
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 
The Sklar Brothers on Comedy, Identity, & Parenting | The Harder To Breathe Podcast
In this episode, you’ll hear:
[00:02:00] Duck Mailer shares why the Sklar Brothers are comedy heroes
[00:08:00] The guys unpack the societal issue of equating ignorance with weakness
[00:15:00] Echo chambers & information bubbles—what’s the real danger?
[00:22:00] Interview with the Sklar Brothers begins!
[00:32:00] Comedians vs. musicians: The surprising overlap
[00:33:40] Their creative writing process, revealed
[00:50:00] A deep dive into their show Born Identity
[01:10:00] How fatherhood shapes identity, career, and purpose
[01:15:57] Balancing anxiety with creative ambition
[01:31:00] The evolution of their journey into sports comedy
From their unique take on sports to their hilarious observations on family life, the Sklar Brothers bring their signature wit and wisdom to The Harder to Breathe podcast
Like, Subscribe, and share this episode with your friends! What's YOUR favorite Sklar Brothers moment? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
#Podcast #Comedy #MentalHealth #SklarBrothers #Maroon5 #RyanDik #DuckMailer #Comedians
#Interview #Funny #Insightful #SportsComedy #PopCulture #Identity #Vulnerability #Community
#TheHarderToBreathe #NewEpisode #PodcastLife #ComedyPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast
#CelebrityInterview #PodcastRecommendation #Subscribe #YouTubePodcast #PodcastCommunity[+] Show More

In this episode, you’ll hear:
[00:02:00] Duck Mailer shares why the Sklar Brothers are comedy heroes
[00:08:00] The guys unpack the societal issue of equating ignorance with weakness
[00:15:00] Echo chambers & information bubbles—what’s the real danger?
[00:22:00] Interview with the Sklar Brothers begins!
[00:32:00] Comedians vs. musicians: The surprising overlap
[00:33:40] Their creative writing process, revealed
[00:50:00] A deep dive into their show Born Identity
[01:10:00] How fatherhood shapes identity, career, and purpose
[01:15:57] Balancing anxiety with creative ambition
[01:31:00] The evolution of their journey into sports comedy
From their unique take on sports to their hilarious observations on family life, the Sklar Brothers bring their signature wit and wisdom to The Harder to Breathe podcast
Like, Subscribe, and share this episode with your friends! What's YOUR favorite Sklar Brothers moment? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
#Podcast #Comedy #MentalHealth #SklarBrothers #Maroon5 #RyanDik #DuckMailer #Comedians
#Interview #Funny #Insightful #SportsComedy #PopCulture #Identity #Vulnerability #Community
#TheHarderToBreathe #NewEpisode #PodcastLife #ComedyPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast
#CelebrityInterview #PodcastRecommendation #Subscribe #YouTubePodcast #PodcastCommunity[+] Show More

I coach a group of 4th and 5th-graders who give it everything they’ve got, even when they’re up ...against older, stronger teams.
In one game, a boy came off the field gasping, “I can’t breathe.” I knelt with him, looked him in the eyes, and said, “You are breathing. Just keep finding that breath.”
And you know what? He did. That breath turned into a smile. He realized he gave it his all—and he was still okay.
That moment stuck with me. That’s why I coach: to help kids push past their limits, to show them they’re capable, and to give them hope, courage, and discipline.
That little boy may not remember the score, but he’ll remember that feeling. And I will too.
🎙️ Want to hear the deeper story behind moments like this—and how they shape us? Watch the full conversation here: youtube.com/watch?v=v3MkncNpwoM
#YouthSports #LacrosseCoach #MentorshipMatters #HeartOfTheGame #CharacterBuilding #CoachingWithPurpose #Leadership #SportsAndLife #GiveThemHope #GrowthThroughSport[+] Show More

