Hosted by Maroon 5's founding drummer, therapist, author, and mental health advocate Ryan Dusick, Harder to Breathe is a podcast with honest and vulnerable conversations about the challenges we face and how to work through them.
Each week, Ryan shares his stories and tools for moving past anxiety while also interviewing leading entertainers, musicians, athletes, and entrepreneurs to discuss how they too manage their demons.
Recent Episodes 
A Heartfelt Farewell: The End of an Era
In this episode of the Harder To Breathe podcast, hosts Ryan Dusick and Brian "Duck" Maillard reflect on their journey together, discussing the decision to pause the podcast indefinitely. They ...share personal updates about their lives, including holiday experiences and the challenges of parenting. The conversation delves into the evolution of their friendship and the skills they've developed through the podcast, such as improved listening and deeper connections. They express gratitude for their listeners and the impact the show has had on their lives, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection in their future endeavors. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on maintaining their friendship and possibly creating new content in the future.
Keywords
Harder To Breathe, Ryan Dusick, Brian Maillard, mental health podcast, friendship, parenting, personal growth, podcasting journey, connection, authenticity
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections
06:00 Parenting Challenges and Insights
10:40 Podcast Announcement and Future Plans
31:15 The Impact of Podcasting on Personal Growth
37:40 Reflections on Relationships and Connection
45:46 Looking Ahead: Future Possibilities and Creative FreedomShow More
Now Playing
A Heartfelt Farewell: The End of an Era
Summary In this episode of the Harder To Breathe podcast, hosts Ryan ...
Summary
In this episode of the Harder To Breathe podcast, hosts Ryan Dusick and Brian "Duck" Maillard reflect on their journey together, discussing the decision to pause the podcast indefinitely. They ...share personal updates about their lives, including holiday experiences and the challenges of parenting. The conversation delves into the evolution of their friendship and the skills they've developed through the podcast, such as improved listening and deeper connections. They express gratitude for their listeners and the impact the show has had on their lives, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection in their future endeavors. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on maintaining their friendship and possibly creating new content in the future.
Keywords
Harder To Breathe, Ryan Dusick, Brian Maillard, mental health podcast, friendship, parenting, personal growth, podcasting journey, connection, authenticity
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections
06:00 Parenting Challenges and Insights
10:40 Podcast Announcement and Future Plans
31:15 The Impact of Podcasting on Personal Growth
37:40 Reflections on Relationships and Connection
45:46 Looking Ahead: Future Possibilities and Creative FreedomShow More
In this episode of the Harder To Breathe podcast, hosts Ryan Dusick and Brian "Duck" Maillard reflect on their journey together, discussing the decision to pause the podcast indefinitely. They ...share personal updates about their lives, including holiday experiences and the challenges of parenting. The conversation delves into the evolution of their friendship and the skills they've developed through the podcast, such as improved listening and deeper connections. They express gratitude for their listeners and the impact the show has had on their lives, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection in their future endeavors. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on maintaining their friendship and possibly creating new content in the future.
Keywords
Harder To Breathe, Ryan Dusick, Brian Maillard, mental health podcast, friendship, parenting, personal growth, podcasting journey, connection, authenticity
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections
06:00 Parenting Challenges and Insights
10:40 Podcast Announcement and Future Plans
31:15 The Impact of Podcasting on Personal Growth
37:40 Reflections on Relationships and Connection
45:46 Looking Ahead: Future Possibilities and Creative FreedomShow More
Now Playing
Shinedown's Brent Smith: Fighting Monsters, Sobriety, & Rock's Responsibility | Harder to Breathe
"I'm no good to him if I'm dead." That was the realization Shinedown ...
"I'm no good to him if I'm dead."
That was the realization Shinedown frontman Brent Smith had when his son was born—a moment that sparked a journey from the depths of ...addiction to becoming one of rock's most powerful voices for mental health.
In this raw and inspiring episode, Ryan Dusick and Co-host Brian “Duck” Maillard sit down with Brent Smith to discuss the evolution of Shinedown, from their grunge roots to their massive crossover hit, "A Symptom of Being Human." Brent opens up about his battle with alcoholism and drug addiction, his physical transformation (losing 70 pounds and getting sober), and the brotherhood within the band that saved his life.
This is a deep dive into the reality of the rock star life versus the responsibility of the artist. You'll hear about:
* The "Just Say No" Failure: Why the old approach to mental health and addiction didn't work, and how we're finally changing the conversation.
* The Monster Within: Brent explains the real meaning behind the lyrics of "Monsters" and the daily battle to keep his dark side in check.
* Sobriety as a Superpower: How getting sober made Brent "more dangerous" (in the best way possible) as an artist and a leader.
