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Welcome to my imperfect email.

As always, every week, we’ll send a question that will help you reflect on your own imperfect life, inspired by this week’s episode.

Literally and metaphorically, Shane Jacobson understands the shits and the giggles of life.

A true joy to have in the studio, this episode feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Stay regular,

Bell

Bell Northeast

what is a moment of kindness that you will always remember?

We'd love to hear your answer to this question. If you're in the mood to get vulnerable and share your writing, send it through.

Send in your answer

Permission to Laugh

With Shane Jacobson

How do you make sure your kids are proud of who they are?

Propelled to international stardom after the release of Kenny, Shane Jacobson’s overnight success was years in the making.

Joining us in the studio, Shane is incredibly generous in sharing the cataclysmic impact that humour and laughter has had on his life from a young age.

Now at the age where he has attended more funerals than 21st’s, Shane talks about his realisation that he is in for the long mourn, and why he allows himself to feel joy during times of intense grief. Sharing a giggle at a funeral? Absolutely.

In a beautiful moment of connection with Hugh, Shane chats about parenting the ‘premium package’ (his neurodivergent child).

Shane, this was incredibly joyful.

Watch now

5 ways to be a warmer person*

Slow down your first interaction with someone.
_{try eye contact, saying their name, and pausing to acknowledge their presence}
Assume everyone is going through something hard
_{soften your tone, soften your face, and worst case scenario, you’re just being kind.}
Give specific examples of what you love about someone
~~Say it with chest.~~ Body language is important
_{turn towards someone, put your phone away, and be expressive with your face.}
Finish the interaction with intention.
_{before leaving the conversation, acknowledge something important that the other person has told you.}

(1:20:00 - 1:30:29)

_{*other than wearing a jacket.}

Want to know what you value? Our very own psychologist, Dr Emily has created a simple guide to help you uncover your values.

And because we value you so much, we’re going to give it to you for free.*

*All you have to do is share this newsletter with just one other person.

As soon as they sign up, you’ll get the worksheet straight in your inbox.

Click here to share

Or send them your unique signup link: {{rp_refer_url}}

what is something you know to be true

One truth I know is that I have had the song ‘Kitchen’ by Ruby Fields stuck in my head for weeks on end.

No matter what other music I have listened to, it keeps popping up and being put on repeat. Specifically, this part of the chorus - “You’ve got my back mate, you know I like coffee instead of tea, you hate the things that I hate, and that’s just fine with me” - and one other line that circles around less often but just as strongly - “I won’t get tired of waking up next to you”.

Luckily, it’s a song that I love, and pairs a beautiful sound with a beautiful meaning.

That’s a pretty simple truth but it has reflected where my head is at right now and helped me uncover a deeper truth that is sitting with me at the moment - I am seeking that person to wake up next to. Seeking someone that has my back, knows me, and someone that I feel completely content with. Even in my last relation/situation-ship that I felt dearly for and still miss, I did not feel content.

I’m currently surrounded by relationships. All three of my best friends are in long-term relationships that I see so much love, joy, and connection within. Their partners are often the first thought and the topic of many conversations - good/bad/inbetween. The same situation extends to all of my social circles as well. Even while I have confidence in saying I have these three best friends, that I am so connected with my family, that I have people around me that care - I still feel this sense of loneliness. I genuinely just want to be someone else's first thought.

I’ve kept asking myself why I want this connection. Is it because I feel left out and just want in? Is it because I am craving connection + affection? Is it because I want a different form of challenge? I’m still not sure about the answer to that question.

I just feel like there is something missing. My mind keeps being drawn towards someone. Anyone. I have caught myself searching for a hint/chance/opportunity in so many situations. Being at the gym and making eye contact more than once - could this be it?!? Searching for romance in friendships when it does not exist. And even if there is a chance, I’m found to hold myself back. Overthink. Make excuses. Avoid. ‘Oh but what if I get rejected? This could be so embarrassing. I don’t even know what to say. It would be easier not to. I don’t want to interrupt them.’ Etc. Etc. Etc. It leads to me never even finding out.

I find it incredibly draining to be on this search. It's a cycle of being tired from searching, continuing to search, having an opportunity (real or fantasy), thinking about saying something, not saying something, sitting in regret, being annoyed at myself for still searching, telling myself I need to let this go, and repeating it all over again.

I keep wondering if someone else would even fill this ‘missing piece’ of me that I am feeling. I also wonder if I’m in a position to be with someone right now - the mental capacity is pretty full I tell you what. There are other questions (for another time) that play a role such as limerence and my connection to affection, yet it keeps coming back to that idea of someone.

One last thing I know to be true is that this will be a challenge I overcome, and one that I will only be better for. I do not know how long it will take to overcome, but I know I will, no matter how hard it feels right now. If something is meant to be, it will be there for me at the right time. Sending some love to you all.

Kieran