Meet Becky Feldman | Writer, Performer, and Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Becky Feldman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Becky, how do you think about risk?
I will say this — I am a naturally risk-averse person. So in that respect any risk that I ever took (or ever will take) is arguably pretty significant for me. Because a lot of the times, my choice to take a risk came from what (to me) were high stakes situations, particularly like how something was affecting my mental health. The decisions I made have led me on a journey to living with more authenticity — I wouldn’t be who I am now if it weren’t for me taking a chance on something. I guess it’s bittersweet that I had to deal with some tough emotional obstacles in order to take those risks, but now I’m starting to realize that I am lucky I did.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m an alum of the UCB Theatre, having written and performed on house teams and directed monthly shows. I’ve had the pleasure of being a staff writer on two kids animated shows and as, an actor, I’ve appeared on Broad City, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. I host the romance novel podcast called “Too Stupid to Live” where I review romance novels $5 and under (the weirder the better.) The show also has special episodes where I interview up-and-coming and established authors and other figures in the romance novel community.

My most recent and current project is my solo show called “Tight: A Night of Painfully Sexy Stories” where I tell true stories about my search for sexual pleasure despite struggling with sexual dysfunction. I have chronic pelvic pain — a subject that not a lot of people talk about but a subject that many people are affected by.

I had my own unique journey in finding a sense of empowerment amidst pain, having done some things that may make my mom blush. (Who am I kidding? It did. She saw it.) The show originally started as individual stories that I had written in storytelling classes and shared at various shows in Los Angeles.

It was always my goal to do a solo storytelling show, and this part of my life’s journey has always been a secret. So I was at odds about whether or not I wanted to share this on stage. But taking the risk to be raw and open with the audience has been so rewarding to me. People really do connect when you’re vulnerable and I’m reminded of that every time I perform. For the 20+ years I’ve been dealing with this, I’ve felt so isolated from the rest of the world. But it wasn’t until I got on stage all by myself that I found myself feeling less alone off of it. The feedback I’ve received from people with similar issues or journeys means everything to me.

I like to think that if we all have bodies then maybe we all have struggles that we’ve kept to ourselves because of some sort of stigma. It’s a lot to carry, and my goal is to help people realize that they’re not alone whether or not they choose to disclose with others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well as an Eastsider and terrible driver, I am partial to Frogtown and the LA River. I find being near water to be very relaxing. And as 16-year resident of Los Angeles, I’ve been to the Atlantic Ocean more than the Pacific Ocean, so I’m clearly not much of a beach person. Look, I just like the LA River. It’s like the underdog of rivers. I’m always rooting for it. I know there isn’t like a “best river” contest or anything, but whenever I walk along the path I’m always like, “You keep doing your thing, buddy.” So I guess if you’re ever in Frogtown and see a woman giving a river unnecessary affirmations, it’s me.

Lately I’ve been recommending the Academy Museum to people. I will say I did underestimate it when it was first opening. I was expecting it to be like Hollywood/Highland but next to LACMA. But when I finally went, I was blown away by the amount of history and information it has. I loved it.

In terms of bookstores, I’ll add my name to the many romance readers who suggest the Ripped Bodice in Culver City. If you read romance, the place is heaven. And if you don’t read romance, go there and buy a book and start reading romance. As someone who has forced the most non-romantic people to read a romance novel for her podcast, there is a book out there that will speak to you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Is it okay if I have multiple shoutouts?

First and foremost, my family and friends. I would also like to shoutout to Tight Lipped, an organization that advocates for the respectful treatment of those with chronic pelvic pain. We’re currently growing an LA chapter. (You can find more information here: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTc1NDA2). I also would like to give a shoutout to Dance Dance Party Party Los Angeles – a monthly judgement-free dance party for people of marginalized genders, including women, non-binary people, and other gender nonconforming people, who have lived experiences of misogyny. https://ddppla.com/

Website: beckyfeldman.com

Instagram: beckles212

Twitter: beckles212

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becky.feldman.1

Other: https://www.tight-show.com/ tstlpodcast.com (podcast website) podcast social – @tstlpodcast on twitter and instagram

Image Credits
Performance Images by Sona Katarina Headshots by Gregory Wallace