Soft Parts Podcast

In Part 2 of  So, What Brings You to Therapy? , Deana Bianco continues her conversation with author  Mike Ayers  ( Sharing in the Groove ) to explore the community-driven, DIY roots of the late ’80s and ’90s jam band scene. They dive into Atlanta’s Aquarium Rescue Unit and the lasting influence of Colonel Bruce Hampton on a generation of musicians. The conversation highlights how bands like Phish ...

In Part 1 of this conversation, host Deana Bianco talks with author Mike Ayers about his new book  Sharing in the Groove: The Untold Story of the Nineties Jam Band Explosion , featuring firsthand accounts from Trey Anastasio, Dave Matthews, Chris Barron, and more. Together they explore how bands like Phish, the Grateful Dead, Spin Doctors, and Dave Matthews Band built devoted fanbases through tape...

Host Deana Bianco checks in from a place of therapist burnout, sharing a Boulder trail run at Chautauqua that left her feeling dysregulated—first after seeing a dog caged in a truck, then watching people stage content instead of connecting with nature—before finding quiet to reset. She previews next week’s interview with Mike Ayers, author of  Sharing in the Groove , reflecting on her experiences...

In Part 2 of this interview with content creator Humble Among, Deana Bianco explores Juggalo culture, the reality of the Gathering of the Juggalos, and why many fans find belonging in the Insane Clown Posse community. They discuss mental health, accountability, and controversies surrounding the Gathering, offering an insider perspective that goes beyond viral stereotypes. The episode also dives in...

In this episode of  Soft Parts Podcast , host Deana Bianco dives into the Juggalo community, devoted fans of the Insane Clown Posse (ICP). She sits down with Humble Among, a prominent Juggalo and content creator, to learn about life in the subculture and the values that bring its members together. They explore common misconceptions about Juggalos, the sense of community at gatherings, and the role...

In this episode of the Soft Parts Podcast, host Deana Bianco explores the life and music of country legend George Jones. Joined by Mike Lisk of The Best Show, they discuss Jones' memoir  I Lived to Tell It All , his chart-topping hits, and his turbulent life—including addiction, bankruptcy, and personal struggles. The conversation also dives into his relationships with fellow country icons lik...

In this episode of  Soft Parts Podcast , host Deana Bianco speaks with Jessica Lynne, an Australian psychic medium, about mediumship, intuition, grief, and spiritual connection. Jessica explains the difference between psychics and mediums, shares how her intuitive abilities emerged in childhood, and reflects on the influence of her grandmother’s death, meditation, and spiritual practice. They expl...

In this episode of  Soft Parts Podcast , host Deana Bianco continues her conversation with author and biographer Guy Mankowski to explore the mental health and creative lives of musicians Kristen Pfaff, Kurt Cobain, and Courtney Love. They revisit the energy of Hole’s 1995 Lollapalooza performance, unpack the pressures of the ’90s grunge scene, and discuss how music memoirs and personal narratives...

In this episode of Soft Parts Podcast, host Deana Bianco sits down with author Guy Mankowski to explore the complex legacy of Kristen Pfaff, bassist of Hole and a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in the 1990s grunge scene.  This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Deana reflects on her early connection to Hole and how discovering the band shaped her relationship with music. Guy shares insight...

Host Deana Bianco introduces the newly rebranded  Soft Parts , a podcast exploring identity, mental health, and the vulnerable moments that shape us. She shares the inspiration behind the name—drawn from Hole’s “Doll Parts”—and the shift from her former therapy-focused show. This episode continues Deana’s conversation with comedian April Richardson, who opens up about surviving an abusive relation...

In this episode of  So, What Brings You to Therapy? , host Deana Bianco talks with comedian April Richardson about her journey from MTV News to becoming a regular on ‘Chelsea Lately’. April shares how Bob Odenkirk inspired her to start doing stand-up comedy, and how her love of music and pop culture has shaped her creative path. They discuss the cultural influence of  Saved by the Bell , the role...

In this episode of  So, What Brings You to Therapy? , host Deana Bianco shares Halloween stories—from attending  The Rocky Horror Picture Show  to run-ins with  Insane Clown Posse  fans. She talks about sensory overload, finding calm through running, and spotting unforgettable costumes. Plus, Deana previews her upcoming collaboration with Chuk Davis from the  Don’t Die  podcast to discuss Mark Lan...