When we chase intense relationships, fast infatuation, love bombing, and constant drama… it’s often because we’re trying to fill a void ...we’ve carried for years.
👉 The truth?
We’ve confused chaos with connection.
We crave closeness, but we don’t trust peace.
And without healing, we keep repeating the cycle: passion → pain → heartbreak.
Real intimacy begins when you feel safe within yourself—when you stop needing others to complete you.
🎧 Want to learn more? Watch the full podcast: youtube.com/watch?v=v3MkncNpwoM
#LoveAddiction #ToxicPatterns #RelationshipHealing #AttachmentTheory #EmotionalHealth #CodependencyRecovery #IntimacyIssues #SelfWorth #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #RyanDusick #PodcastClip #SelfLove #SecureAttachment #InnerPeace[+] Show More

In this episode, you'll hear:
[0:00:00] - Intro: Duck and Ryan talk about themed restaurants... and Ryan reveals a WILD Maroon 5 story from Tokyo! 🤯
[0:11:24] - Interview Start: Johnathon Schaech joins the podcast!
[0:13:15] - How "That Thing You Do!" Mirrored Maroon 5's Early Days: The inspiration and excitement of that iconic movie.
[0:22:00] - The Realities of Fame and Relationships: Navigating high-profile relationships and the impact of public scrutiny.
[0:27:00] - Overcoming Shame and Trauma: Johnathon bravely shares his experiences with dyslexia, sexual abuse, and the journey to sobriety.
[0:35:00] - Finding Sobriety and Purpose: The turning point that led to lasting change and a renewed sense of self.
[0:40:00] - Sex and Love Addiction (SLAA): Understanding the complexities of relational health and attachment styles.
[0:51:00] - The Impact on Current Relationships: How past experiences inform healthy relationships today.
[0:58:00] - Advocacy and Giving Back: Inspiring hope and sharing lessons learned.
[1:00:00] - Blue Ridge and Future Goals: Johnathon's current projects and aspirations.
[1:08:00] - Spirituality and Finding Your Higher Power: Separating from your parents' understanding to find your own.
This is a MUST-WATCH episode! Johnathon's story is a powerful reminder that healing and hope are always possible.
#healingjourney #addictionrecovery #trauma #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealth #podcast #interview[+] Show More

Actor Johnathon Schaech opens up about the darkest chapter of his life—and the turning point ...that brought him back from the edge.
From addiction and trauma to resilience and redemption, don’t miss this raw, powerful conversation on this week’s Harder To Breathe Podcast.
🗓 New episode drops Tuesday at 4 PM! Set your alarms. ⏰
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #HopeAfterDarkness #JohnathonSchaech #HarderToBreathePodcast #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #PodcastLaunch #SurvivorStory #RealTalk[+] Show More