* The Power of "Symptom of Being Human": Why this song became a "soul mission" for the band and a love letter to humanity.
Don't miss this incredible conversation about resilience, recovery, and the power of music to save lives.
🎧 In this episode, we cover:
* 00:00 - Intro
* 02:36 - Validation & Ego: Ryan and Duck discuss the healthy balance between internal self-worth and the joy of external validation (like nailing a commercial shoot!).
* 15:00 - Musical Roots: Brent and Ryan bond over their shared love for 90s grunge (Soundgarden, Nirvana) and how those bands validated their teenage angst.
* 22:00 - "Just Say No" vs. Real Tools: Why the 80s approach to drugs failed and how today's conversation is finally offering real solutions for mental health.
* 27:30 - The Turning Point: The making of The Sound of Madness, the lineup change that saved the band, and the grueling 37-month tour that followed.
* 33:30 - The Wake-Up Call: How the birth of his son and a terrifying moment on his kitchen floor forced Brent to confront his addiction.
* 39:40 - Brotherhood: The pivotal moment when drummer Barry Kerch confronted Brent not with judgment, but with love: "I don't want to watch my friend die."
* 53:30 - "My Monsters Are Real": Brent breaks down his lyrics and the reality of living with the "other guy" inside his head.
* 58:50 - "You Are Way More Dangerous When You're Sober": The profound advice from a friend that changed Brent's perspective on recovery and performance.
* 1:08:00 - Writing Sober: The realization that he wrote and performed the entire Attention Attention album sober—proving he didn't need substances to be creative.
* 1:25:00 - "A Symptom of Being Human": Why this song became a mission for the band and a bridge to a massive new audience.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Brent Smith & Shinedown:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thebrentsmith
Band IG: https://www.instagram.com/shinedown
Web: https://www.shinedown.com/
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#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #Shinedown #BrentSmith #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RockAndRoll #ASymptomOfBeingHuman #Monsters #MusicIndustry #SuicidePreventionShow More
That was the realization Shinedown frontman Brent Smith had when his son was born—a moment that sparked a journey from the depths of ...addiction to becoming one of rock's most powerful voices for mental health.
In this raw and inspiring episode, Ryan Dusick and Co-host Brian “Duck” Maillard sit down with Brent Smith to discuss the evolution of Shinedown, from their grunge roots to their massive crossover hit, "A Symptom of Being Human." Brent opens up about his battle with alcoholism and drug addiction, his physical transformation (losing 70 pounds and getting sober), and the brotherhood within the band that saved his life.
This is a deep dive into the reality of the rock star life versus the responsibility of the artist. You'll hear about:
* The "Just Say No" Failure: Why the old approach to mental health and addiction didn't work, and how we're finally changing the conversation.
* The Monster Within: Brent explains the real meaning behind the lyrics of "Monsters" and the daily battle to keep his dark side in check.
* Sobriety as a Superpower: How getting sober made Brent "more dangerous" (in the best way possible) as an artist and a leader.
* The Power of "Symptom of Being Human": Why this song became a "soul mission" for the band and a love letter to humanity.
Don't miss this incredible conversation about resilience, recovery, and the power of music to save lives.
🎧 In this episode, we cover:
* 00:00 - Intro
* 02:36 - Validation & Ego: Ryan and Duck discuss the healthy balance between internal self-worth and the joy of external validation (like nailing a commercial shoot!).
* 15:00 - Musical Roots: Brent and Ryan bond over their shared love for 90s grunge (Soundgarden, Nirvana) and how those bands validated their teenage angst.
* 22:00 - "Just Say No" vs. Real Tools: Why the 80s approach to drugs failed and how today's conversation is finally offering real solutions for mental health.
* 27:30 - The Turning Point: The making of The Sound of Madness, the lineup change that saved the band, and the grueling 37-month tour that followed.
* 33:30 - The Wake-Up Call: How the birth of his son and a terrifying moment on his kitchen floor forced Brent to confront his addiction.
* 39:40 - Brotherhood: The pivotal moment when drummer Barry Kerch confronted Brent not with judgment, but with love: "I don't want to watch my friend die."
* 53:30 - "My Monsters Are Real": Brent breaks down his lyrics and the reality of living with the "other guy" inside his head.
* 58:50 - "You Are Way More Dangerous When You're Sober": The profound advice from a friend that changed Brent's perspective on recovery and performance.
* 1:08:00 - Writing Sober: The realization that he wrote and performed the entire Attention Attention album sober—proving he didn't need substances to be creative.
