Podcast - Ryan Dusick

The Harder To Breathe Podcast with Ryan Dusick and Brian

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

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 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 #Compassion[+] Show More

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 ...

A Mother’s Fight: Brandy Vega on Suicide Prevention & Saving Lives | Harder to Breathe Podcast

The police banged on my door and just said, 'Is this your kid? Go ...

The police banged on my door and just said, 'Is this your kid? Go check on her.'" Brandy Vega shares the terrifying story of the night she almost lost her ...daughter to suicide for the second time, and how it ignited a global movement.

In one of our most powerful conversations yet, entrepreneur, advocate, and mother Brandy Vega shares her deeply personal journey with teen suicide. From the shame and stigma that kept her silent after her daughter's first attempt at age 12, to the hospital that had no beds for suicidal teens, Brandy's story is a raw look at a crisis affecting millions.
She opens up about her own struggles as a child, her feelings of failure as a parent, and how she turned her deepest pain into her life's purpose with the "Promise2Live" organization. This episode serves as a crucial guide for parents, offering insights into having open conversations with their kids, the power of asking for help, and the hope that comes from action.

📌 In this episode, you’ll hear:
00:00 Intro
17:15 Why I Kept Silent After the First Suicide Attempt
24:50 You Won't Plant the Idea by Asking "Are You Suicidal?"
28:40 "I Didn't Really Want to Die, It Was Just Too Late"
34:25 The Shocking Suicide Rate for 9-12 Year Olds
38:20 Feeling Like a Failure as a Parent
41:00 The Ego and Politics of Non-Profits
49:00 My Own Suicide Attempt at Age 12
53:15 The Promise to Live Movement & Annual Event

This conversation can save a life. Please share this video with a parent, friend, or anyone who needs to hear it. Have you ever had a crucial conversation about mental health? Tell us in the comments.

📲 Connect with Brandy Vega & Promise2Live:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandylynnvega
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandyvega77/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-vega-5715a811/
Promise2Live: https://promise2live.org/

🎧 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.

#SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #Parenting #PromiseToLive #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #HarderToBreathe #BrandyVega #YouAreNotAlone #Podcast[+] Show More

From Psychosis to Eurovision: Turning Pain Into Power with X. ARI | Harder to Breathe Podcast

How do you turn your deepest pain into your greatest power? In this ...

How do you turn your deepest pain into your greatest power? In this episode of The Harder to Breathe Podcast, we sit down with the unstoppable X ARI—a bold musical ...artist, fierce mental health advocate, and a true psychosis survivor whose story will leave you breathless.

From surviving bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and multiple hospitalizations, to becoming a globally recognized queer songwriter and performing alongside K-pop and Eurovision acts—X ARI shares how she reclaimed her life through radical self-acceptance, love, music, and healing. 🎶💜

In this powerful interview, ARI opens up about:
* Navigating a dysfunctional family, mental illness, and spiritual awakening
* Finding love and coming out as a queer, Jewish woman amidst rising antisemitism
* The emotional and medical rollercoaster of finding the right diagnosis and treatment
* Using creativity and resilience to manifest the life she dreamed of
💬 What part of ARI’s journey resonated with you the most? Let us know in the comments! 👇

📌 Timestamps
(02:40) – Dysfunctional Families and The Bear
(12:45) – The Depression That Creeps Up on You
(15:25) – A Cocktail of Diagnoses & The Power of Drive
(27:10) – “Something Was Not Right in My Family”
(29:30) – From Sleep Paralysis to Psychosis
(44:50) – Becoming the Advocate She Never Saw
(55:40) – Surviving the Hospital
(58:45) – A Surprise from the Spirit Guides: Coming Out
(1:07:05) – The Intersection of Queerness and Mental Health
(1:12:30) – POLITICAL DEEP DIVE: Navigating Hate as a Queer, Jewish Woman
(1:28:00) – From Eurovision to K-Pop: ARI's Music Career
(1:34:33) – The Story Behind Her Hit Song “Next to You”

CHALLENGE: Help us celebrate our one-year anniversary by getting this video to 100 LIKES!

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode that could change your life.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Let’s break the stigma—one story at a time. 💥

#HarderToBreathePodcast #XARI #MentalHealthAdvocate #PsychosisSurvivor #BipolarAwareness #HealingJourney #LGBTQ #QueerArtist #JewishIdentity #PainIntoPower #ChildhoodTrauma #Anxiety #Depression #MentalWellness #TherapyHelp #ComingOutStory #Kpop #Eurovision #PodcastInterview #BipolarArtist #RecoverFromPsychosis #SelfCare #Songwriting #MentalHealthStigma #TheBearFX #MusiCares #NAMI[+] Show More

Mental Health in a Divided World | Harder to Breathe Podcast

Ryan Dusick and co-host Brian “Duck” Maillard confront the toxic ...

Overcoming Anxiety in a Tech-Driven World | Shira Lazar | The Harder to Breathe Podcast

Tech vs. Mental Health: Can We Find Balance? 🤔 Shira Lazar from ...

Hillary Spiritos on Defining Success for Gen Z | The Harder To Breathe

Join Ryan Dusik and co-host Brian “Duck” Maillard in a ...

