PODCAST · comedy
The Smoke Break
by Zane Thomas, Zoë Schwartz, & Jasmine Nothing
The Smoke Break, hosted by Zane Thomas, Zoe Schwartz, and Jasmine Nothing, is a mental health and comedy podcast recorded in Portland, Oregon. Since 2020, they’ve been having candid conversations with comedians, musicians, performers, and other community members that help to make things like medication, psychosis, trauma, diagnoses, recovery, and loss feel normal. With their personal lived experience, working in the mental health field, and being comedians/creatives themselves, they balance the vulnerability of personal stories with some ridiculous jokes and wild laughter.
Episodes
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Episode 149: "Inner Child & Trying New Things" (ft. Eliah Edelson)
On this week's episode of "The Smoke Break", we hung out with the delightful artist and dinosaur super fan Eliah Edelson. We began with the joy and terror of trying to learn or experience new things. Why is that such a universally amazing and awful thing to do?! Then we talked about creative...
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Episode 148: "Trust, Hate & Hope" (ft. Karla Marx)
On this week's episode of "The Smoke Break", we hung out with community activist, burlesque and drag performer Karla Marx. We began with how we establish trust, how fragile trust can be when we're mistreated, and unshakeable trust can be when you really find your people. Then we talked about...
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Episode 147: "The Hustle & Relationships" (ft. Will Ness)
On this week's episode of "The Smoke Break", we hung out with local comedian Will Ness. We started by talking about identity, and how different parts of ourselves are better suited for certain tasks—like our creative side shouldn't be in charge of business decisions and our business side probably...
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Episode 146: "Moving & Time Management" (ft. Eren Senel)
On this week's episode of "The Smoke Break", we hung out with the sweetie Eren Senel. We had a short one today, so we kicked it off with our first topic—moving—one of the most universally stressful things a person can do. We talked about small moves—just across town, a new apartment—and also big...
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Episode 145: "Mental Health Access" (ft. Rochelle Cote)
On this week's episode of "The Smoke Break", we hung out with the intrepid Rochelle Cote. We started out complaining about how difficult it is to access mental health resources, and how frustrating it is to still have so many barriers in the way when you're finally feeling ready to try something...
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Episode 144: "Toxic Positivity" (ft. Chris Hudson)
Hey pals! On this week's episode of "The Smoke Break", we hung out with the host of "Leave Your Troubles" Chris Hudson. We began by tackling toxic positivity—you know it, you love it—and how it gives good vibes a bad name. Then we moved on to "usefulness"—how we might sometimes tie our value to...
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Episode 143: "Humor, Joy & Memory" (ft. Rachelle Cochran)
Hey pals! On this week's episode of "The Smoke Break", we hung out with a true delight, Portland comedian Rachelle Cochran. We started off talking about humor—which makes sense on a podcast about comedy, I guess—and about how we rely on it to get through these…questionable times. Next up, we...
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Episode 142: "Weaponized Boundaries" (ft. Briauna Skye)
Hey pals! On this week's episode of "The Smoke Break", we spent some quality time with Briauna Skye! We kicked it off talking about friend breakups, which are possibly worse than relationship breakups—they linger in a special way, and are uniquely unmooring. Then we followed that up with…
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Episode 141: "Individualism & Balance" (ft. Zachary Clark)
Hey pals! On this week's episode of "The Smoke Break", we finally got to hang out with Zachary Clark! We started with Individualism—how it can make us feel unique but also can get in the way of genuine community and caring for each other. Then we talked about finding Balance. In this modern…
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Episode 140: "Wasting Time & Dependability" (ft. Gabe Holmes)
Hey pals! On this week's episode of "The Smoke Break", we had the best time with iconic queer comedian Gabe Holmes. We kicked it off talking about dependability—are we dependable? Who are the dependable people in our lives? Why is it important? How does it make our lives easier? Then we followed...
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Episode 139: "Psychosis & Hospitalizations" (ft. Ryan Knudtson aka Mob Rule)
Hey pals! On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we had the pleasure of hanging out with Ryan Knudtson aka Mob Rule. We started things off talking about some shared diagnosis, and how folks have gotten through some really tough years with the help of supportive people, grit, and new skills....