* 1:25:00 - "A Symptom of Being Human": Why this song became a mission for the band and a bridge to a massive new audience.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Brent Smith & Shinedown:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thebrentsmith
Band IG: https://www.instagram.com/shinedown
Web: https://www.shinedown.com/
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #Shinedown #BrentSmith #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RockAndRoll #ASymptomOfBeingHuman #Monsters #MusicIndustry #SuicidePreventionShow More
Now Playing
School Shooting Survivor: Trauma, EMDR & Redemption feat. Ellie Wyse | Harder to Breathe Podcast
On May 7, 2019, Ellie Wyse was a high school freshman with an hour ...
On May 7, 2019, Ellie Wyse was a high school freshman with an hour left in her day when a routine drill turned into an active shooter situation.
In this powerful ...and essential conversation, Ellie bravely recounts her experience surviving the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting and the complex realization that one of the perpetrators was a peer. She shares the aftermath of the trauma, the unexpected loneliness of the subsequent COVID-19 lockdown (which she says was harder to process than the shooting itself), and her path to healing through EMDR therapy.
Now a psychology major, Ellie is turning her survival story into purpose, aiming to become a counselor to fill the critical mental health gap for teenagers affected by violence.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* When a Drill Isn't a Drill: Ellie describes the chilling moment she realized the prolonged lockdown was real and how the fear was compounded by snipers surrounding the building.
* The Second Trauma: Ellie explains why the COVID-19 lockdown was worse than the shooting trauma—it was a two-year period of unknown, isolation, and the destruction of the progress she had made with her anxiety and depression.
* Healing with EMDR: Ellie gives the clearest explanation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy—how it moves a traumatic memory from the emotional brain (amygdala) to the long-term memory (hippocampus), making it manageable.
* Guns vs. Mental Health: We discuss the importance of mental health intervention, especially when concerning signs are reported, and the responsibility to treat—not stigmatize—mental health issues seriously.
* Redemption Through Purpose: Ellie shares why she views her trauma as a gift that has given her direction and passion, allowing her to serve as a voice of hope for others.
📌 Episode Guide
* 00:00 - Intro
* 17:30 - Early Life & Faith
* 21:10 - The Day of the Shooting
* 26:00 - Finding Out Who the Shooter Was
* 30:45 - The Mental Health Intervention Debate
* 33:50 - The Immediate Aftermath
* 38:20 - Therapy & the Golden Retriever
* 39:35 - The Non-Linear Healing Process
* 45:30 - Finding Her Calling
* 47:00 - The Trauma of COVID-19 Lockdown
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Ellie Wyse:
IG : https://www.instagram.com/elliewyse/
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #SchoolShooting #TraumaSurvivor #EMDR #MentalHealth #PTSD #EllieWyse #MentalHealthAdvocateShow More
In this powerful ...and essential conversation, Ellie bravely recounts her experience surviving the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting and the complex realization that one of the perpetrators was a peer. She shares the aftermath of the trauma, the unexpected loneliness of the subsequent COVID-19 lockdown (which she says was harder to process than the shooting itself), and her path to healing through EMDR therapy.
Now a psychology major, Ellie is turning her survival story into purpose, aiming to become a counselor to fill the critical mental health gap for teenagers affected by violence.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* When a Drill Isn't a Drill: Ellie describes the chilling moment she realized the prolonged lockdown was real and how the fear was compounded by snipers surrounding the building.
* The Second Trauma: Ellie explains why the COVID-19 lockdown was worse than the shooting trauma—it was a two-year period of unknown, isolation, and the destruction of the progress she had made with her anxiety and depression.
* Healing with EMDR: Ellie gives the clearest explanation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy—how it moves a traumatic memory from the emotional brain (amygdala) to the long-term memory (hippocampus), making it manageable.
* Guns vs. Mental Health: We discuss the importance of mental health intervention, especially when concerning signs are reported, and the responsibility to treat—not stigmatize—mental health issues seriously.
* Redemption Through Purpose: Ellie shares why she views her trauma as a gift that has given her direction and passion, allowing her to serve as a voice of hope for others.
📌 Episode Guide
* 00:00 - Intro
* 17:30 - Early Life & Faith
* 21:10 - The Day of the Shooting
* 26:00 - Finding Out Who the Shooter Was
* 30:45 - The Mental Health Intervention Debate
* 33:50 - The Immediate Aftermath
* 38:20 - Therapy & the Golden Retriever
* 39:35 - The Non-Linear Healing Process
* 45:30 - Finding Her Calling
* 47:00 - The Trauma of COVID-19 Lockdown
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Ellie Wyse:
IG : https://www.instagram.com/elliewyse/
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #SchoolShooting #TraumaSurvivor #EMDR #MentalHealth #PTSD #EllieWyse #MentalHealthAdvocateShow More
Now Playing
AI & Loneliness: How to Find REAL Connection in the Algorithm Age | Harder to Breathe Podcast
This is not a conspiracy theory; it’s a mental health crisis. ...
