This episode is Part 1 of Maurice Benard’s deeply personal conversation with Genie Francis. Together, they go back to the beginning: Genie’s early rise as a fourteen-year-old on General Hospital, the whirlwind fame of Laura Spencer, and the emotional toll of growing up on television.

Genie opens up about isolation, arrested development, perfectionism, and the generational anxiety that shaped her life long before she understood it. Maurice reflects on how her experiences intersect with his own mental-health journey, creating one of the most honest and revealing dialogues ever shared on State of Mind.

Part 1 covers Genie’s early career, the pressures of live TV, the explosive Luke & Laura years, and the hidden struggles behind her iconic performances. 



Part 2 drops November 23, when Genie is joined by her husband, Jonathan Frakes, for an intimate and powerful follow-up conversation.

Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube!

Watch! 

Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book!

Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital

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State of Mind Production Team: 

Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard 

Executive Producer: Paula Benard 

Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata

Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata

Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato 





*Song: Growing Up Composer: Scott Buckley Website:    / musicbyscottb   License: Free To Use YouTube license YouTube-free Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com