Photography by George Gottlieb
Kiwi actor Kim Crossman has had a busy career in both the New Zealand and international showbiz scene. But after being diagnosed with depression, Crossman found herself suffering from burnout with no tools to heal. Turning to most inspiring people she knew, she launched Pretty Depressed, an unfiltered podcast series that asks people how they navigate work/life balance and mental wellbeing.
As she launches season two of Pretty Depressed, we chat with Crossman about finding inspiration in comedy, childhoods dream and her favourite hidden gem in New Zealand.
I started a podcast because… I needed to turn my recovery into a project, otherwise I would never have allocated time every week to educating myself and learning tools. I put off self care but I never put off work, so essentially I tricked myself into making space and time to have open and honest conversations with others about mental health.
I have learnt a lot about alternative therapy and how to stop spiraling thoughts. Also a lot about how to and not to communicate with someone who is not in a good place.
The things I miss most about LA are…my cats and partner are still over there. I miss them so much. I love working in New Zealand so I am happy to be here and to be able to keep working is such a luxury.
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt in the past year is… to redefine success to myself. I am very goal-oriented but I never really allow myself to enjoy moments when they are happening. I tend to set big lofty tangible goals and not enjoy them when I arrive – I am already on to the next thing.
‘Be where your feet are’ was a great piece of advice. Also ‘what you don’t deal with, will deal with you’ meaning if you put off the work, dealing with anything that is holding you back or unhealthy habits, they will get the best of you and only grow with time.
When I was a kid, I wanted to be… in the circus, a backup dancer, a vet or an actress.
Five Auckland eateries I love to dine at… Satya, Cotto, Soul, Phil’s Kitchen and Taiko.
The most cherished item I own is… my teddy bear, Morgan. I have had him since I was young and always travel with him. I used to get really homesick when I would travel a lot. He was my little piece of home I would always take with me.
My style icon… I tend to lean more towards casual beachy styles rather than expensive brands or high fashion. I think my personal style icon was my Nana. She would wear these awesome matching tracksuits with matching heels and handbags and be comfy and look cool as all the time.
When I need a pick-me-up I… have a shower and a coffee. Honestly most afternoons I will do this if I have to work in the evening or go out. Showers seem to reset me. ‘Shower and start again’.
The best book I’ve read lately… Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan.
My podcast recommendation… besides mine (ha!), I love Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.
My favourite hidden gem in New Zealand… I love the top of the mountain at Pauanui. It’s a bit of a hike to get up but the view is splendid.
My favourite place in the world to travel to… I loved the coast of Turkey and I loved my time in Kolkata, India. I tend to love places that are the most different from New Zealand. A chaotic city is always so fascinating to me. I must say I am not sure if I could live in the chaos. Peaceful New Zealand is really the best place on the planet.
My three dream dinner guests would be… the Queen, My Nana and Jax (the character from Sons of Anarchy played by Charlie Hunnam).
I would have a cup of tea with the Queen and my Nana and we would laugh and eat cucumber sandwiches with our fancy teacups and plates. Then they would go to bed early and Charlie and I would drink beer and hopefully make out?
I find inspiration in… comedy. I listen to stand-up comedy all day every day in the car. I love laughing and the commentary on quirky or mundane things. Comedians are the best! Finding a new perspective to look at specific or common things is a real joy.
A piece of advice I’d give to my younger self is… go and see a therapist. Learn more about mental health and cut yourself some slack. Being so hard on yourself is not helpful… and stop over-plucking your eyebrows, haha.
Season 1 and 2 of Pretty Depressed are now available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