This is not a conspiracy theory; it’s a mental health crisis.
Returning guest Hillary Spiritos joins the hosts for a crucial discussion on the challenges facing young people in the age ...of AI and pervasive social media. We explore the profound effects of the algorithm—a system so isolating it mirrors the environment of a cult or a totalitarian state—and how it’s fueling a loneliness epidemic and widespread cynicism.
Hillary offers guidance on how parents and peers can foster critical thinking and authentic connection to help young people push back against the constant barrage of misinformation and isolation.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* The Cult of the Algorithm: We discuss how the structure of social media (isolation, filtering information, demanding obedience) is psychologically identical to the processes used by cults and dictatorships.
* The Antidote is Connection: The way to bridge political and social divides is not more argument, but somatic experience—physically engaging with others (like at concerts or playing sports) to remind us of our shared humanity.
* The AI/Erotica Problem: The conversation addresses the dangers of generative AI leaning into erotica, which furthers disconnection by providing immediate pleasure without the need for real human connection or the work of giving and receiving.
* Avoiding Numbness: The most cynical outcome is total desensitization (the Idiocracy effect). We must maintain our awareness that the current crisis is driven by greed, power, and the illusion of a quick fix.
📌 Episode Guide
00:00 - Intro12:30 - "That Saves Me Time": The Double-Edged Sword of AI for Research and Creativity. 30:45 - "Question Everyone": Hillary's Advice on Fostering Critical Thinking in a Manipulative Digital World44:30 - The Need for Boredom46:25 - The AI & Erotica Danger50:08 - The Male Loneliness Epidemic52:45 - Dating App Distortion 1:03:13 - Somatic Connection Over Words1:15:35 - No More Quick Fixes
🎧 Listen to the full episode now:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Hillary Spiritos:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bat.outta_hell/?hl=en
Web: https://batouttahell.net/
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #SocialMedia #AI #MentalHealth #Disconnection #HillarySpiritosShow More
Returning guest Hillary Spiritos joins the hosts for a crucial discussion on the challenges facing young people in the age ...of AI and pervasive social media. We explore the profound effects of the algorithm—a system so isolating it mirrors the environment of a cult or a totalitarian state—and how it’s fueling a loneliness epidemic and widespread cynicism.
Hillary offers guidance on how parents and peers can foster critical thinking and authentic connection to help young people push back against the constant barrage of misinformation and isolation.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* The Cult of the Algorithm: We discuss how the structure of social media (isolation, filtering information, demanding obedience) is psychologically identical to the processes used by cults and dictatorships.
* The Antidote is Connection: The way to bridge political and social divides is not more argument, but somatic experience—physically engaging with others (like at concerts or playing sports) to remind us of our shared humanity.
* The AI/Erotica Problem: The conversation addresses the dangers of generative AI leaning into erotica, which furthers disconnection by providing immediate pleasure without the need for real human connection or the work of giving and receiving.
* Avoiding Numbness: The most cynical outcome is total desensitization (the Idiocracy effect). We must maintain our awareness that the current crisis is driven by greed, power, and the illusion of a quick fix.
📌 Episode Guide
00:00 - Intro12:30 - "That Saves Me Time": The Double-Edged Sword of AI for Research and Creativity. 30:45 - "Question Everyone": Hillary's Advice on Fostering Critical Thinking in a Manipulative Digital World44:30 - The Need for Boredom46:25 - The AI & Erotica Danger50:08 - The Male Loneliness Epidemic52:45 - Dating App Distortion 1:03:13 - Somatic Connection Over Words1:15:35 - No More Quick Fixes
🎧 Listen to the full episode now:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Hillary Spiritos:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bat.outta_hell/?hl=en
Web: https://batouttahell.net/
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #SocialMedia #AI #MentalHealth #Disconnection #HillarySpiritosShow More
Now Playing
Musician Davis Rowan: Rehab, Ultra-Marathons, & Finding Purpose | Harder to Breathe Podcast
This is an unvarnished look at the path to recovery. Ryan reconnects ...
This is an unvarnished look at the path to recovery. Ryan reconnects with his old friend, musician Davis Rowan, whom he met at the Betty Ford Center. Davis shares his ...powerful story of how alcohol, which once felt like a "solution" to social anxiety, became a destructive force, culminating in a terrifying diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) during a severe bender.
This conversation goes beyond mere sobriety to explore the deeper rewards of recovery: finding genuine community, cultivating new passions (like ultra-marathoning), and using lived experience to fuel a new purpose as a music school owner.
Davis's story is a testament to the fact that you can not only survive addiction but thrive beyond it.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* The Solution That Wasn't: Both Ryan and Davis admit that alcohol initially "served" them by alleviating social anxiety and shyness, making them feel more present.
