#153. The Art of Living Your Dream - Helen Shephard

What are the Hidden Costs of Chasing Your Dreams?

Discover more is a podcast for independent thinkers who appreciate the importance of nuances with mental health. Today's conversation will explain the art of career pivots and how to be intentional with dream chasing to live a well intended and meaningful life.

Helen Shepherd

Helen shepherd is a british tv host, actress, stand up comedian and podcaster. Has hosted Channel Five, Vogue, Fashion TV, and other national tv shows in Britain. Booked a one way flight of becoming a stand-up comedian in Los Angeles.

What city has your heart?

"I feel like this is my home. This is going to be my forever home. I love it here, " she says. She loves the people, the weather, the industry here and her healthy lifestyle.

Los Angeles Is A Lonely City

Los Angeles is a fairly lonely city. According to research, community and sense of belonging stays timelessly as the most important contributing factor to wellbeing and mental health. Having good friends around you is so key to having a happy life.

When I Was Drinking In London I

I think I wasn't fulfilled in my life when I was in London. I was trying to fill that void with partying, drinking like I was the ultimate party girl. But then the, you know, because you stopped drinking, when you stop drinking, you're like, oh, I don't feel depressed on a Monday anymore.

Former Vogue and Fashion TV Hosts on

You've hosted Channel five, Vogue, and a lot of fashion tv. What was the repetitive part about that job? It was pretty much like the same routine, same script, same thing happening every night. Eventually, she decided to make a change.

How I Stopped Drinking Alcohol in LA

"I've been sober from alcohol for about three years. I partake in other substances. But the moment I quit drinking, I realized I have to, like, explain to people why I don't drink " What happened that made you wanted to reinvent yourself on such a traumatic level?

Why Are You Drinking?

As a functional alcoholic, there are some invisible consequences. I think you have to look at why you're having a drink. Doesn't matter what avenue of addictions substances are, alcohol or even food, there's always something deeper on that train.

Leah Lamar on Comedy Being a Form of Therapy

A lot of comedians first enter comedy as a form of therapy. Usually the funniest comedians have some notorious and crazy and often traumatic upbringings or stories. Comedy was always on my radar because I loved it. I found it to be a very supportive, inclusive place.

Getting Started in Stand Up

Having been on camera and on stage before gave me a level of confidence that perhaps people starting out in comedy didn't have. Being polished stand up comedian doesn't really resonate with the audiences. The best comedians are those ones that are really present, really there with the audience.

How To Write Great Jokes

Do you go through your friends and families first when you're testing out material? The best way to test it is with a live audience audience. My advice to anyone that wants to practice comedy is to go to an open mic or find a group of fellow comedians.

You Flop and You Bomb On The Stage

Every time I get on the stage, I feel scared. Moving to LA was also very, very scary. But I was lucky. And it wasn't the easiest thing, but I'm still here.

The Secret to Getting A Job in LA

The actress says John was a catalyst for her to move to LA. Around the time that he passed away, she started dating the man who's now her husband. She says he was an amazing person and helped her on her journey to get here.

Americans vs British Hosting

I just think american tv hosts are way more polished than british hosts. They have perfect hair and perfect smiles and I guess there's so many different shows. Overall, Americans are just more shiny and perfect.

How to Make It in the Hollywood Industry

LZ: What have you learned about the grittiness of LA and the difficulty of making it in Hollywood or entertainment industry? LZ: Every single person that I have encountered that is pursuing their dream here works really hard. There's no quick fix. How do you stay positive?

Favorite Stories on The Podcast

Is there a specific story that was told on your podcast that really captured you for whatever reasons? So it doesn't have to be that crazy, but just memorable stories of stuff with you.

Adam Sandler On The OA

Most of my guests have a story like that. Even when you think you've booked the job, you might not even make the cut. Hollywood's really brutal. And that's why you have to have your own projects going on. I just want to spotlight oa because that's one of my favorite shows.

Podcast: Knowing Yourself

There are certain universal themes that pop up with different sectors of experiences or guests. A lot of people's advice is to really figure out who you are before you embark on. Create something that you can control, like agency of control to prevent burnout mentally.

Joey on Working In The Entertainment Industry

Do you see any relationship between your more party out there lifestyle versus this highly controlled environment that you grew up in? Most of my friends that had quite strict or religious upbringings ended up being the wildest ones. I think there is a rebellion, even if it's like subconscious.

Helen on Reclaiming Her Beliefs

Helen, is there a certain belief or things you used to believe in and upholds that you no longer believe? You have to update your beliefs, otherwise you're going to be stuck in the old ways. The amazing thing is you can change your belief systems.

How I Learned To Stop Drinking

"I tried to drink less, and then I would do yoga every day. My nervous system was fried. I never learned how to regulate my nervous system ever " How did you reprogram your mind? What were the processes and details involved?

Keating on Alcoholics Anonymous

Helen: My life is so much better. I feel like I have more time. It's micro habits stacking up that creates a macro impact. There's so many ways to do the work, but I think it requires a first step.

How LA has Changed My Void

Helen Hunt: Having a goal really helps with filling whatever that void is. I absolutely love my own company. I'm so happy just being on my own, and that was something I couldn't do before. Now you enjoy going on nature walks with your adopted dog.

Helen Shephard on Her 40th Birthday

Helen Shephard: I feel the best now ever than I did in my early twenties, mid twenties and even late twenties. She says her life now may be considered as boring to some of her friends back home. But she says change is possible. Where can people find you?

DISCOVER MORE

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