Talking about suicide isn’t normal in society — let alone in the music industry. But sometimes what we call normal is the very thing that’s hurting us. At some point, you have to choose to create a new kind of normal. And for musicians, that can mean doing the unthinkable: putting your dreams aside to take care of yourself.

My guest today, Michael Wright — bass guru and teacher from the UK — firmly believes in challenging tradition and breaking unhealthy norms in the music industry. He’s shown real courage by openly sharing his experiences with suicidal ideation, an eating disorder, and depression.

Michael has also been a huge inspiration to me personally. He helped me come to terms with my decision to step away from music at the end of 2025 so I can focus on getting my health right.

I hope this conversation supports you in your own mental health journey — and if you’re a musician, reminds you that it’s okay to take time off to heal.

Along the way, there’s our usual banter, a few digs, some commentary on the state of the world, and an honest admission: we don’t mind our partners gossiping. The women in our lives have been our saviours, and we genuinely don’t know where we’d be without them.

Chapters

• (00:00) Introduction - Welcoming Michael back
• (4:19) Addressing the male suicide crisis
• (7:42) Normalising conversations about suicide
• (11:37) Why we say "die by suicide" not "committed suicide"
• (17:41) Michael opens up about his eating disorder
• (23:11) Finding exercise as a coping mechanism
• (26:26) Brian talks about his struggles throughout high school
• (31:32) How Michael sought help for his eating disorder
• (35:40) Finding people with similar experiences to you
• (37:47) Stepping away from music to take care of yourself
• (40:59) How Brian's girlfriend taught him to open up
• (42:53) How important Mike's wife is to him
• (46:43) Realising there's more to life than music
• (48:50) Experience suicidal thoughts for the first time
• (58:18) The opportunity to start again and reset
• (1:04:01) Pursuing a dream from a healthy place
• (1:05:44) Finding the courage to speak up
• (1:06:33) Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi as role models
• (1:07:35) Putting your family and friends first
• (1:09:55) The brutal truth about being a professional musician
• (1:15:19) Seeking help and going to therapy
• (1:26:25) Finding hope for the future
• (1:34:56) Twanging the clanger - questions for Michael
• (1:36:29) Misunderstood attitudes toward mental health
• (1:40:24) The power of listening and checking in with friends
• (1:44:09) What Michael is doing now to manage his mental health
• (1:50:41) Wrapping up - Thanks Michael