Meet Jamie Pawlik

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamie Pawlik a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jamie, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Mental health is both incredibly pervasive and deeply personal—a subjective hurdle we each must navigate in our own way. My own journey has taken many forms, and I’ve come to believe that while we all share certain “ingredients” for overcoming hardship, the recipe is unique for everyone.
For a long time, my mental health struggles paralyzed my creative pursuits. I felt helpless, uncertain about my goals, and convinced that everything I created had to be perfect. Eventually, I surrendered to the truth that perfection is not only unrealistic, but also quite boring. I’ve since redirected my energy toward progress, humor, and joy. In every endeavor, I remind myself that I’m still learning, still shaping my path—and that I don’t need to have all the answers.
Maybe this realization comes with age: no one really knows what they’re doing. You just have to stay open, vulnerable, brave, and perhaps a little foolish to make things happen.
I now believe that any pain we experience is, in its own way, a call to communicate hope to others. My pain has become my greatest source of empathy and creativity. I often feel like an underwater explorer—the deeper I’ve ventured into my own depths, the more meaningful it feels to resurface and share what I’ve found. Through that process, I’ve learned to champion the messy humanity I’ve witnessed—in all its chaos and beauty. Depression convinces us we’re alone, but we’re not. We’re bound by an invisible thread—suffering is universal, and connection is what pulls us through.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a playwright, producer, and actor based in New York. I recently wrote a play called I EAT BOYS, a feral comedy about women wrestling with their compulsion to consume men—both figuratively and literally. When Ellie eats her boyfriend, she checks into an unconventional support group, where cravings are primal, recovery is chaotic, and the wounds run deep. The play is ultimately an ode to recovery and the complex, messy journey of healing.
In addition, I am the co-founder of Kind Strangers, a theater collective dedicated to amplifying voices that are often overlooked in the crowded NYC arts landscape. Our mission is to create a space where collaboration thrives, and where artists can come together to share work that excites, challenges, and inspires us.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three things that have guided me are love, perseverance, and humor. Love—for the people, the stories, and the work itself—keeps me connected and inspired. Perseverance allows me to continue through disappointment, setbacks, and doubt. And humor reminds me to approach even the darkest or most difficult moments with a sense of fun and lightheartedness. Humor is the key.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents gave me a wonderful perspective from a young age. My childhood was full of turmoil and loss, but whenever these challenges arose, my parents tried to open my mind to new and exciting experiences. They introduced me to great literature, brilliant BBC comedies, musicals, and a world far bigger than our immediate struggles. I think this was a huge part of my development, helping me realize just how vast the world is and how small our problems can feel in the long run. And that of course, it’s ok to laugh even when we are the brink of wanting to cry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jamiegorepawlik.com
• Instagram: jamiegorepawlik
• Other: I EAT BOYS.
  I EAT BOYS is a feral comedy about women battling their compulsion to consume men—figuratively and literally. When Ellie eats her boyfriend, she checks into an unconventional support group—where the cravings are primal, the recovery is chaotic, and the wounds run deep.
  I EAT BOYS runs November 18th and November 19th at 7pm at Royal Family Productions. Get your tickets on Broadway World or follow our instagram @Ieatboysplay

Image Credits

Amanda Whiteley
Jonathan Wright