The Gently Used Human with Dr. Scott Lyons Dr. Scott Lyons

In a world where laughter can be a balm and a mirror, the art of comedy has evolved into more than just a source of entertainment. It’s a reflection of our shared experiences, a validation of our struggles, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is room for a little levity. In this episode, Dr. Scott is joined by Manon Mathews, an actress, comedian, and social media personality whose witty humor and relatable content have captured the hearts of millions. 
With a following that spans platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, Manon has mastered the art of connecting with her audience through her comedic sketches, observational humor, and sage wisdom. Together, Dr. Scott and Manon will delve into the role of empathy in comedy, exploring how comedians have the power to reflect and mirror the experiences of their audience, creating a sense of validation and understanding. They’ll discuss the challenges of receiving validation, particularly from parents, and how authenticity can be a powerful tool for self-expression and connection.
This thoughtful conversation will also touch on the impact of generational differences, the importance of taking risks, and the significance of self-expression through mediums like dance and movement. Manon will share insights into her creative process, the influence of repetition on audience expectations, and the motivation behind creating content that resonates. Listen as they celebrate the healing power of laughter and the transformative possibilities of comedy. 
Topics We Break Down
Impressions as a love language.The challenge of being an empathic comedian. What differentiates reaction from response: the power of pausing. How parallel play can help to generate trust. What we can learn from the Validation Reflex.Debunking the myth that the post-birth experience is bliss.How to bring in the witness in your everyday life.

In a world that often demands conformity, embracing one’s true self can be a profound act of courage. In this episode, Dr. Scott is joined by spiritual revolutionary, mystic, artist, and international bestselling author, Sah D’Simone. His journey has been nothing short of transformative, and he joins us to give a glimpse into his resilient path through anxiety, depression, and addiction to making an impact by helping others through the same struggles. 
From his grassroots work in orphanages, homeless shelters and rehab centers across the world to his critically acclaimed somatic-activated healing method, Sah’s expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and the power of kinesthetic learning. Offering us a glimpse into his book, Spiritually, We: The Art of Relating and Connecting From the Heart, Sah challenges us to shift our mindset, embrace compassion, and selflessness, and understand the power of conflict in deepening intimacy in our relationships.
Dr. Scott and Sah consider what it means to cultivate the superpower of authenticity and what that means for genuine connections, and the magnetization of friendships. Sah shares his insights on the impact of code-switching, the fragmentation of self, and the journey to embracing one’s true identity. Together, they will delve into the paradox of freedom, the illusion of manifesting reality, and the true values that bring meaning to our lives. Tune in as they embrace the messiness, beauty and transformative power of living authenticity. 
Topics We Break DownFinding the freest version of your life by embracing authenticity.Find a healthy balance between your individual needs and your role in the community.Understand freedom as it relates to both yourself and your interactions with others.Recognize and appreciate people as complete beings to combat loneliness.Addressing Inner Experiences Restoratively: Deal with your inner feelings without blame, and focus on healing rather than punishment.Learn to handle conflicts and repairs in relationships to make them stronger and deeper.Mastering the art of mirroring and naming your needs to truly meet yourself and others. 

Have you ever bolted awake from a dream so vivid you had to pinch yourself back to reality, or found yourself haunted by a dream so bizarre, that you're convinced your subconscious is trying to tell you something? What is it about these night-time escapades that can feel so real, so intense, and sometimes, so utterly perplexing? Are these dreams merely our brain's nightly cleanup crew at work, or do they tap into something deeper, a universal thread weaving through the collective unconscious?
In this conversation, Dr. Scott welcomes Dr. Michael Lennox, a distinguished psychologist whose insights into the nocturnal mind are as enlightening as they are fascinating. A renowned dream expert, Dr. Lennox works to unravel the enigma of dreams and their significance in our lives. He is known for his work in dream analysis, spirituality, and personal development and has also authored several books on dream interpretation and personal growth. 
Together, they will decode the functionality of dreams, venture into the realm of the collective unconscious, and reveal how our dreams can be a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and creativity. From the eeriness of precognitive dreams to the empowerment of lucid dreaming, they’re unpacking the mysteries of what happens when we close our eyes at night.
This episode is your invitation to discover the transformative power of your dreams and how they can illuminate the darkest and most mysterious parts of your inner world. Discover the profound intersections of science, psychology, and the spirituality of dreams and investigate the intricacies of the subconscious mind.
 Topics We Break Down
The physiological function of sleep and transformative power of dreams.Learn how dreams connect us to the collective subconscious.Find out how to use dreams as a tool for personal development.Common dream interpretation pitfalls and the symbolism of dreams.Steps to unlocking the somatic healing potential of dreams.Insights into whether dreams can also predict the future.Taking control of and amplifying your lucid dreams.Explore the erotic and sensual side of dreams.Daily practices to improve the relationship with your dreams.

