Evolving With Your Alter Ego featuring Ruby Marez

This week I want to acknowledge the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles, which also happens to be home to this week’s guest, actress, drag king and comedian, Ruby Marez. Ruby shares her incredible journey of using humor and play to heal trauma. She opens up about her clowning and drag king persona Ramón. We talk about how embodying this alter ego has transformed her life and inspired a stage show built to entertain and educate. She also opens up about the ways she uses this alter ego to address trauma, self-judgment, and emotional healing in her personal life as well.  Ruby also discusses nervous system regulation techniques and offers supportive advice for those feeling stressed or dysregulated, especially about the wildfires. The episode also touches on Ruby's community initiatives and workshops aimed at educating people on wellness and housing rights. Ruby also introduces practical exercises for nervous system regulation—perfect for anyone feeling the weight of the world right now. Tune in for an episode that's as enlightening as it is entertaining.  Show Notes 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:05 Trigger Warnings and Coping Strategies 02:37 Interview with Ruby Marez Begins 02:59 Experiencing the Fires in Los Angeles 05:09 Navigating Trauma and Nervous System Regulation 07:01 Personal Stories of Displacement and Resilience 16:27 Creating Art from Adversity 18:42 Developing the Ramón Character 19:23 Spiritual Cheerleading 101 25:50 Therapeutic Insights and Audience Engagement 28:47 Embracing Emotions: The Key to Joy and Peace 29:00 Connecting with Diverse Audiences 29:30 The Universal Need for Emotional Education 30:34 College Students and Emotional Awareness 31:53 The Power of Performance and Presence 32:23 Overcoming Stage Anxiety 32:55 The Role of Somatic Practices in Healing 34:24 Acting and Auditioning: A Journey of Self-Acceptance 35:13 Understanding Rejection in the Acting World 36:06 The Importance of Self-Compassion 38:43 Creating a Supportive Inner Voice 41:14 The Therapeutic Power of Alter Egos 47:58 Practical Exercises for Self-Kindness 53:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts