Explore every episode of the podcast Mentor Buffet

David Greene is a longtime journalist who for many years was the host of NPR’s Morning Edition. On this episode of Mentor Buffet, he joins host Alexi Pappas for a conversation about their moms, who both struggled with depression and passed away when they were young. How do you know what to do when you’re a kid? How does my relationship to my mother affect my current relationships? What is the nature of love? David, whose journalism has taken him to active warzones and has allowed him to spend time with world leaders, shares advice he got early in his career that he still holds onto. Alexi and David also talk about not fitting in.  Add a comfy pair of Merrell's to your rotation with 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET2026 at https://merrell.com. Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Visit https://goodr.com/mentorbuffet to claim $10 off their first order.

Creative icon Marta Pozzan joins host Alexi Pappas to talk about femininity, what it means to be your true self, and why creation is her orientation toward the world. Marta and Alexi discuss their childhoods, and what it feels like for them to be alone. Marta shares a story about an influential early mentor of hers working at a magazine in Italy. Marta also shares her style icons and about the roles she gravitates toward as an actress. She explains why she sees the truth as a responsibility, why she’s not afraid of the work, and why she doesn’t stress about knowing exactly what comes next.  Marta’s new movie Perfumania (Fior Di Latte), which she produced and starred in, is now screening all over the world: https://www.instagram.com/perfumaniamovie/ Add a comfy pair of Merrell's to your rotation with 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET2026 at https://merrell.com. Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Visit https://goodr.com/mentorbuffet to claim $10 off their first order. Visit GoBrewing.com/alexi50 for 50% first beer club subscription order with code ALEXI50. If recovery is something you know you should be taking more seriously, visit therabody.com and use the code MENTORBUFFET at checkout for 15% off one product of your choice.

Alexi answers listeners' advice questions about being busy, comparing yourself to others, and trying new things. She also offers tips on how to avoid your emails going to the junk folder, how to quit shoplifting, and how to tell your friend bring her dog everywhere is not the vibe. For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com.

Kristen Faulkner, the two-time Olympic champion cyclist, joins host and fellow Olympian Alexi Pappas to discuss the decision of leaving her thriving career in venture capital in favor of her Olympic dream. Kristen is somebody who can change: She grew up in Alaska and then moved to New York City, she rowed for Harvard and then took up cycling, she left her prestigious job in favor of something with no security. More than winning, she values the satisfaction of evolving as a person in order to achieve her goals. This episode of Mentor Buffet is especially suited for you if you’re hesitant to embark on a new journey—whether that’s career, fitness, or anything else, because Kristen cherishes the beginning. Kristen also recounts her Olympic experience. She originally wasn’t slated to race. And then she won gold. This episode is full of advice and inspiration.   For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com.  If recovery is something you know you should be taking more seriously, visit therabody.com and use the code MENTORBUFFET at checkout for 15% off one product of your choice. Your body (and goals!) will thank you! Terms and conditions apply.

Dan LaMorte, comedian and ultramarathoner, joins host Alexi Pappas to discuss mentorship (and the lack of mentorship) in the comedy world. He encourages us to sit in the presence of suffering without trying to numb it. All experiences are good, even painful ones. He shares what it’s been like going through his divorce, talks about his love for running, and shares how important his family’s been in his life. Alexi and Dan talk about respecting their audiences and what artistic integrity means to them. They recount running the half marathon at the LA marathon together. Dan names Ram Dass and Mitch Hedberg as mentor figures. He even cracks a joke or two.   For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com.    Visit GoBrewing.com/alexi50 for 50% first beer club subscription order with code ALEXI50  If recovery is something you know you should be taking more seriously, visit therabody.com and use the code MENTORBUFFET at checkout for 15% off one product of your choice. Your body (and goals!) will thank you! Terms and conditions apply.

Alexi answers listeners' advice questions about confidence, cohabitating with the in-laws, and how to break a bad habit.

Jacqueline Novak is a comedian and writer and actor. Her show “Get On Your Knees” was a smash hit and in 2024 it became a Netflix comedy special. On this episode of Mentor Buffet, Jacqueline and Alexi discuss mentorship in the abstract. They offer hypotheses about what their purposes might be. They discuss their systems of motivation. Jacqueline shares how she got into comedy and what makes a project worthwhile to her. Jacqueline asks Alexi about long distance running. Jacqueline expresses her gratitude for having creative agony. It’s a beautiful conversation, unlike any other episodes of Mentor Buffet.   Jacqueline is on tour now through May performing comedy. You can find a show coming to your city on jokesnovak.com.   Follow Mentor Buffet on Instagram, www.instagram.com/mentorbuffet  For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com. If recovery is something you know you should be taking more seriously, visit therabody.com and use the code MENTORBUFFET at checkout for 15% off one product of your choice. Your body (and goals!) will thank you! Terms and conditions apply.