In this episode Dr. Scott is joined by the remarkable Amy Morin, psychotherapist and international bestselling author of '13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do'. Together, they’ll explore the foundations of mental strength—how it's about managing thoughts, regulating emotions, and choosing behaviors that align with our best selves. Amy shares powerful insights from her own life, including the death of the two people closest to her-shedding light on how to live fully in the present while honoring our past.
Together, Amy and Dr. Scott discuss individual mental resilience and the mental strength and dynamics for success within couples. Amy helps us unravel the significance of facing problems head-on, the value of transparency, and the necessity of setting healthy boundaries. In a relationship, communication is key, but it's the respect and understanding behind that communication that truly cements a partnership.
Join us as Amy Morin guides us through the principles that can fortify our minds and our connections, making us all the more resilient, empathetic, and mentally strong.
Topics We Break Down:
Understanding the difference between developing resilience and ignoring genuine feelings.Key Behaviors of Mentally Strong People: Highlighting important habits like avoiding self-pity and embracing accountability.Learning to release past attachments, even those involving loved ones, to move forward.Creating personal success criteria and choosing to learn from others instead of competing.Determining which conflicts are solvable and worth your time and energy.How secrecy can undermine trust and closeness in partnerships.

Have you ever wondered how art could stir revolution and change? Or how the art of drag transcends the bounds of entertainment to become a profound reflection on our humanity?
In this episode, Dr Scott is joined by the incomparable Peppermint, an actress, singer, songwriter, drag queen, activist, and trailblazing icon. From the stages of New York City nightclubs to the bright lights of Broadway and the fierce competition of RuPaul's Drag Race, Peppermint has not only entertained millions but also been instrumental in paving the way for open conversations about the transgender experience and activism within the LGBTQ+ community. More than a performer, Peppermint embodies courage and authenticity, using her platform to challenge misconceptions, advocate for equality, and inspire a generation.
Join us as we delve into the intersections of art and activism, exploring how Peppermint's work in the entertainment industry serves as a vehicle for change. They’ll  discuss the evolution of nightlife and its role in shaping LGBTQ+ culture, the mainstream acceptance of drag and its implications, and the concerning rise of anti-drag legislation. But it's not just about the challenges; it's about the triumphs, the joy of self-acceptance, and the power of community.
Prepare to be inspired by Peppermint’s story of transformation, resistance, and the art of turning personal trials into powerful messages of acceptance and change. It's going to be a powerful, enlightening, and undeniably fabulous episode that you won't want to miss.
Topics We Break Down:
Drag’s changing role in mainstream culture across different administrations.The conservative playbook for targeting trans people and other minorities.Systems of propaganda and discrimination across cultures.Dehumanization, reactionary politics, and coming to terms with the non-linear nature of progress.The current state of trans rights and trans justice.Media, misinformation, and the overwhelming amount of content that people have to navigate today.Rehumanization; why it’s crucial for people to have experiences with groups that are being discriminated against.Art as activism; how Peppermint is using her voice and her platform to educate others and advocate for change.

Have you ever considered how comedy can transcend its status as a form of entertainment to become a powerful tool for connection and healing? Or how a comedian's journey intertwines with personal growth, relationships, and the challenges of being a public figure?
Joining Dr Scott to discuss all things funny is Laura Clery, an actress, influencer, and comedian celebrated for her distinct style and ability to connect with millions across social media platforms. She is also the author of Idiot: Life Stories from the Creator of Help Helen Smash and Idiots: Marriage, Motherhood, Milk & Mistakes.
Together, they reflect on Laura’s journey and why laughter truly is the best medicine (in more ways than one). Laura opens up about her rise in comedy, from discovering her knack for making people laugh at a young age to mastering the art of online content creation. She delves into how comedy serves as her medicine, helping process challenging experiences and navigate the intricacies of dating and relationships.
Prepare to be entertained and enlightened as they deconstruct the power of humor in creating joy and connection, the role of social media in reaching a global audience, and the importance of self-awareness in personal and romantic relationships. Laura also shares insights into maintaining privacy as a public figure and the transformative journey of understanding one's own protective strategies and insecurities.
Join us for a conversation filled with thoughtful insights and plenty of good laughs. 
Topics We Break Down:
Systemic inequities in show business and how creating your own content can be used to reclaim power and agency.The role of fear in overthinking and the creativity that can stem from underthinking.Appreciating different types of humor and the art of making people laugh.The therapeutic effects of laughter: stimulating the vagal nervous system and its calming impact on the body.The duality of impulsivity: a source of both humor and creativity, yet also a double-edged sword.Navigating public divorce, finding humor in adversity, and exploring the triggers within romantic relationships.Deconstructing comedy's components: incongruity, timing, relief theory, status shifts, sarcasm, irony, and exaggeration.