* The Body Gives a Warning: Davis shares the terrifying consequence of his addiction when he woke up unable to feel his legs due to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disorder.
* The Power of Shared Trauma: We discuss why the bonds forged in rehab, surrounded by people who "get it," are so profoundly healing and lasting.
* Addiction Doesn't Discriminate: Davis reflects on the Betty Ford Center experience, realizing that addiction touches every demographic, emphasizing the shared human experience.
* Recovery is Service: Davis explains how working at a music school and focusing on bringing joy and community to students became a vital part of his continued sobriety.
* Extremes in Recovery: From an obsessive practice schedule to running 100-mile ultra-marathons, Davis discusses how he manages his personality's tendency toward extremes in a healthy way.
📌 Episode Guide
* 00:00 - Intro
* 24:20 - The Paradox of Addiction
* 45:20 - Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) & Alcohol
* 47:06 - The Danger of Denial
* 55:00 - The Turning Point
* 56:10 - The Healing Power of Shared Experience
* 01:07:05 - Addict's Mind, Runner's Body
* 1:10:45 - From Touring Drummer to Music School Owner:
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Davis Rowan:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/davis_rowan/?hl=enSchool: https://www.boulderdrumstudio.com/
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #DavisRowanShow More
This conversation goes beyond mere sobriety to explore the deeper rewards of recovery: finding genuine community, cultivating new passions (like ultra-marathoning), and using lived experience to fuel a new purpose as a music school owner.
Davis's story is a testament to the fact that you can not only survive addiction but thrive beyond it.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* The Solution That Wasn't: Both Ryan and Davis admit that alcohol initially "served" them by alleviating social anxiety and shyness, making them feel more present.
* The Body Gives a Warning: Davis shares the terrifying consequence of his addiction when he woke up unable to feel his legs due to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disorder.
* The Power of Shared Trauma: We discuss why the bonds forged in rehab, surrounded by people who "get it," are so profoundly healing and lasting.
* Addiction Doesn't Discriminate: Davis reflects on the Betty Ford Center experience, realizing that addiction touches every demographic, emphasizing the shared human experience.
* Recovery is Service: Davis explains how working at a music school and focusing on bringing joy and community to students became a vital part of his continued sobriety.
* Extremes in Recovery: From an obsessive practice schedule to running 100-mile ultra-marathons, Davis discusses how he manages his personality's tendency toward extremes in a healthy way.
📌 Episode Guide
* 00:00 - Intro
* 24:20 - The Paradox of Addiction
* 45:20 - Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) & Alcohol
* 47:06 - The Danger of Denial
* 55:00 - The Turning Point
* 56:10 - The Healing Power of Shared Experience
* 01:07:05 - Addict's Mind, Runner's Body
* 1:10:45 - From Touring Drummer to Music School Owner:
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Davis Rowan:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/davis_rowan/?hl=enSchool: https://www.boulderdrumstudio.com/
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #DavisRowanShow More
Now Playing
Porn Addiction: Sobriety vs. Recovery, Shame, Suicide Prev. w/ C. Morley | Harder to Breathe Podcast
This episode goes beyond the surface to the heart of addiction. We sit ...
This episode goes beyond the surface to the heart of addiction. We sit down with former tech entrepreneur Curtis Morley, whose life's purpose shifted after the tragic loss of his ...best friend to suicide. Curtis believes his friend didn't understand the difference between sobriety and recovery, a lesson Curtis now uses to help men combat the epidemic of pornography addiction.
Curtis bravely shares his own experience and the core principles of his "Counterfeit Emotions" program, arguing that most men aren't addicted to porn—they're addicted to shame.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* The Stigma of Shame: We discuss the statistic that 91.5% of men report viewing pornography in the last month, yet most are not clinically addicted, but are trapped in a cycle of shame fueled by silence, secrecy, and judgment.
* The Counterfeit of Love: Curtis defines lust as the counterfeit of love, operating as a "taking" rather than a "giving and receiving" exchange. True intimacy is redefined as a multi-pillar connection, with sex being the result of that connection, not the foundation.
* Pain vs. Misery: Learn the transcendent difference: Pain is inevitable and can be a tool for growth, while misery is the self-inflicted anguish created by adding blame and shame to pain.
* Sobriety vs. Recovery: Sobriety only measures time; Recovery measures depth. True healing means taking your "demons to lunch"—addressing the underlying emotional pain rather than just avoiding the addictive behavior ("dry drunk").
This episode is a powerful call for honesty, vulnerability, and a deeper understanding of the emotional drivers behind addictive behavior.
