank anti-fash talk. Find more from Chloe Spencer here. Chloe Spencer is an author, advocate, and game developer in the great state of Minnesota. We talk MAGAboys, PTSD and treatments that help, what makes a good game, and dating via text and...
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Guest: Journalist Sarah Rigg
This week we talk about the benefits of embedded journalism, escaping the fundamentalist mindset, wtf happened at cbs, Anxiety, idiot plots marketing kids, and how awesome it is being married to a "wife guy." We also talk RFK jr and other shameless MAGAboys, and why meta wants you to believe...
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Author, Podcaster, and Filmmaker Ryan Lieske
Jack of all trades and master of some, Ryan Lieske shares his experiences with depression, films, podcasting, and overcoming his fear of mental health meds. TW for suicidal ideation. We also talk horror comedy, gen AI, opium dens, and why MAGAboys think saying "you have cats" is some kind of...
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Guest: Author and Advocate Riley ODell
Riley ODell lives with (and advocates for) Autism and ADHD. This week, we talk about the value of satire, how autism and ADHD can impact productivity, and why some ND people love horror so much. We also parse The Simpsons as a measure of class and economy, and whether or not anyone should have to...
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Author, Activist, Publisher, Pilot Tawn Krakowski
This week, the Empress of Tawnlandia and I discuss our horror beginnings, cozy fiction, genres Wednes doesn't write in, and why gets left out of yt feminism. We also talk "What is a Safe Space" and how the people who think they don't need them actually may need them the most. Plus hot chicks we...
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Sci-fi, Fantasy, and RPG Writer David A Hill
Known as Mothshade to his peers, David A Hill is a passionate writer of fantasy, dark science fiction, and an array of TTRPGs. We talk about what makes a horror movie and horror in general. Plus living with a stutter, coping tools for anxiety, and what publishers mean when they say "doesn't meet...
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Actor, Podcaster, and Improv Guy: Jarrett Lennon Kaufman
Known by his stage name, Jarrett Lennon has appeared in beloved shows like Cheers and Freaks & Geeks, as well as the haunting Short Cuts. We talk about improv, acting, and what it's like when you succeed without trying as a kid. How ADHD can actually help you accomplish things, and why acting can...
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Guest: Author and Movie Reviewer Bryan Krystopowitz
This week 411Mania reviewer and new author Bryan Krystopowitz schools host Wednesday Lee Friday on the finer points of action movies with small budgets, the perils of affordable stunt work, and why representation is such a touchy topic in film. We also talk about why adult friendships are hard…
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Guest: Author Sheldon Higdon
This week, we talk with Sheldon Higdon about his new book and writing career. We discuss how Stephen King impacted our work as young writers, the perils of psyche meds...and the perils of living without them. Also movie scores as writing music, writing about family, living with the same name as a...
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Author, Artist, and former ZooKeeper Jaime Johnesee
How does being an unwanted child impact a person? Is there really an AI Authors Guild? What's it like getting doxxed? We talk about all of that--plus we call out Wellbutrin and Bill Burr. We talk politics, (ep was recorded a day after Charlie Kirk's killing) weed strains, were-panthers, MAGA...
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50th Episode!!! Guest: Author, Podcaster, Badass, Scott Sigler
Our 50th episode features sci-fi/horror novelist, publisher, and podcast pioneer Scott Sigler. We talk the pro and cons of ADHD, King Kong, and parse ChatGPT for language creation. We also discuss AI ethics, a drug called caffeine, and close with a 1990's radiodrama that Scott and I made with…
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Guest: Michael Allen Rose
Michael Allen Rose talk horror and comedy, writing and art, and the remarkable resilience of the weird kid. We examine the changeable nature of success, wonder what the hell is wrong with Snoop Dogg, and opine on why humans make art in the first place. Also, the value of kindness, Jason Vorhees…
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Author, BBC Writer, and Advocate Amanda Graham
This week, we talk horror and comedy, women in television--behind the scenes, and examine why only 12-15% of TV comedy is written by women. Also, neurodivergence in media, why autistic folk don't understand liars, caving, code switching, and what I'd do with a giant grant.