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Episode 138: "Reclaiming Community" (ft. Eli Gray)
Oh hey, we’re back! On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we got to know Eli Gray (they/them) - Founding Director of WERQ TOGETHER. We got things going talking about trans joy, and the non-profit Eli started to help operationalize the support that they’d already been offering to the...
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Episode 137: "Knowing Vs. Doing & Mortality" (ft. Phillip Stewart)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we got to hang out with storyteller, producer, and owner of Coffee Beer, the very silly Phillip Stewart. We began with the commodification of mental health in this day and age—the way capitalism impacts our choices and well-being, and how we are trying...
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Episode 136: "Desperation & Connection" (ft. Mike Lindsey)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we finally got to hang out with the our old pal comedian Mike Lindsey. We kicked things off by talking about the idea of desperation—how it can sometimes be motivating, or can sometimes be the reason people act outside their values. Then we bounced…
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Episode 135: "Pain & Priorities" (ft. Jenna Britann)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we finally got to hang out with the lovely comedian, storyteller, and vigilante Jenna Britann. We kicked things off by talking about pain—physical or emotional, how it can shape us, and how our relationship has changed to it over the years. Then we...
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Episode 134: "Fear & Expectations" (ft. Keith Rosson)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we were lucky enough to get to spend a little time with horror author Keith Rosson. We started with—you guessed it—fear, because what else do you do when you’ve got an expert around—how it can be paralyzing, motivating, or just plain fun. Then we went...
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Episode 133: "Embracing Irrelevance & Chaos" (ft. Joe John Sanchez The III)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we had a delightful time with comedian, darling, and silly goose Joe John Sanchez the III. We started off talking about standing up for ourselves—times we’ve done it, times we wished we had done it, and how to get better at it, since none of us seemed…
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Episode 131: "Breathplay & Culture Shock" (ft. Kingsley)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we were so excited to have a conversation with the extremely talented and dynamic Kingsley. We began by talking about the concept of “Breath-play” (versus “breath-work”) and how something as simple as breathing that we do all the time can be really...
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Episode 130: “The Golden Age & Alter Egos” (ft. Iris)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we had a real good time with Iris. We got things going talking about an awfully big topic—love….how we find it, how we accept and reject it, how we offer it to others, and how our approach to it and experience of it have changed as we personally change...
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Episode 129: "Predictability & Collaboration" (ft. Telltale Presents)
Episode 129: “ ft. Jasmine Nothing and Telltale Presents On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we are excited to officially announce our new collaboration with Telltale Presents, a production company running various shows and events over the last nine years. We are proud to welcome to the...
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Episode 128: "Caregiving & Attachment Styles" (ft. Hannah Schrom)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we spent the afternoon with the delightful Hannah Schrom. We kicked things off talking about complicated family relationships where things are reversed, like a child caretaking for a grandparent, or having to be the adult to their own parents. Next up…
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Episode 127: "Bravery & Procrastination” (ft. Aaron Fairchild)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we really got to know artist, musician, and storyteller Aaron Fairchild. We started out our time together talking about bravery—how each of us have had to be brave through tough things, where we got our bravery from, and how Aaron approaches it in his...
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Episode 126: “Coping & Fixed Mindsets” (ft. Arthur “Lucky” O’Brien)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we had the honor of hanging out with Portland clown and all around sweetheart Arthur “Lucky” O’Brien. We started by tackling the assumption that using humor to handle tough stuff is an “unhealthy” way of coping, which—get this—it’s not. Next up we...
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Episode 125: "Self-Preservation & Humanization“ (ft. Ally J Ward)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we had the honor of hanging out with the iconic Portland comic Ally J Ward. We kicked it off by talking about imposter syndrome, which is apparently basically a universal experience, and what we do to try and counteract it. Next up we got into the idea...
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Episode 124: “Education & Woke Culture” (ft. Georgia GA)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we had a great time talking to Georgia GA, an amazing local comedian. We kicked it off by talking about learning styles, how it feels to try and learn new things as adults, and self-education. Then we moved on to discussing starting over—whether it…
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Episode 123: “Relaxation & Legacy” (ft. Khalil)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we finally got to spend time with Khalil, who runs the artist collective Immutable Pdx as well as doing amazing and impactful work with homeless youth. We started out talking about the importance of relaxation and how challenging it is to allow…
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Episode 122: “Hopelessness & Conflict Resolution” (ft. Lori Van Deman)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we hung out with Portland comedian and librarian Lori Van Deman. We started out with perfectionism, and how we can convince ourselves to try new things even when it’s scary. Then we moved on to hopelessness—and most importantly, the ways we’ve found to...