📌 Episode Guide
00:00 - Intro
07:00 - Ryan Revisits a Maroon 5 Show: Gratitude, Pride, and a Son's First Concert.
16:27 - Bridging the Divide: Can We Find Common Ground Between Religion and Psychology?
34:30 - The Porn Addiction Epidemic
36:30 - Porn: Addiction to Shame
38:00 - The Dyad of Love vs. Lust
46:31 - The Four Components of Unwanted Pornography Viewing
1:06:25 - Pain is a Tool for Growth
1:13:00 - The Transcendent Ladder
1:19:15 - Sobriety vs. Recovery
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
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💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Curtis Morley:
Web: www.counterfeitemotions.com
Podcast: Counterfeit Emotions (on all platforms)
Social: @authenticcurtis
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#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #PornAddiction #AddictionRecovery #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #ShameCycle #Sobriety #Recovery #CurtisMorley #RyanDusick #EmotionalPain #IntimacyShow More
Curtis bravely shares his own experience and the core principles of his "Counterfeit Emotions" program, arguing that most men aren't addicted to porn—they're addicted to shame.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* The Stigma of Shame: We discuss the statistic that 91.5% of men report viewing pornography in the last month, yet most are not clinically addicted, but are trapped in a cycle of shame fueled by silence, secrecy, and judgment.
* The Counterfeit of Love: Curtis defines lust as the counterfeit of love, operating as a "taking" rather than a "giving and receiving" exchange. True intimacy is redefined as a multi-pillar connection, with sex being the result of that connection, not the foundation.
* Pain vs. Misery: Learn the transcendent difference: Pain is inevitable and can be a tool for growth, while misery is the self-inflicted anguish created by adding blame and shame to pain.
* Sobriety vs. Recovery: Sobriety only measures time; Recovery measures depth. True healing means taking your "demons to lunch"—addressing the underlying emotional pain rather than just avoiding the addictive behavior ("dry drunk").
This episode is a powerful call for honesty, vulnerability, and a deeper understanding of the emotional drivers behind addictive behavior.
📌 Episode Guide
00:00 - Intro
07:00 - Ryan Revisits a Maroon 5 Show: Gratitude, Pride, and a Son's First Concert.
16:27 - Bridging the Divide: Can We Find Common Ground Between Religion and Psychology?
34:30 - The Porn Addiction Epidemic
36:30 - Porn: Addiction to Shame
38:00 - The Dyad of Love vs. Lust
46:31 - The Four Components of Unwanted Pornography Viewing
1:06:25 - Pain is a Tool for Growth
1:13:00 - The Transcendent Ladder
1:19:15 - Sobriety vs. Recovery
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Curtis Morley:
Web: www.counterfeitemotions.com
Podcast: Counterfeit Emotions (on all platforms)
Social: @authenticcurtis
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #PornAddiction #AddictionRecovery #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #ShameCycle #Sobriety #Recovery #CurtisMorley #RyanDusick #EmotionalPain #IntimacyShow More
Now Playing
Toxic Masculinity & Stillness: Finding Balance with Steve Braun | Harder to Breathe Podcast
In this vital episode, we sit down with Steve Braun, a master mental ...
In this vital episode, we sit down with Steve Braun, a master mental performance coach and communication consultant (and co-founder of BGB Studios). Drawing on his martial arts discipleship, Steve ...explains that the core of our modern mental health and societal conflict is a deep imbalance between masculine (Yang) and feminine (Yin) energies.
This conversation offers a profound perspective on how to achieve peak performance and inner peace not through action, but through stillness and radical self-acceptance.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* The Power of Stillness (Yin): Steve argues that Yin (stillness, reception) is the necessary first step for impactful action (Yang). Whether you're an actor, a CEO, or a parent, full acceptance of the present moment is the quickest path to presence and success.
* Masculinity & Self-Mutilation: We explore the Bell Hooks quote that the first act of violence patriarchy demands of men is against themselves—a "psychic self-mutilation" that denies them tools for vulnerability and emotional expression.
* The Solution to Cultural Conflict: The answer isn't more intellectual debate or "data," but somatic, communal experiences—singing, dancing, and physically working through trauma together, as our ancestors did.
* Coaching Beyond the Script: Steve explains that his work isn't about teaching lines, but about liberating the nervous system, empowering clients to be brightly sensitive in a high-pressure, often chaotic world.