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Author and Activist M Kelly Peach
This week we get way political as we air our grievances with the rise of fascism in America--and share some ideas for resistance and collective action. Also, separating art from artists, writing as therapy, open carry dildos, and the rerelease of A Stabbing for Sadie. Find more from M Kelly Peach...
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Author and Activist Pat Green
Pat Green and WLF talk consent and allyship, why grammar nazis kinda suck, plotters versus pantsers, why we need storytellers, and inspiration. TW for discussions of religious abuse, suicide, and sexual assault.
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Guest: Author Pandem Buckner
TW for discussion on DV, SA, and suicide. This week, discussion with Pandem Buckner includes Disney, horror movies, consent, shelter work, and the fact that there are no white people in the bible. Also rage toward education, depression, ADHD, and we accidentally invent the concept of propaganda....
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Author, Activist, and Educator Amanda Morin
Amanda Morin is a special education and accessibility advocate who specializes in neurodiversity-affirming learning environments. We talk horror movies, labels vs stigma and the value of diagnoses. Also depression vs burnout, the "crip trope" and her work with Noggin. Fina Amanda at...
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Guest: Actor, Programmer, Gamer, Cool Guy Jonathan Harford
Season four kicks off with actor and editor of Resilient Brainforest (and a bunch of other stuff) Jonathan Harford. We talk about how ADD has affected our creative projects--and how we navigate the pitfalls now. Plus AI, how horror and comedy are more alike than we notice. Wednes talks lesbian...
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Writer and Actor Vann Weller
This week's guest is neither a horror guy nor neurodivergent. He lends his perspectives on TV production, neurotypical creativity, the early days of the internet, and Elon Musk. There's a live song, and a spirited discussion on whether or not suffering is required to make impactful art. Also The...
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Guest: Sumiko Saulson
Sumiko Saulson is a Bram Stoker Award® Finalist for Poetry for The Rat King (2022, Dooky Zines) and Melancholia (2024, Bludgeoned Girls Press). Elgin Award Nominee (2022). 2018 Afrosurrealist Writers Award, and 2021 Ladies of Horror Readers Choice Award winner. Their novel Somnalia: The...
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Guest: Author Tamara Thorne
Tamara Thorne's first novel was published in 1991, and since then she has written many more, including international bestsellers Brimstone, Haunted, Bad Things, Moonfall, and Eternity. A lifelong lover of ghost stories, she is currently working on several collaborations with Alistair Cross,...
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Guest: Author and Magician David Kempf
David Kempf has written over fifty short stories, many with horror themes. He’s won several writing awards and is a frequent contributor to the British website Masters of Horror U.K. He has written two children's books, four plays, two short story collections, and produced several short films and...
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Guest: Activist, trans-masc advocate Chapin Lennon
Chapin Lennon is an activist and advocate who lives with dwarfism and is trans-masc. They are especially passionate about disability history and representation. We talk Peter Dinklage and Billy Barty, fetishists, representation--and what to do should some maniac treat you as if you're "good…
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Guest: Author Alistair Cross
Alistair Cross was born in the western United States and began penning his own stories by the age of eight. First published in 2012, Alistair has since released several more novels. In 2012, he joined forces with international bestselling author, Tamara Thorne, and as Thorne & Cross, they write…
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Guest: Screenwriter Briana Cox
Briana Cox was born and raised in Tullahoma, TN — a town inexplicably found on state maps. (It just got a Publix!) She is the oldest of seven children and a first-generation academic with degrees in cognitive linguistics, Japanese language, and speech-language pathology. In 2019, she became a...
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Guest: Author and Editor Bert Edens
Bert is an author and editor who has always been one to read anything put in front of him, a passion he still enjoys, reading in all genres. He has recently been published in multiple anthologies of flash fiction as well as in a magazine dedicated to supporting children with special needs. He…
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Guest: YA Author Kody Boye
Kody Boye Is a young adult horror, fantasy, and science-fiction author currently residing In the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. When not writing, he enjoys reading, playing video games, and pestering his many cats. www.kodyboye.com www.youtube.com/@KodyBoyeBooks We talk Shark movies, advocacy,...