Olympic bronze medalist Molly Seidel joins host Alexi Pappas on Mentor Buffet to discuss her transition into the ultramarathon. She shares about the process of getting in touch with what she actually wants, and how she’s come to break her old pattern of doing what she thinks other people expect of her—both in her running career and in her relationships. She talks about why she’s attracted to the infinite unknown of the trails, and explains how she came to realize that no single moment of success would ever fix her problems. The girls also discuss what it means to be a good friend and talk about how they’ve been there for each other the past few years.  For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com.   If recovery is something you know you should be taking more seriously, visit therabody.com and use the code MENTORBUFFET at checkout for 15% off one product of your choice. Your body (and goals!) will thank you! Terms and conditions apply. Visit GoBrewing.com/alexi50 for 50% first beer club subscription order with code ALEXI50.

Pat Regan is a TV writer for the hit shows Hacks and Overcompensating. He co-hosts the podcast Seek Treatment with Cat Cohen. He's writing a book right now. On this episode of Mentor Buffet, he joins host Alexi Pappas to talk about the very beginning: dreaming of writing for TV, not talking for his entire freshman year of high school, making the boys on the track team laugh for the first time—and then later, how he got into comedy, what it was like moving to LA in his mid-30s, and what it's been like working as a writer in Hollywood. The conversation is about what it means to find your voice and chase your dreams even when you don't know if you're necessarily moving toward them. Pat's a lit crazy genius and he'll make you laugh. If recovery is something you know you should be taking more seriously, visit therabody.com and use the code MENTORBUFFET at checkout for 15% off one product of your choice. Your body (and goals!) will thank you! Terms and conditions apply. For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com. Follow Mentor Buffet on Instagram: https://instagram.com/mentorbuffet

Alexi answers listeners' questions about how to combat disillusionment, how to deal with crumbling New Year's Resolutions, and how to choose whose advice to trust.

Social media star Victoria Paris joins host Alexi Pappas on Mentor Buffet to discuss her internet origin story and how her relationship to social media has changed over time. Victoria shares about how positive her relationship with her girlfriend Nico has been the past few years and how she’s grown as a person because of it. Victoria also talks about why Bethany Frankel is an icon to her. She shares killer advice she got from her friend Noah Miller. And she explains why that white man is not your mentor.   For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com. Visit www.gobrewing.com/alexi for 15% off your next order. Follow Mentor Buffet on Instagram: https://instagram.com/mentorbuffet.

Rainn Wilson joins host Alexi Pappas for the second time on Mentor Buffet, this time to discuss spiritual tools for modern living. Rainn shares his path to spirituality in his 20s living in New York in the 90s. Rainn says the question, “What are we really paying attention to?” is really to ask “What are we really worshipping?” They discuss screentime, the billboards in Calabasas, and why young people are in a hope deficit. Rainn also introduces The Soulboom Workbook, his new book that’s out now, that offers a program for getting in touch with your spirituality. For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com. Follow Mentor Buffet on Instagram at https://instagram.com/mentorbuffet

Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS shoes, joins host Alexi Pappas to share advice he’s learned on the path of creating purpose-driven business and along his healing journey. Blake shares advice he’s learned from his dad, from Sarah Blakely the founder of Spanx, from his therapist Dr. Dan, and others. Blake shares what it means to be ENOUGH and shares his new bracelet with Alexi. Blake and Alexi both share stories from the lows of their Depressions and talk about how they climbed out. Blake also urges listeners to try talking to themselves in the future.  For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com. Follow Mentor Buffet on Instagram: https://instagram.com/mentorbuffet.

Alexi answers listeners’ questions about how to parent a crazy kid, how to get what you want, and how to move on after chasing a dream and coming up short. Follow Mentor Buffet on Instagram: https://instagram.com/mentorbuffet.   For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com.