📌 Episode Guide
00:00 - Intro
03:30 - Drawn to the Darkness
22:00 - The "Teacher" Archetype & Martial Arts
24:40 - Masculinity & Trauma
31:50 - The Divine Feminine (Yin)
37:05 - Stillness in Business & Life
48:05 - The Bell Hooks Quote
57:05 - Creating an Artistic Home
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Steve Braun:
Web: stevenbraun.co/
BGB Studios: brehmangarciabraun.com/
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #Masculinity #YinYang #ToxicMasculinity #MentalHealth #MartialArts #SteveBraun #Taoism #Stillness #PeakPerformance #EmotionalIntelligence #CompassionShow More
This conversation offers a profound perspective on how to achieve peak performance and inner peace not through action, but through stillness and radical self-acceptance.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* The Power of Stillness (Yin): Steve argues that Yin (stillness, reception) is the necessary first step for impactful action (Yang). Whether you're an actor, a CEO, or a parent, full acceptance of the present moment is the quickest path to presence and success.
* Masculinity & Self-Mutilation: We explore the Bell Hooks quote that the first act of violence patriarchy demands of men is against themselves—a "psychic self-mutilation" that denies them tools for vulnerability and emotional expression.
* The Solution to Cultural Conflict: The answer isn't more intellectual debate or "data," but somatic, communal experiences—singing, dancing, and physically working through trauma together, as our ancestors did.
* Coaching Beyond the Script: Steve explains that his work isn't about teaching lines, but about liberating the nervous system, empowering clients to be brightly sensitive in a high-pressure, often chaotic world.
📌 Episode Guide
00:00 - Intro
03:30 - Drawn to the Darkness
22:00 - The "Teacher" Archetype & Martial Arts
24:40 - Masculinity & Trauma
31:50 - The Divine Feminine (Yin)
37:05 - Stillness in Business & Life
48:05 - The Bell Hooks Quote
57:05 - Creating an Artistic Home
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
📲Follow Steve Braun:
Web: stevenbraun.co/
BGB Studios: brehmangarciabraun.com/
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #Masculinity #YinYang #ToxicMasculinity #MentalHealth #MartialArts #SteveBraun #Taoism #Stillness #PeakPerformance #EmotionalIntelligence #CompassionShow More
Now Playing
The Fear, the Freedom, and the Mid-Life Career Change | Harder to Breathe Podcast
"How do you make a total left turn from the music industry to the ...
"How do you make a total left turn from the music industry to the mental health field?"
Ryan Dusick fields this question often, but the reality is that starting over ...is rarely a clean break—it’s usually a long, messy process of grief and self-discovery. In this one-on-one episode, Ryan and Duck dive into the core challenges of major life transitions, from leaving a band at the peak of success to finding new purpose in your 40s.
Ryan shares his journey from losing his identity as a musician to embracing his calling as a therapist, explaining that his change was driven by a commitment to recovery and the realization that his greatest talents were anchored in empathy and connection.
This is essential listening for anyone who is:
* Feeling unfulfilled in their current career, but is afraid to quit.
* Mourning the loss of a past identity (career, relationship, status).
* Facing an unexpected life change and needs motivation to move forward.
The biggest risk isn't trying something new; it's staying still in a life you're unhappy with.
📌 Episode Guide
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - The Rush Reunion
10:45 - The "Left Turn" Identity Crisis
16:15 - The Completionist Mindset
19:15 - Grieving Your Old Self
24:50 - Finding New Purpose
28:10 - The Fear of the Unknown
42:15 - The Creative Niche
46:55 - The Obligation to Quit
55:50 - The Riskiest Choice is Doing Nothing
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #StartingOver #CareerChange #LifeTransition #MentalHealth #Maroon5 #RyanDusick #MidLifeCrisis #SecondAct #SelfDiscovery #RushBandShow More
Ryan Dusick fields this question often, but the reality is that starting over ...is rarely a clean break—it’s usually a long, messy process of grief and self-discovery. In this one-on-one episode, Ryan and Duck dive into the core challenges of major life transitions, from leaving a band at the peak of success to finding new purpose in your 40s.
Ryan shares his journey from losing his identity as a musician to embracing his calling as a therapist, explaining that his change was driven by a commitment to recovery and the realization that his greatest talents were anchored in empathy and connection.
This is essential listening for anyone who is:
* Feeling unfulfilled in their current career, but is afraid to quit.
* Mourning the loss of a past identity (career, relationship, status).
* Facing an unexpected life change and needs motivation to move forward.
The biggest risk isn't trying something new; it's staying still in a life you're unhappy with.
📌 Episode Guide
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - The Rush Reunion
10:45 - The "Left Turn" Identity Crisis
16:15 - The Completionist Mindset
19:15 - Grieving Your Old Self
24:50 - Finding New Purpose
28:10 - The Fear of the Unknown
42:15 - The Creative Niche
46:55 - The Obligation to Quit
55:50 - The Riskiest Choice is Doing Nothing
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #StartingOver #CareerChange #LifeTransition #MentalHealth #Maroon5 #RyanDusick #MidLifeCrisis #SecondAct #SelfDiscovery #RushBandShow More
Now Playing
Perfectionism vs. Excellence: How to Stop Stagnating and Start Growing | Harder to Breathe Podcast
This week, hosts Ryan Dusick and Brian “Duck” Maillard tackle the ...