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Guest: Author Stefan Petrucha
Author Stefan Petrucha's work has sold several million copies worldwide, with over twenty novels to his name, including original works such as Ripperand Dead Mann Walking, and licensed prose novels like Spider-Man: Forever Young and Deadpool: Paws for Marvel. He's also written hundreds of graphic...
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Guest: Author Carson Fredriksen
This week's guest, Carson Fredriksen, is a neurodivergent writer from Calgary, Alberta, who often enjoys rummaging through his dark, albeit unique, imagination to enhance his mundane life. His previous short stories have appeared in such online publications as CommuterLit, Rooster Republic Press,...
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Guest: Trans Activist, Writer, and Performer Skye Spectrum
A transcript of this episode can be found here. Skye Spectrum is a multi-talented artist and activist. Zi is proud to be part of the Ypsi / Ann Arbor Michigan LGBTQIA+ community. Where you can see either Kevin or Skye on The Trans Narrative Podcast or locally around town associated with The...
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Education Panel of Teachers Discusses the New Regime.
Three Michigan educators discuss the incoming regime (recorded in late November). Actionable tips on local organizing, resistance, "weaponizing empathy," School of choice, Title IX, and more. A full transcript of this episode can be found here.
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Maintaining Sobriety During a Fascist Takeover of America
We know people are struggling with their sobriety and mental health. This week, guests Chris, Matt, and Denise (all sober folk with stories to tell and expertise to share) all discuss what works, what doesn't, and how the heck people are supposed to hold themselves together when their own...
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Gun Ownership for Non-Gun People
Thinking about gun ownership but don't know the first thing about it? Wednesday Lee Friday talks with ammosexual J Grant (LOL) and martial artist Mel Hynes about how to choose the right gun for you, what training you should expect to do, the four pillars of gun safety, and why John Wick is so...
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Guest: Author and Editor Nora Peevy
Author, Editor, and hedge witch Nora Peevy explains why she doesn't write to an audience. We talk the many shades of witchcraft, how stress and anxiety impact writing schedules (I was shocked, honestly), and why so many girls with ADHD in the 70's and 80's were undiagnosed. Also slush piles,...
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Guest: Author & Editor Sidney Williams
Gnelfs author and editor Sidney Williams and Wednesday Lee Friday talk influences, introverts, Gnelfs, and Salem's Lot. We name-drop our publisher, and discuss the ways we acknowledge or avoid the need for help with mental health issues. Plus self-doubt, writer's block, horror aesthetics,...
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Guest: Editor, Sex Writer, and Ju Jitsu Instructor Robin Zabiegalski
Wednesday Lee Friday talks with Robin Zabiegalski about body dysmorphia, depression and anxiety. We discuss sex writing and education, recovery and medication, why your diagnosis matters, and the consistent Call of the Void. TW for suicide and addiction/recovery/ Robin Zabiegalski (they/them) is…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
the Mentally Oddcast features creatives discussing how mental illness, addiction, neurodivergence, and the impact of trauma informs & inspires their art. New eps every Wednesday! CW/TW for discussions of suicide, addiction, abuse, SA. Host Wednesday Lee Friday is the author of A Stabbing for Sadie, Kiss Me Like You Love Me, The Finster Effect, and multiple short story collections. Her career has included wrangling reptiles, sex writing, sociopolitical activism, and lots and lots of retail management. She also runs a soap & gift shop you should totally check out. Intro/Outtro music by Peter Alway
HOSTED BY
Wednesday Lee Friday
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does the Mentally Oddcast have?
the Mentally Oddcast currently has 73 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is the Mentally Oddcast about?
the Mentally Oddcast features creatives discussing how mental illness, addiction, neurodivergence, and the impact of trauma informs & inspires their art. New eps every Wednesday! CW/TW for discussions of suicide, addiction, abuse, SA. Host Wednesday Lee Friday is the author of A Stabbing for Sadie,...
How often does the Mentally Oddcast release new episodes?
the Mentally Oddcast has 73 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to the Mentally Oddcast?
You can listen to the Mentally Oddcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts the Mentally Oddcast?
the Mentally Oddcast is created and hosted by Wednesday Lee Friday.
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