Cam Hanes is a world-class bowhunter. On this episode of Mentor Buffet, he joins host Alexi Pappas to express his gratitude for his grandmother who created a safe-haven for him in his younger years, and his late friend Roy who is his number-1 hunting partner, the man who really believed in Cam, and the guy he could tell anything to. Cam shares why it’s important to him to have a close relationship to pain, why he likes to live on the edge, and what it really means to be reliable to others. Cam and Alexi also recount the Oregon hunting trip they went on together last month. This is a beautiful unfiltered conversation between two friends you’ll be glad you listened to.  For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com. Visit www.gobrewing.com/alexi for 15% off your next order.  Follow Mentor Buffet on Instagram at https://instagram.com/mentorbuffet Cam’s new book “Undeniable: How To Reach The Top And Stay There” is available for order now at https://www.amazon.com/Undeniable-How-Reach-Stay-There/dp/1250365945

Cooper Raiff, the writer, director, and lead actor of Shit House, Cha Cha Real Smooth, and now Hal and Harper, which is now streaming on Mubi, joins host Alexi Pappas to discuss what it means to make true art, how he develops relationships with his characters, and what a good mentor looks like. He shares about his relationship with his mentor Jay Duplass, who he met because he emailed him a short film he made during his spring break freshman year of college. Cooper also talks about what it means to get rid of fear. He shares about his ideal creative process. And he says he trusts in the universe. For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com. Follow Mentor Buffet on Instagram at http://instagram.com/mentorbuffet

The amazing Gabby Reece joins Alexi on Mentor Buffet and shares so much wisdom it'll knock your socks off. For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com. Follow Mentor Buffet on Instagram at https://instagram.com/mentorbuffet.

Alexi answers listeners' advice questions about dealing with anxiety and getting out of a toxic relationship.

Ryan Holiday, the writer who has popularized stoicism among millions of readers today, joins host Alexi Pappas for the second consecutive episode of Mentor Buffet to share about the very beginning—from sandbagging on the high school cross country team, to being promised a job that didn’t exist at a talent agency, to dropping out of college not certain about where his path was leading him. One thing’s been true: Ryan has kept it moving forward. Ryan recounts the earliest days of his writing career, discusses discipline, and talks about why he rarely writes about himself in his books. Ryan also shares about his relationship with Rich Roll and talks about what he’s learned from being a parent.  Ryan’s new book Wisdom Takes Work is out now. Ryan talks about the book on the other episode of Mentor Buffet, titled RYAN HOLIDAY: Wisdom Takes Work.  For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com. Follow Mentor Buffet on Instagram at https://instagram.com/mentorbuffet. 

Ryan Holiday, the writer who has popularized the ideas of stoicism among millions of people, joins host Alexi Pappas to talk about his mentors from history. From the Roman Empire, Ryan calls on Marcus Aurelius, Hadrian, and Antoninus, but he also calls on legendary basketball coach Gregg Popovich, the writer Joan Didion, Florence Nightingale the mother of modern nursing, and Michel de Montaigne, the french philosopher. Ryan believes our greatest mentors can be found in books. He also shares about why he was first attracted to stoicism, what it means to him now, and how it could help us all.  For a limited time, we’re partnering with Merrell to give you an exclusive offer of 25% off your first purchase using the code MENTORBUFFET25 when you checkout on Merrell.com.  You can find Alexi's favorite Merrell shoes and gear at merrell.com/alexi. Mentor Buffet has teamed up with Square. Go to  square.com/go/mentorbuffet to learn more about how your business can grow with Square.

Alexi is back with another episode of Help Me Please, where she answers listeners' advice questions—about receiving criticism, finding or creating your dream job, and when to break off a marriage. Alexi also shares an update on her running.

Zack Bornstein, the writer and director and comedian, joins host Alexi Pappas to talk about the beginning of his creative career in Hollywood and the lessons he’s since learned along the way. Zack emphasizes that creative output holds all the answers. Make more work and your voice will reveal itself. Zack also shares about mentors of his, including the writers and directors Jonathan Groff and Bill Lawrence.  Check out http://merrell.com/alexi for Alexi’s collection of Merrell products. 

Nicole McLaughlin, the prolific upcycler and fashion designer, joins host Alexi Pappas on Mentor Buffet to discuss her creative process, the importance of spending time alone, and how she worked up the courage to make a big leap and change her whole life—from working a mostly predictable corporate job at Reebok, to launching her own business and career, completely on her own terms. This conversation is about creating something that didn’t exist before.  If you love Mentor Buffet, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill out the audience survery: http://voicingchange.media/mentorbuffet Shop Alexi’s Merrell collection: http://merrell.com/alexi Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/mentorbuffet

Alexi answers listener advice questions about helping people who don’t want to be helped, how to make a big change, and how to fix the problems that football can cause within a marriage. Alexi also shares an update on her running. 