Marc is a renowned and award winning artist who has absolutely set the NYC art scene ablaze with his incredible work in resin. In addition to his art, he has recently opened himself up to creative coaching, acquiring multiple professional licenses on the path to giving creatives the permission they need to Create… Destroy… & Emerge as the person they desire to be.
Ryan, Duck, and Marc clearly speak the same creative language, and they have so much incredible insight into making sense of life’s chaos as an artistic person. They share a fantastic conversation about how creative people come to exist, embracing the “flow” state, choosing to take (and leave behind) certain aspects of our parents’ decision-making, and so much more.
Coaches come with many different approaches, but Marc’s stance that “Your Mess is Your Magic” is very on-brand for us here at the “Harder to Breathe” Podcast. His ability to be present in the moment, and to feel and embrace whatever he is currently experiencing is such a fantastic representation of a healthy approach to life, family, work, art, and so much more.
0:00:00 Introduction & Duck’s New Haircut
0:01:34 A Moment of Rejuvenation
0:03:10 Ryan’s Office Jobs Before Maroon 5
0:06:57 Duck’s Stationary Job & Shoplifting Shame
0:10:07 A Lesson on Honesty
0:14:12 Ryan’s Embarrassing Drawing
0:18:39 Today’s Guest: Marc Scheff
0:20:03 Marc Scheff Joins the Podcast & Talks His Coverband
0:21:56 Embracing The Present Moment
0:26:59 Toxic Positivity
0:28:22 Everything is a Trade-Off
0:33:03 Duck’s Chernobyl Metaphor
0:35:05 Challenges with Coaching Creatives
0:41:32 Where Creativity Meets Control
0:49:32 Positive Psychology & The “Flow” State
0:53:29 Marc’s Artistic Origin Story
0:58:58 Visiting Your Parent’s Workplace
1:04:40 Does a “Troubled Child” Become a Creative Adult?
1:09:45 Unconscious Incompetence to Mastery
1:13:09 Picasso at the Prado Museum
1:16:00 Self-Comparison & Growth
1:20:04 Wrap Up & Conclusion
More About Marc Scheff:
Personal Website: https://coach.marcscheff.com/
Coaching Website: https://www.marcscheff.com/
“Unleash Creativity” Club: https://www.unleashcreativity.club/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcscheff/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcscheff/
Ready to Dive Deeper?:
https://www.ryandusick.com/
BenBella Books Author Page - https://benbellabooks.com/authors/dusick-ryan/
Amazon Book Page - https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/1637742339/
WWSG Speaker Page - https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/
Psychology Today Therapist Profile - https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/937599
Stay Up to Date on the Podcast: @hardertobreathepodcast
Follow Ryan on Social Media:
IG - @ryan_michael_dusick
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-ma-amft-26460894/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ryan.m.dusick
Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick/
X / Twitter - @DusickRyan
Follow Duck on Social Media:
IG - @Newyorkduck
X / Twitter - @DuckMaillard
#mentalhealth #creatives #creativity #artist #flow[+] Show More

Dr. Zucker has been a womens’ health advocate for years, choosing to become a clinical psychologist in order to give women a voice for their pain, both physically and mentally. All too often women feel that they are unable to comfortably speak out about the health issues they are facing in society– an issue that Dr. Zucker faced firsthand when she experienced a miscarriage of her own, followed by a Breast Cancer diagnosis several years later.
In an effort to make these topics less “taboo”, Dr. Zucker is speaking out. Her first book and the accompanying social media campaign “I Had a Miscarriage” were designed to directly give women a chance to speak about, and mourn, their miscarriages in an open and honest way. Now, with her second book, “Normalize It”, she is taking it a step further to discuss multiple issues that women face including girlhood, body image, motherhood, reproductive choice, sexual trauma, menopause, and more.
Dr. Zucker, Ryan, and Duck share a fantastic and candid conversation about the unique challenges that women face, and Dr. Zucker’s new book is a great way to dive deeper into the topic. It’s relevant for everyone, men and women alike, and aims to change the way we view womens’ health as a society. It’s a much needed conversation, and another fantastic and open conversation on the “Harder to Breathe” Podcast.
0:00:00 Introduction & Seasonal Affective Disorder
0:03:19 Today’s Guest: Dr. Jessica Zucker
0:07:12 Betty Ford’s Immense Impact
0:12:19 Dr. Zucker joins the Podcast & Shares Her Backstory
0:14:53 International Health Projects
0:16:06 Becoming a Clinical Psychologist & Experiencing a Miscarriage
0:20:32 Breast Cancer Diagnosis
0:22:10 Dr. Zucker’s New Book
0:27:12 Mixed Messages for Women in Society
0:33:10 Changing the Narrative on an Individual Basis
0:38:19 Public Platforms vs. Personal Connection
0:42:53 Journaling and Self-Expression
0:44:42 Platitudes and “At-Leasts”
0:47:19 Benefits of Growing Up in a Safe Environment
0:54:44 Dr. Zucker’s Relationship with her Comedian Husband
1:01:13 Details About “Normalize It”, Dr. Jessica’s New Book
1:04:05 Wrap Up & Conclusion
More About Dr. Jessica Zucker & “Normalize It”:
Purchase “Normalize It”, OUT NOW: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738144
Official Website: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadamiscarriage
Dr. Jessica’s First Book, “I Had a Miscarriage”: https://www.amazon.com/I-Had-Miscarriage-Memoir-Movement/dp/1558612882/
Ready to Dive Deeper?:
https://www.ryandusick.com/
BenBella Books Author Page - https://benbellabooks.com/authors/dusick-ryan/
Amazon Book Page - https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/1637742339/
WWSG Speaker Page - https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/
Psychology Today Therapist Profile - https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/937599
Stay Up to Date on the Podcast: @hardertobreathepodcast
Follow Ryan on Social Media:
IG - @ryan_michael_dusick
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-ma-amft-26460894/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ryan.m.dusick
Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick/
X / Twitter - @DusickRyan
Follow Duck on Social Media:
IG - @Newyorkduck
X / Twitter - @DuckMaillard
#womenshealth #miscarriage #miscarriages #reproductivehealth #mentalhealth[+] Show More

