Published on May 1st, 2019 | by Guest Contributor

An Intersection of Pop Culture and Mental Health

Entertainment Journalist and Writer, Allison Kugel, examines a life-altering anxiety disorder against the backdrop of a career in celebrity journalism, with her memoir, Journaling Fame.

Journaling Fame: A memoir of a life unhinged and on the record takes readers inside the turbulent mind and precocious soul of celebrity columnist and journalist, Allison Kugel, as she recalls the evolution and fallout from a near paralyzing anxiety disorder while navigating more than a decade interviewing some of Hollywood’s most famous (and infamous) names.

Close encounters of the Kardashian kind, hotel adventures with Dave Chappelle, debating 50 Cent, Bret Michaels’ tour bus, Jenna Jameson’s political endorsement, a sit down with attorney Gloria Allred, the late Afeni Shakur’s gift, Mike Tyson’s confessions and Elle Macpherson’s underwear… Journaling Fame is filled with funny, shocking, sexy and insightful moments that serve as a sharp contrast to her bouts with panic attacks as she fights back from the brink of a breakdown.

Between numerous celebrity interactions and recalling harrowing memories from youth and adolescence, she attempts to piece together moments of her life that, both, built her career successes and fostered severe panic attacks that threatened to undo it all. Amidst the emotional chaos and pop culture anecdotes lies an endearing subtext of spiritual growth that educates and inspires. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, this book is a must read. You can read a small excerpt from her book at ADAA.org (Anxiety and Depression Association of America).

Allison Kugel provides an ultimate insider’s guide into the entertainment journalism and celebrity publicity machines that the public doesn’t see, like never before. She pulls no punches when going into excruciating detail about her experiences with anxiety, panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder. From hospitalizations, therapy, and various drugs, nothing is off the table.

Her memoir seamlessly weaves in and out through professional triumphs and personal struggles, with self-examination, irony and humor. Allison’s most recent syndicated interviews have included the likes of Michael Buble, Paula Abdul, Rob Reiner, Regina King, Lenny Kravitz, Gwen Stefani, Vivica A. Fox, David Guetta, Rita Moreno, Nick Cannon, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, Mario Van Peebles, D.L. Hughley and many more.

To learn more about Allison Kugel’s journalism career, her life and her journey with mental health, pick up a copy of her book, Journaling Fame, on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and visit AllisonKugel.com.