Alexi sits down with a real life mentor: filmmaker and cross country kid Jay Duplass. Jay shares about what he does to protect his creativity, dispels myths about making money as a filmmaker, and shares what he admires about indie filmmaking icon Richard Linklater. Jay also tells the story of how he unexpectedly began his acting career and shares an on-set ritual that puts entire film crews at ease. And finally, Jay is a mentor to many young filmmakers—like Cooper Raiff, the director of Shit House and Cha Cha Real Smooth—and he shares what that’s looked like. Among other things—Alexi and Jay vibe like crazy. Tune in for a great hour long conversation between two friends. If you love Mentor Buffet, we'd love to hear from you. Please fill out our Audience Survey: ⁠⁠http://voicingchange.media/mentorbuffet⁠⁠ If you love the show, follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/mentorbuffet Check out Alexi's Merrell collection: http://www.merrell.com/alexi

The photographer Sinna Nasseri joins host Alexi Pappas after shooting their Outside Magazine cover together. They reflect on the shoot and talk about believing in potential, following a feeling with curiosity, and believing The Universe is good. Sinna also shares about how he changed his life—abandoning his career as a lawyer to pursue photography. They discuss the differences between observing and concluding, what's real and what's not, and how to change your default settings. Check out Alexi's Merrell collection: www.merrell.com/alexi If you love Mentor Buffet, we'd love to hear from you. Please fill out our Audience Survey: http://voicingchange.com/mentorbuffet Check out what we're doing with Square at: www.Square.com/go/mentorbuffet

Alexi takes a break from her routine at training camp in Mammoth to give some advice to Bella Chao. Alexi and Bella are 10 years apart in age and both ran for Dartmouth College.

Victoria Garrick Browne is a USC volleyball player turned mental health advocate turned social media icon who has been recognized by Forbes 30 under 30 for her work. She has chosen to broadcast her mental health online. On this episode of Mentor Buffet, Victoria sits down with Alexi to share her story and about a mentor who really helped her when she was struggling. The girls discuss what it means to be real, how to decide what to share and what not to share, and if everything is a simulation and what that means.

Keira D'Amato took 10 years off running and then broke the American Records in both the half marathon and marathon. On this episode of Mentor Buffet, she talks about what led to her decision to go for it again, talks how she changed her relationship to running this time around, and what it feels like to make a big change. Keira talks about how she learned to prioritize herself and shares stories about her coaches Scott Roscoe and Matthew Centrowitz Sr. She reads a text from Joan Benoit Samuelson the night before the Olympic Trials Marathon. And she talks about her new book, Don’t Call It A Comeback, which is out in the world and ready for you to read.

The filmmaker Bao Nguyen joins Alexi to talk about various mentors throughout his life, all of who have influenced how he sees his art—from an important middle school teacher to a Sundance-winning director. Shoutouts to Miss Tripp, Miss Grossman, Jeff Chang, Tony Bui, and Tran Anh Hung.

Alexi answers listeners' advice questions about making a big change in your life, dealing with an audience, and moving cities. She also shares what she's learning pitching a TV show.

Alexi Pappas is joined by Lesley Paterson who is the Oscar-winning screenwriter of All Quiet on the Western Front and a world champion triathlete. She shares about her late husband Simon Marshall and other important people in her life.

Alexi answers listeners' questions about how to be high vibrational on command, how to balance striving and being present, and also one about a jealous boyfriend.

Zoey Grossman, the first photographer to ever join host Alexi Pappas on Mentor Buffet, shares about her anxiety, the relationship between her and her subjects, and the times she feels the most magic. Zoey also shares her secrets for confidence and directing advice she got from Francis Ford Coppola.

Nick Durr, the accomplished Hollywood gaffer, joins Alexi Pappas to talk about mentorship in his family. His dad and brother are also gaffers, and Nick discerns what he’s inherited from each of them from what’s only his. Nick also talks about the start of his career, a consequential family trip to Thailand, and the importance of shittalking on set. 

Alexi answers listeners' questions about accountability, codependence, and when to give up.

Angela Trimbur joins host Alexi Pappas on Mentor Buffet the day after Alexi attended one of Angela’s dance classes and cried. Angela and Alexi discuss the motivation behind her dance classes, and recap Alexi’s experience last night at “Balletcore”—Angela’s class where everybody cosplays as professional ballerinas. Angela shares what she’s learned from her icon Twyla Tharp and about how empowering her friendship has been with Miranda July. She also explains her life motto, “Bend With The Wind,” recommends four books, and explains why she cherishes the moment right before a surgery. 