William holds 18 World Records in Free Diving, a sport in which an individual dives straight down into the depths of the ocean… for as long and as deep as is physically possible. It requires an incredible amount of both mental and physical strength to perform such a feat, and for William, holding off intrusive thoughts and anxiety is truly a matter of life and death.
As you might imagine, having such an incredible skill set and resume has given William a unique understanding of the human mind. The conversation dives into some deep territory, including navigating black-outs and unsuccessful dives, as well as fostering the ability to truly separate our human fears from our human instincts.
It’s perhaps the most pure form of harnessing mental energy, and bridging the gap between the body and the mind is what the “Harder to Breathe” Podcast is all about. It’s not often we have the chance to speak with a world-record holding athlete, and it’s a fascinating conversation that absolutely lives up to the hype.
VIDEO TIME CODES
0:00:00 Introduction & Mixing Things Up
0:03:42 Duck’s Self-Described “Ticks”
0:05:09 Ryan’s Self-Described “Ticks”
0:08:06 Today’s Guest: William Trubridge
0:12:00 William Trubridge Joins the Podcast & Speaks on his “Freediving” Origins
0:15:45 Choosing to Make Diving Competitive
0:17:59 The “Blood Shift” & Changing Physiology Underwater
0:19:44 Learning to Maintain Composure
0:23:13 Anxiety in a Life & Death Situation vs. Everyday Anxiety
0:25:50 Unsuccessful Dives & Blacking Out
0:29:45 Consciousness Beyond Our Own Thoughts
0:31:51 Listening to Instinct and Not Fear
0:36:47 The Effects of Water Pressure at Depth
0:38:55 Exposing Himself to Narcosis
0:39:43 Outdated Evolutionary Tools for Human Survival
0:42:49 Reprogramming your Subconscious
0:47:25 The Polyvagal Theory
0:53:07 Your Free Tool: The “3 Second Gap”
0:57:40 Becoming More Calm Through Diving
0:59:45 Fighting Off Hyper-Vigilance
1:08:46 William’s Coaching & Conservation Programs
1:11:12 Wrap Up & Conclusion
More About William Trubridge:
Official Website: https://www.williamtrubridge.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willtrubridge/
“The Mental Immune System” Program: https://www.mentalimmunesystem.com
Ready to Dive Deeper?:
https://www.ryandusick.com/
BenBella Books Author Page - https://benbellabooks.com/authors/dusick-ryan/
Amazon Book Page - https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/1637742339/
WWSG Speaker Page - https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/
Psychology Today Therapist Profile - https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/937599
Stay Up to Date on the Podcast: @hardertobreathepodcast
Follow Ryan on Social Media:
IG - @ryan_michael_dusick
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-ma-amft-26460894/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ryan.m.dusick
Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick/
X / Twitter - @DusickRyan
Follow Duck on Social Media:
IG - @Newyorkduck
X / Twitter - @DuckMaillard
#freediving #freediver #freedivers #freediverlife #anxiety #mentalhealth #copingskills #mindfulness #relaxation #stress #stressrelief[+] Show 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.