In this episode of  So, What Brings You to Therapy? , host Deana Bianco sits down with anxiety specialist Jennie Ketchum Crooks to explore how anxiety shows up in everyday life—and what we can actually do about it. They discuss the impact of political and social news on mental health, how to build distress tolerance, and realistic ways to reduce anxiety, from setting news boundaries to engaging in...

In this episode of  So, What Brings You to Therapy? , host Deana Bianco opens up about navigating seasonal changes, self-care, and the role community plays in mental health. Deana also shares her experience as a DJ at KGNU community radio, highlighting the importance of supporting local radio during times of funding cuts. The episode features a powerful conversation with Amanda and Brandon from  P...

In this episode of  So, What Brings You to Therapy? , Deana kicks things off with a fall update from Boulder — from October trail runs and bear scares to a hilariously stressful movie outing — before diving into Part 2 of her conversation with Christian counselor Jeremy Schumacher. In this continuation, Jeremy explores his evolving relationship with faith, therapy, and identity after growing up in...

In this episode  So, What Brings You to Therapy? , host Deana Bianco speaks with Wisconsin-based therapist and podcast host Jeremy Schumacher, who specializes in religious trauma therapy. Jeremy shares his personal story of growing up in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), navigating the challenges of fundamentalist evangelical culture, and how his neurodivergence and queer identity s...

In this episode of  So What Brings You To Therapy? , host Deana explores how constant information consumption affects mental health and why it’s essential to stay connected to the real world. Reflecting on the cultural impact of Kurt Cobain’s death, Deana shares how media shaped her early experiences and why she later chose to stop following the news after the last election to protect her nervous...

In this episode of  So, What Brings You to Therapy? , host Deana Bianco reflects on her decade-long journey as a community radio DJ and how music has been a grounding force in her life. From providing joy and connection to offering solace during chaotic times, Deana explores the healing power of music and its role in mental health. The episode also features part two of an interview with Chuk Davis...

In this episode of  So, What Brings You to Therapy? , host Deana shares her experience introducing her kids to horror movies —starting with  Ma  starring Octavia Spencer. She then welcomes Chuk Davis, co-host of  The Don’t Die Podcast , for an honest conversation about addiction , sobriety , and recovery. Chuk opens up about his journey from battling addiction to finding healing in the rehab and r...

In this episode of  So, What Brings You to Therapy? , host Deana Bianco shares personal reflections on parenting stress, mental health burnout, and finding joy in everyday life. She also opens up about her interest in starting a new podcast about tattoos before returning to the heart of this show: honest conversations about mental health. Deana is joined by Jennie Ketcham Crooks of The West Coast...

In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy?, Deana Bianco talks with Shontelle Sparkles, legendary drag queen from Florida, about mental health, self-doubt, and thriving in the drag community. They explore family acceptance, the importance of drag families, and the challenges and triumphs of being a drag performer in today’s political climate. Deana also shares her experience attending a Ba...

On this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy?, Deana Bianco talks with returning guest Erica Bertschy about mental health and therapy in reality TV. They explore how shows like 'Housewives' and 'Couples Therapy' portray therapy, the stigmas around mental health, and the impact of alcohol, trauma, and relationships on reality stars. The conversation also dives into on-screen drama, celebrity d...

In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy, Deana Bianco talks with her partner Andrew Morton, a tech company manager, about the intersection of mental health, leadership, and personal growth. They explore active listening, emotional regulation, and leading with positive intent, and reflect on how narratives—like viral stories about CEOs or concerts—shape our perception of joy and success....

In this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy, host Deana Bianco talks with comedian and actress Helen Hong about comedy, mental health, and personal growth. Helen shares her journey into comedy, how she uses humor to process depression, and the challenges of being vulnerable on stage. They also explore the pressures of the entertainment industry, creative outlets, and using performance as a t...

n this episode of So, What Brings You to Therapy, therapist Jazzmyn Proctor talks about showing up authentically in life and therapy. She shares insights on self-disclosure, challenging traditional therapy norms, and using social media for genuine connection. The conversation explores identity, creativity, mental health, and the challenges of living authentically in a digital world, offering pract...