Nerd alert 🚨 there are some facinating research papers on the phenomenology of performing — in one moment, it can be embodied catharsis, and another, dissociative splitting. The brain regions activated and physiological reactions help signal what the real effect and impact are of "playing pretend," or keeping up a persona, for the individual. Perhaps you find yourself hiding under a persona, too. Gentle reminder, we're all just humans in progress. 💜 Alt text: Alyson talks into a microphone, wearing a yellow sweater and grey beanie.