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Episode 121: "Self Perception & Storytelling" (ft. Aleah Liebenau)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we speak with Portland comedian and storyteller Aleah Liebenau about our experiences with overthinking and how it impacts us. Next we discuss self-perception, how it influences how we interact with others, and if it’s possible to have an accurate...
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Episode 120: “Social Media & Direct Conversations” (ft. Amanda Lyn Deal)
Episode 120: “Social Media & Direct Conversations” (ft. Amanda Lyn Deal) On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we speak with returning guest host and comedian Amanda Lynn Deal about the impact of social media on self perception and how unplugging can help us reconnect with ourselves and...
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Episode 119: "Hobbies & Work Life Balance" (feat. JawBreaker)
On this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we talk to drag queen and social work badass JawBreaker (aka Fabi) about the importance of hobbies and how they can relate to self care. After that we discuss, the difficulty in managing a work life balance and how taking your work home with you can...
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Episode 118: "Abstinence & Med Management" (ft. Brendo)
On this weeks episode we talk with comedian Brendan Creecy (aka Brendo) about his journey with mental health and substances use and how the choice to abstain was ultimately life changing. After that, we discuss the complicated road to finding a medication that works and how the wrong medication…
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Episode 117: "Jealousy & Resilience"
On this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we’re joined by all three hosts Zane Thomas, Zoe Schwartz, and Taylor Barrett to talk about jealousy and our tendency to compare ourselves unfairly to others, as well as the emotions that might arise from that. After that, we discuss resiliency and the...
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Episode 116: “Loss & Isolation” (ft. Dani)
On this week’s episode of The Smoke Break, we chat with Dani, a DJ from Shady Pines Radio, about the impact of isolation on mental health, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. We delve into the importance of differentiating between essential alone time and detrimental isolation to…
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Episode 115: “Masking & Identity” (ft. Daisy Claire)
On this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with comedian Daisy Claire and discuss the impacts of autistic masking, the challenges of navigating societal expectations, and the importance of accommodating neurodivergent experiences. Next we discuss the concept of shame, particularly how it...
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Episode 114: “Seasonal Affective Disorder & Hallucinogens” (ft. Ikes)
On this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with Portland comedian Ikes about the effect weather can have on our moods and how to best navigate the change in seasons. After that, we talk about hallucinogens and the impact they have on our perceptions and how that can affect our overall...
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Episode 113: “Survivors Guilt & Religious Trauma” (ft. Joey Wander)
On this week’s episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with social worker and comedian, Joey Wander as we discuss harm reduction and what it means in our professional and personal lives. After that, we unpack some of the challenges associated with survivors guilt and how to move on if all we have is...
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Episode 112: “Starting Therapy & Eating Disorders” (ft. Jane Malone)
On this week’s episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with comedian Jane Malone about her process of starting therapy and early childhood experiences with it. We also discuss suicidal ideation and how our desire to live is fundamental to seeking purpose. Lastly, we share our thoughts and experiences...
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Episode 111: “Kindness & Self Talk” (ft. Emma Copper)
On this week’s episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with student and social worker Emma Cooper, about kindness and the impact it makes on people who aren’t often acknowledged. After that, we discuss learning and some of the barriers and challenges that come with being neurodivergent in system that...
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Episode 110: “Delayed Gratification & Decisions”
On this week’s episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with hosts Zane, Zoe, and Taylor about the different outcomes instant and delayed gratification can bring and how we can enrich our lives by seeking both. We also discuss the difficulties with achieving and maintaining focus over different…
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Episode 109: “Trust & Safety” (ft. G Wade)
Tw: Death & Violence On this week’s episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with comedian G Wade about what trust can look like and the important role trust plays in building community We also discuss the topics of safety, self-preservation, and the impact of perception in those situations. Lastly…
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Episode 108: “Our Apologies” (ft. Zane & Zoe)
This weeks episode of The Smoke Break, is a short one. About 5 minutes. But we thought it was important to get this information out there and address an episode we made a couple months back. We’ve been at the studio every week since, recording and probably overthinking it while trying to say…
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Episode 107: “Sex Ed & Intersectional Feminism” (ft. Olivia Zivot)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break” we talk with comedian and sociologist, Olivia Zivot, about their study and findings on the impact of pornography and how it can be used as a tool for teaching and self discovery. We also discuss the concept of intersectional feminism and how it is...