This week, hosts Ryan Dusick and Brian “Duck” Maillard tackle the ultimate double-edged sword: perfectionism. Ryan shares his incredibly vulnerable journey of realizing that his quest for perfection ultimately led ...to stagnation—a "rock bottom" in his professional life after leaving Maroon 5.
Perfectionism, often mistaken for a strength, is revealed as a self-defeating mindset that blocks progress by holding you to an unattainable ideal. The solution? A crucial shift to the pursuit of excellence, which accepts the necessity of setbacks, learning, and growth as part of the process.
This one-on-one deep dive is packed with relatable moments, from the pressures of performing on a massive stage to the simple struggle of getting a good take on a self-tape audition.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* Excellence is a Process, Perfection is an Illusion: Excellence is a journey of continuous improvement, accepting that "good enough" is sometimes necessary to maintain momentum. Perfection is a stagnant, unattainable ideal that guarantees failure.
* The Power of Lofty Goals & Realistic Expectations: Set high standards, but align your expectations with your current time, energy, and resources. This prevents perfectionism from becoming the "enemy of the good."
* Overcoming Stagnation: Ryan recounts the period when his perfectionism blocked him from even starting a passion project (his book). The path forward involved getting sober, accepting challenges as opportunities rather than threats, and learning to surrender to the process.
* More is Better than None: The principle of progress applies to everything from fitness goals to creative endeavors. Don't compare your efforts to an ideal; acknowledge that some is always better than none.
Stop letting perfectionism shoot you in the foot. Start celebrating the progress on your journey toward excellence!
📌 Episode Guide
00:00 - Intro
01:40 - Go-Karts & Jet Lag
07:38 - Perfectionism: The Double-Edged Sword
23:00 - The Imposter Syndrome Threshold
28:00 - The James Brown Influence
33:50 - Perfectionism's Rock Bottom
37:35 - The Book as an Exercise in Flow
46:15 - The "Some is Better Than None" Mindset
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #Perfectionism #MentalHealth #PursuitOfExcellence #Maroon5 #RyanDusick #SelfDoubt #Stagnation #ImposterSyndrome #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShiftShow More
Perfectionism, often mistaken for a strength, is revealed as a self-defeating mindset that blocks progress by holding you to an unattainable ideal. The solution? A crucial shift to the pursuit of excellence, which accepts the necessity of setbacks, learning, and growth as part of the process.
This one-on-one deep dive is packed with relatable moments, from the pressures of performing on a massive stage to the simple struggle of getting a good take on a self-tape audition.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
* Excellence is a Process, Perfection is an Illusion: Excellence is a journey of continuous improvement, accepting that "good enough" is sometimes necessary to maintain momentum. Perfection is a stagnant, unattainable ideal that guarantees failure.
* The Power of Lofty Goals & Realistic Expectations: Set high standards, but align your expectations with your current time, energy, and resources. This prevents perfectionism from becoming the "enemy of the good."
* Overcoming Stagnation: Ryan recounts the period when his perfectionism blocked him from even starting a passion project (his book). The path forward involved getting sober, accepting challenges as opportunities rather than threats, and learning to surrender to the process.
* More is Better than None: The principle of progress applies to everything from fitness goals to creative endeavors. Don't compare your efforts to an ideal; acknowledge that some is always better than none.
Stop letting perfectionism shoot you in the foot. Start celebrating the progress on your journey toward excellence!
📌 Episode Guide
00:00 - Intro
01:40 - Go-Karts & Jet Lag
07:38 - Perfectionism: The Double-Edged Sword
23:00 - The Imposter Syndrome Threshold
28:00 - The James Brown Influence
33:50 - Perfectionism's Rock Bottom
37:35 - The Book as an Exercise in Flow
46:15 - The "Some is Better Than None" Mindset
🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts
📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894
🔔For more conversations that matter, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell.
#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #Perfectionism #MentalHealth #PursuitOfExcellence #Maroon5 #RyanDusick #SelfDoubt #Stagnation #ImposterSyndrome #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShiftShow More
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About the Host
As the former founder of Maroon 5, Ryan had an amazing start to his music career that changed his life. But the stress of being that high of a performer started to break him down to the point that he had to walk away from his dream life. It was at the bottom that he realized that he had to change and through treatment, he began to rebuild his life one brick at a time. Ryan embraced his life experience and decided to become a therapist where he now specializes in helping high performers under enormous stress manage it and stay on a solid path.