Jeremy Sisto on Hollywood, Family, & Finding Purpose | The Harder To Breathe Podcast

Ever wondered what it takes to build a lasting career in Hollywood? ...

Michele Lee UNFILTERED: Knots Landing, Broadway & Mental Health | Harder To Breathe Podcast

Michele Lee UNFILTERED: Knots Landing, Broadway, Family Secrets & ...

Michele Lee UNFILTERED: Knots Landing, Broadway, Family Secrets & Mental Health | Harder To Breathe Podcast
🎙️ I’m beyond excited to share this deeply personal and incredibly special episode of The ...Harder To Breathe Podcast — featuring none other than my amazing aunt, the legendary Michele Lee!

You know her from Knots Landing, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Broadway, and a 50+ year career that's nothing short of iconic. But in this conversation, we go way beyond the headlines.

It was an honor to sit down with Aunt Michele and my co-host Brian “Duck” Maillard for a raw, real, and heartfelt chat. We covered everything — from superstardom to family complexities (especially her relationship with my dad, Kenny!), to healing from grief and discovering self-acceptance later in life.

She opened up about navigating imposter syndrome (yes, even at the top of her game), shared stories from her early Broadway days and The Love Bug, and teased her brand-new podcast with her Knots Landing co-stars. And yes... we get that Bill Clinton story. 😳

I also share my surreal experience giving the commencement speech at Pepperdine University and reflect on how it all ties back to Mental Health Awareness Month and my own recovery journey.

This episode is packed with vulnerability, laughter, wisdom, and a few surprises.

🎧 In this episode, we cover:
[00:00:30] - Michele Lee’s incredible legacy
[00:02:30] - My Pepperdine commencement moment
[00:09:30] - Mental Health Awareness & the work of NAMI
[00:16:25] - The heart of our family story: control, codependence & healing
[00:34:30] - Grace, reflection & Michele’s take on aging
[01:06:30] - Knots Landing reunion podcast: We’re Not Done Yet
[01:14:15] - The Bill Clinton moment, hypnosis for stage fright, Barbra Streisand & more!

This one meant a lot to me — I hope it resonates with you too. Drop a comment and let me know what stood out the most.👇

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode of The Harder To Breathe Podcast.

🎧 Full episode available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

➡️ And be sure to follow Michele’s new show: Knot Done Yet!

#MicheleLee #KnotsLanding #HarderToBreathePodcast #RyanDusick #PodcastInterview #BroadwayLegend #HollywoodIcon #FamilyDynamics #MentalHealthAwareness #ImposterSyndrome #RecoveryJourney #CelebrityPodcast #TherapistPerspective #LifeAfterFame #CodependencyHealing #PodcastCommunity #NewPodcastEpisode #TVLegends #EntertainmentTalk #MentalWellness[+] Show More

Sam Riegel on Resilience, Voice Acting & Humor After Cancer | Harder to Breathe Podcast

In this powerful episode of The Harder To Breathe Podcast, Ryan Dusik ...

In this powerful episode of The Harder To Breathe Podcast, Ryan Dusik and Brian “Duck” Maillard welcome voice acting legend Sam Riegel (Critical Role, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) for a ...candid and moving conversation. Sam shares his extraordinary journey, from childhood fame to a career in voice acting, his 9/11 survival story, and his recent battle with cancer.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
[00:00:42] Duck’s Shoutout: A huge congratulations to Duck’s son's team for winning in the playoffs.
[00:02:13] Navigating Realities: Discussion of where the balance is between helping someone face their realities versus finding peace to keep them happy.
[00:05:00] Compartmentalize: The hosts dive into how compartmentalization can help and hurt people.
[00:15:45] Welcome Sam Riegel: The guys officially welcome Sam to the show
[00:16:08] Early Days: Listen to Sam and Duck reminisce about when they first met in New York.
[00:20:50] Community: Sam talks about the community between all actors
[00:24:12]Career Journey: Hear about Sam's journey of being an actor and finding out what works.
[00:35:50] Survival Story: Sam tells the harrowing and empowering details from surviving 9/11.
[00:42:12] The Big Diagnosis: Sam reveals that he had cancer in his mouth
[00:48:50] Coping Through Life: Sam and the hosts dive into people’s coping mechanisms.
[01:05:26] A Reminder to Live Your Life: Sam discusses how his diagnosis has not stopped him.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Watch now to learn about resilience, the power of saying "yes" to opportunities, and finding humor in the face of adversity.

#TheHarderToBreathePodcast #Podcast #MentalHealth #Inspiration #Resilience #SamRiegel #CriticalRole #TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles #VoiceActing #CancerSurvivor #911Survivor #Trauma #OvercomingChallenges #Mindfulness #SelfCare #Comedy #DungeonsAndDragons #RolePlayingGames #CareerJourney #LifeLessons #Motivation #NewEpisode #PodcastRecommendation #MentalHealthAwareness #Healing #Community #Support[+] Show More

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.

Recent Episodes

Toxic Masculinity & Stillness: Finding Balance with Steve Braun | Harder to Breathe Podcast

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About the Host

Ready to Get Curious and look inward?