Ilana Cohn Sullivan & Cristina Fernandez on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Ilana Cohn Sullivan & Cristina Fernandez and have shared our conversation below.

Ilana & Cristina , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Depression! Anxiety! OCD! This is why we started our That’s So Mental Podcast. We were at a party and we started talking about how funny people are usually depressed. Don’t all creative types struggle with mental health issues?! We decided to look into it. News flash – most people in the entertainment business have mental health challenges, but no one is really talking about it. So we started a podcast where we talk to creatives and see what their inner world is like and how they cope.

We thought the podcast would be a good place to examine our own mental struggles and laugh about them (we are comedians, that’s just what we do). As performers, we like discussing these things openly, and our goal is that regular people will identify with our struggles and those of our guests. There are obviously so many comedy podcasts, and so many mental health podcasts, but none that looked at mental health through a comedic lens. So we started, That’s So Mental to help people feel less alone and bring some levity to tough topics.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
That’s So Mental Podcast is hosted by Ilana Cohn Sullivan and Cristina Fernandez.

ILANA: HI, I’m Ilana. I went to school for filmmaking on the east coast then moved to LA, quickly got into the improv comedy scene and I’ve been working in Comedy here for over 20 years in all kinds of capacities; as a writer, director, actor, creator, show runner (Overdue for AwesomenessTV, 4th Period Lunch for Mondo Media). I also have a lifetime struggle with depression. Aside from some stand up bits, it’s not something I spoke openly about until co-creating TSM with Cristina, but it’s been so freeing and illuminating to discuss these struggles openly with so many creative folks and mental health professionals.

CRISTINA:
I’m a classically trained actor but I’ve always leaned towards comedy and comedic work. Because of having kids, then the pandemic, I started really focusing on making my own work, as a way to battle the blues of waiting by the phone as a performer and it really changed my whole trajectory and the scope of my career. I moved into standup and writing, I created my own solo shows, then rediscovered clown and physical theater, and eventually moved into directing. So, I feel like a jack of all trades when it comes to entertaining, and I like it that way. I think it’s the only way to keep at it when things get a bit unsteady, which they always do in this business. That’s essentially how I also see the podcast- as another extension of myself and the raw material I work with that takes on different forms.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
We have learned so many lessons through hosting this podcast, it’s been a real gift. We had a great discussion with guest Ingrid Haas about rupture and repair. Ruptures in relationships are inevitable and the key to moving forward in a loving way and avoiding resentments and further issues is repair – Just SAY YOU’RE SORRY! It goes a long way. Sometimes even just acknowledging someone else’s experience feels crucial. And listening but not fixing. Asking the person if they want feedback or just someone to listen to them vent also goes a long way. These are tools and lessons that come up frequently. We hope these are good reminders to hear from our guests.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
ILANA: This podcast has been a big bolster for the two of us. We both struggle with depression and are now using it as a way to connect with others. It’s been healing to be so open about topics that can be considered taboo.

CRISTINA: I also feel like it can be healing to look at difficult subject matter with a touch of humor. It makes things lighter and sometimes easier to look at. And to know everyone struggles at some point. I feel like being vulnerable about my more painful experiences has softened me to others and expanded my capacity for empathy and understanding.

ILANA: I had a wild experience two years ago, while in a deep bout of depression, where I used an alternative modality of healing (plant therapy) that went so wrong. When I made it home from Costa Rica it was very hard to talk about, as I basically experienced a long bout of psychosis. However, this experience ultimately lead me to sobriety and to co-creating this podcast, so it’s been a very empowering journey.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
CRISTINA: Not necessarily specific to our industry, but more to life in general -or rather all industries: it’s easy when you look around and see wildly successful people to idealize them and think that they don’t have struggles. When the truth is, everyone, at some point or another, has struggled. It’s not an overt lie but it’s easy to assume that these very public facing figures have near perfect lives, or have had it easy.

ILANA: Social media is a big contributor to this altered version of reality. Watching the highlight reels doesn’t give the whole picture. So don’t get caught in compare and despair. Know that that gorgeous puppy that your friend just brought home is waking them up all night long and has probably ruined all of your friend’s carpets.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
This podcast! We joke – but truly we know this is going to take time to really grow. However, if you’re looking to advertise, we are actively seeking sponsors.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Editorial Photos by Marta Méndez Cross.
Podcast Artwork by Will Allan.

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