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Episode 106: “Stepping Away & Substance Use” (ft. Timo Frantziss)
On this weeks episode of, “The Smoke Break” we talk with ex-comedian and current social worker Timo Frantziss, about taking a step back from the things that are important to us and some of the reasons why. We also discuss substance use and the experiences and circumstances that may lead an...
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Episode 105: “Transformation of Identity & Imposter Syndrome” (ft. Jamal Coleman)
On this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we sit down with comedian Jamal Coleman and discuss how identities, can and DO, evolve over time. We also talk about self belief and the importance of being our own biggest cheerleaders in order to combat some of those negative voices in our heads.…
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Episode 104: “Comparison & Values” (ft. Ac Oneal)
On this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with comedian Ac Oneal about negative self talk and the ways we can combat those inner voices. We also discuss, comparison stealing any value we may find in ourselves by measuring it against someone’s else’s success. Lastly, we wrap things up by...
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Episode 103: “Moving & Insecurity” (ft. Bryan Bixby)
On this week’s episode of “The Smoke Break”, we talk with comedian Bryan Bixby before he leaves to make his next big move and discuss some of the anxiety that can come with that. We also discuss insecurity and how self perception can contribute to our ability to perform. Lastly, we wrap things up...
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Episode 102: “Polyamory & Body Image“ (ft. Mack Magee)
On this weeks episode of “The Smoke Break”, we talk with comedian Mack Magee about the benefits and challenges of being in a polyamorous relationship. We also talk about how body image issue can affect our relationship with food as well as ourselves. We round out the episode discussing the...
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Episode 101: “Self Love & Contentment” (ft. Matt Franco)
On this weeks episode of “The Smoke Break” we talk with comedian Matt Franco about self love and our sometimes inability to feel the love of others. We also discuss the points of rupture and repair that happen in all of our relationships and what it looks like to make good again. Last we talk…
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Episode 100: “Living In The Past & Future Thinking” (ft. Swiggle Mandela)
In this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with rapper Swiggle Mandela about depression, processing trauma, and contextualizing it in art. We also discuss the anxiety that can come with looking to the future for a sense of relief and how further suffering can occur by not being present....
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Episode 99: “Problem Solving & Toxic Relationships” (ft. Erica Figueroa)
On this weeks episode of The Smoke Break, we talk with comedian Erica Figueroa about problem solving and why it’s difficult do when you’re activated. We also discuss toxic relationships, what we can learn from them, and the toll they can take on our mental health. Lastly, we discuss how making...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Smoke Break, hosted by Zane Thomas, Zoe Schwartz, and Jasmine Nothing, is a mental health and comedy podcast recorded in Portland, Oregon. Since 2020, they’ve been having candid conversations with comedians, musicians, performers, and other community members that help to make things like medication, psychosis, trauma, diagnoses, recovery, and loss feel normal. With their personal lived experience, working in the mental health field, and being comedians/creatives themselves, they balance the vulnerability of personal stories with some ridiculous jokes and wild laughter.
HOSTED BY
Zane Thomas, Zoë Schwartz, & Jasmine Nothing
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Smoke Break have?
The Smoke Break currently has 125 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Smoke Break about?
The Smoke Break, hosted by Zane Thomas, Zoe Schwartz, and Jasmine Nothing, is a mental health and comedy podcast recorded in Portland, Oregon. Since 2020, they’ve been having candid conversations with comedians, musicians, performers, and other community members that help to make things like...
How often does The Smoke Break release new episodes?
The Smoke Break publishes regularly with 125 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Smoke Break?
You can listen to The Smoke Break 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 Smoke Break?
The Smoke Break is created and hosted by Zane Thomas, Zoë Schwartz, & Jasmine Nothing.
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