The Smoke Break
A Comedy Show Highlight
by: Reese Hendrik + Zane Thomas
We can all use a breather from time to time…
Whether that’s a lunch break, a break from reality or just a regular ol’ smoke break (or toke break), everyone needs a reset to recharge the mental; Enter: “The Smoke Break,” a podcast for people who don’t like talking about mental health. Join hosts, Zane Thomas and Zoë Schwartz, as they spark conversation with comics, musicians, and community members, sharing lived experiences and more.
Episodes premier on Shady Pines Radio and Pretty Dope Xperience Radio every Sunday from 9-10am. Go download the app today! New episodes drop Monday on Spotify and Wednesday on YouTube at 6pm.
Intro by: Nonamelame17
Here’s an excerpt from the life of host Zane Thomas
that exemplifies the kind of content they discuss on the show:
Reaching out is hard.
Especially when you’re afraid of feeling stupid — And if you have ever reached out to the wrong person, you’ve probably felt a little stupid.
Many people think seeking support means, “crying out for help.” Hell even if it were, what’s wrong with that?
An old friend once said to me:
“Crying out is what babies do when they don’t know how to communicate what’s wrong.”
…and what’s wrong is we’re all on the verge of losing our housing.
What’s wrong is we keep losing people we love.
What’s wrong is I just bought white shoes and I already got mud on them.
Who can say which is worse?
But whatever your reason for needing a little extra support, being able to reach out to community is important.
If I could leave you with one thing in regards to asking for help it would be this;
Start by saying:
“Do you have space right now?”
What you’re asking for is rarely a problem. It’s the timing and context that create the challenges.
But if you give someone the chance to say “Yes I have space” or “No, I’m fighting space pirates!”
You give them the opportunity to be honest about their ability to show up for you.
Every time you ask for support, you’re showing up to someone else’s mental home with emotional baggage.
Much like you wouldn’t walk in and assume it’s cool to start unpacking wherever, you should also check if they have the emotional space... or even time.
I don’t mind company…
What I do mind is unannounced company that expect me to entertain them just because they showed up…
It’s okay to reach out, just read the room!
— Zane Thomas
The Session is in!
You don’t have to drudge through your mental health journey alone;
It’s always more fun to air out your mental health issues with strangers in public!
“The Session” is a live podcast recording of “The Smoke Break” shot on the last Saturday of every month at Haymaker.
April’s show takes place on Saturday the 29th from 3-5pm
$10 presale tickets $15 at the door.
The show will include conversations with mental health professionals, stand up comedy, and live musical performances. 10% of ticket sales will go to “Little Sisters Foundation,” a charity working to provide resources to those affected by human trafficking and domestic violence.
This months guests:
Jasmine Nothing - MH Professional
Laryssa Birdseye - Musical Guest
Kyle Adams - Comedian
Amanda Lynn Deal - Comedian
If you can’t make the show, don’t fret! Episodes of The Smoke Break premier on Shady Pines Radio and Pretty Dope Xperience Radio every Sunday from 9-10am. Go download the app today!
New episodes drop Monday on Spotify and Wednesday on YouTube at 6pm.
About The Hosts:
Zoë Schwartz is a Portland based comic who has performed around the northwest. She produces the monthly Comedy at WildCraft showcase in Eugene, and is a cohost of The Smoke Break podcast…
Zane is a rapper, comedian, and co-host of the mental health podcast, The Smoke Break on Shady Pines Radio and Pretty Dope Xperience Radio. Operating out of Portland, Oregon, Zane Thomas performs a hip-hop act that combines elements of stand-up comedy and storytelling to create a unique experience. His music often delves into difficult subject matter but it’s often balanced by an uplifting point of view or a poorly timed pun. You might laugh. You might cry. You might do both at the same time. But either way, you’ll feel a little less alone.
If you’re looking for mental and behavioral health services in Multnomah County, click this link for access to services in your area.
by Reese Hendrik
Reese Hendrik is a Portland based comedian and the operator of LaughsPDX + Senior Editor of the blog. He also hosts Science Factual on Shady Pines Radio.