Mayim Bialik is turning to Joe Rogan for some inspiration in her podcasting journey. The actress and Jeopardy! co-host recently spoke with Vanity Fair about how her mental health podcast, Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, has evolved since its launch in January 2021 amidst the anxieties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the interview, Bialik discussed her own beliefs regarding the connection between mental and physical health, as well as her strategies for getting actors to open up about deeply personal topics. She also shared her approach to interviewing guests, revealing that she draws inspiration from Joe Rogan’s podcasting style.
“Joe Rogan has experienced tremendous success, and while I don’t try to emulate everything he does, his style inspires me,” Bialik explained. “I have a genuine fascination with people: where they come from and how they became who they are. There is usually something in someone’s family history—drama, intensity, alcoholism, death—that can be uncovered.”
Bialik further divulged that although Rogan has influenced her podcasting style, she did not have a predetermined approach to her interviews and lacked formal training. Instead, she credits her co-host Jonathan Cohen for training her in the art of interviewing.
“Jonathan, my co-host, has been my primary source of guidance on how to conduct interviews,” Bialik disclosed. “I often feel shy about asking personal questions, especially when the subjects are public figures. Jonathan, being more experienced in the podcasting world, has provided me with some general guidelines.”
The Reboot of ‘Blossom’ Teased
During the interview, Bialik also provided an update on the highly anticipated reboot of her 90s sitcom, ‘Blossom,’ in which she portrayed a young teen growing up in a household dominated by men.
“I am delighted to confirm that all of the original cast, creators, and producers are on board for the reboot,” Bialik revealed. “We strongly believe that a reboot should and can happen once the strike is over.”
According to Bialik, when work on the show resumes, the team hopes to present ‘Blossom’ in a whole new light, departing from its original sitcom format.
“We don’t want to simply continue where the sitcom left off,” Bialik expressed. “Instead, we intend to bring back these fascinating and complex characters—a child of divorce, a recovering drug addict, an alcoholic—and offer audiences a fresh perspective.”
While fans eagerly await the return of ‘Blossom,’ Mayim Bialik continues to inspire and engage listeners through her heartfelt conversations on ‘Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown.’