Rich Roll joins Mentor Buffet host Alexi Pappas to discuss his purpose: being of service. It's a truth he's discovered in sobriety: “Your life expands in proportion to the extent to which you’re in service to other people." Orienting himself toward service has led Rich to the mentors and friends that helped him publish his book, Finding Ultra, start his podcast, and eventually launch the network, Voicing Change Media, that has fostered Mentor Buffet to life. Rich also recounts recording the first episode of The Rich Roll Podcast with his wife on a mango farm in Hawaii.  

Alexi answers listeners' advice questions about the difference between good and bad pain, being 23, and procrastination.

Matt Walsh, the comedian and actor, joins host Alexi Pappas to share some of the lessons he’s learned along the way—from his high school football coach, his biology teacher, and from his peers in the Second City comedy scene in Chicago. Matt shares about the roots of the Upright Citizens Brigade, the improv comedy group he started with his friends that eventually turned into a full-fledged school. Alexi and Matt also talk about Matt’s anxiety about scheduling trips or putting anything on the calendar, and Alexi teaches him a little trick she learned from a psychologist about our worst fears being ridiculous.

Randi Zuckerberg joins host Alexi Pappas to talk about the lessons she learned being one of the original employees of Facebook. 

Alexi answers listeners' advice questions.

Abby Wambach, the all-time highest goal scorer in soccer, joins host Alexi Pappas to talk about the lessons she learned from her teammate and mentor Mia Hamm. Abby and Alexi talk about the difference between personality and True Self, and how professional sports can encourage a safety state personality to dominate our lives. Now retired for a decade, Abby can see her behavior and her adaptations from when she was competing with clarity. Abby and Alexi also talk about how athletes can predict the future, the importance of sometimes saying No, and the Disney movie Inside Out. 

Alexi answers listener advice questions about fitting in, finding inspiration, and setting goals.

Oscar Best Picture-winning producer Alex Coco joins Alexi Pappas to talk about working with director Sean Baker through his whole career, on Florida Project in 2017, Red Rocket in 2021, and now Anora, which just won five Academy Awards. Alexi’s conversation with Alex is about not having a plan. It’s the spirit he’s brought to his independent filmmaking and it’s a worldview he’s embodied, consciously or not, since he was a teenager—getting in touch with what he likes, understanding his motivation system, and deciding who to spend time around. Alex and Alexi also talk about David Lynch’s seminal masterpiece Eraserhead, how Alex stays steady among chaos, and how to honor The Film Gods.

Ian Harding, the actor, sits down with host Alexi Pappas to talk about his lifelong mentor, his Aunt Julie, who just passed away. Ian became famous overnight when he was cast in Pretty Little Liars and his whole world changed but Aunt Julie stayed the same. She taught him to embrace challenges and how to be graceful, and she gave him her presence through the ups and downs of his acting career—and his life. On this episode of Mentor Buffet, Ian and Alexi talk about all-boys boarding school, how to deal with expectation, and Lindsay Lohan—who Ian idolized as a teen teenager and then worked with her on his latest movie, Our Little Secret, which is now streaming on Netflix. 

Haley Joel Osment grew up in Hollywood, and here he shares about mentors he's had through his lifelong acting career: His dad, Robert Zemeckis, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, M Night Shymalan, The RZA, and more.

Alexi answers listeners' advice questions.

Rich Roll sits down with host Alexi Pappas and shares about some bad mentors he had when he was young. Rich habituated to not asking for help and adapted a strong sense of self reliance, which, years later, stood in his way of receiving help with his alcoholism. How he understood his greatest strength eventually proved to be a profound weakness. Rich details what it took for him to eventually receive help, how he learned to change his mind, and discusses the mentorship model in AA. He also shares about the beautiful mentorship and support he’s received from his wife Julie on the journey to understand his purpose. 

Chris Bender is the producer who brought so many movies you love to the screen, like American Pie and Final Destination. On this episode of Mentor Buffet, Chris talks about how his career has been about finding screenwriters with strong voices who were otherwise being ignored—his taste is his form of expression. Chris’s collaborators were also mentors to him—early in his career, Warren Zide helped Chris understand the business and how he wanted to approach it, and the late and great J.C. Spink, Chris’s intern-turned-business partner, who he worked with for 20 years. Chris and Alexi also talk about parenting, high school career day, and how the industry is evolving.