Mari Fong interviews King Iso and expert Scott Fears, MD, PhD on schizoaffective and bipolar II disorder with addictions, Part 2.

He’s a rapper who’s turned his lifelong battles with mental health and addiction into life-saving music, amassing millions of streams and selling out shows across the country. Our guest today is King Iso who’s survived homelessness, suicide attempts, jail time, and was diagnosed with schizoaffective and bipolar II disorder, who also had his share of addictions. But King Iso used music to vent his pain which not only helped himself but others as well. He recently dropped his 7th studio album entitled, Ghetto Psycho and I’ll be playing a clip of his song, “Ghetto Psycho” at the end of our episode. 

Next, our expert is Scott Fears, MD, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA & Chief Medical Officer of Amae Health in Los Angeles who works with patients with serious and persistent mental illness, often with the homeless and veteran communities. He’s also led and worked at Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles (HHCLA) located in Skid Row, a very tough place, but a great nonprofit that I’m familiar with since my first fundraiser for mental health was for HHCLA. Since King Iso’s story is a fascinating, longer tale, I’ve dedicated 2 episodes to him. So let’s hear Part 2 of King Iso, share his story and also his mental health nonprofit, Project Be Well.

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. THANK YOU for supporting our podcast at www.checkyourheadpodcast.com Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions, visit:  

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Mari Fong interviews King Iso and expert Scott Fears, MD, PhD on schizoaffective and bipolar II disorder with addictions, Part 1.

He’s a rapper who’s turned his lifelong battles with mental health and addiction into life-saving music, amassing millions of streams and selling out shows across the country. Our guest today is King ISO who’s survived homelessness, suicide attempts, jail time, and was diagnosed with schizoaffective and bipolar II disorder, who also had his share of addictions. But King Iso used music to vent his pain which not only helped himself but others as well. He recently dropped his 7th studio album entitled, Ghetto Psycho and I’ll be playing a clip of his song, “Normal” at the end of our episode. 

Next, our expert is Scott Fears, MD, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA & Chief Medical Officer of Amae Health in Los Angeles who works with patients with serious and persistent mental illness, often with the homeless and veteran communities. He’s also led and worked at Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles (HHCLA) located in Skid Row, a very tough place, but a great nonprofit that I’m familiar with since my first fundraiser for mental health was for HHCLA. Since King Iso’s story is a fascinating, longer tale, I’ve dedicated 2 episodes to him. So let’s hear Part 1 of King Iso, share his story.

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit! THANK YOU for supporting our podcast at www.checkyourheadpodcast.com Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions, visit:  

http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast

Watch & Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174

You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘

The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

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Mari Fong interviews Linda Ronstadt (singer-songwriter) & Dr. Ish Major (Psychiatrist, Relationship Coach, “Marriage Boot Camp”). 

Linda Ronstadt talks about her Mexican heritage and traditions in the documentary, “Linda and the Mockingbirds.” Her thoughts on immigration and the mental toll and trauma for children separated from their families at the border, racism, and importance of making a difference in this world. How she’s living with Parkinson's disease, specifically called progressive supranuclear palsy, her favorite books, and her life during the pandemic. Next, psychiatrist, relationship coach, and host of "Marriage Boot Camp," Dr. Ish Major speaks on choosing the love we deserve, the one habit that makes you love yourself more, dealing with shame and getting to acceptance, and how our scars make us beautiful.

For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

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Thank you kindly Superheroes. You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘

The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

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Mari Fong interviews singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp and expert Bill Taylor of The Phoenix. 

Today's featured musical guest, Trapper Schoepp, boosted his career after discovering old lyrics of an unfinished song written by Bob Dylan about his home state of Wisconsin. Trapper took those lyrics and decided to finish the song he called “On Wisconsin.” So when Bob Dylan heard about this, Trapper officially became a co-writer with Bob Dylan for this song, news that spread quickly by Rolling Stone and newspapers across the country. When Trapper finally got to meet his boyhood hero, Bob Dylan, this happy moment happened during the most miserable time in his life. Trapper was battling a serious opioid addiction. In our interview, Trapper shares how he fought a 10 year addiction to opioids, his recent stay at the Hazelden Betty Ford clinic and while there, wrote all the songs on his new album “Osborne,” and how music was a big part of his healing. We’ll also play a clip of his song, “Satan Is Real (Satan is a Sackler)” at the end of our episode.      

Next, we spotlight an organization that has made sobriety cool and fun, growing a community that’s close to a million strong. Today I talk with Bill Taylor, Director of Music Programs for The Phoenix, a sober community that’s focused on activities along with ongoing support and healing. Bill shares how the upcoming events by The Phoenix not only supports music fans, but also the artists who perform onstage.Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.

THANK YOU for supporting our podcast on www.checkyourheadpodcast.com Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

Support us! On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast

Watch & Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174

You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘

The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

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CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot": Mari Fong interviews comedian and musician Fred Armisen (Saturday Night Live, Portlandia, Trenchmouth, and more) and Keren Clark (Psychotherapist, Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Part 1. 

Fred Armisen on 8 YEARS IN THE PUNK BAND TRENCHMOUTH, the DIFFICULTIES OF TOURING with a band, taking left turns in life, BATTLING STAGE FRIGHT, his favorite Death Metal band, my Clash tshirt, on Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo and David Byrne of Talking Heads, SURVIVING TERRIBLE SHOWS, working with friends like Carrie Brownstein and Maya Rudolph, and THE HARDEST PART ABOUT BEING A DRUMMER. 

Psychotherapist KEREN CLARK talks more on DBT OR DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY, radical acceptance, GAINING EMOTIONAL MUSCLE, improving relationships with others, approaching difficult but importance conversations, being mindful and practicing gratitude. 

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” 
* Thank you for subscribing to our podcast and supporting us through Patreon! Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.  

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The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

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CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" with Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry and Carly Hester of NAMI, Philadelphia for Suicide Awareness Month, September 2025, 

Chris Robertson  of Black Stone Cherry shares his story of having bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depressive disorder) with anxiety and panic attacks, along with his solutions for recovery. *Warning: Suicide and suicidal ideation is discussed. Listener discretion is advised.

Black Stone Cherry dropped their album "The Human Condition," where lead singer Chris Robertson talks about songs like "Push Down and Turn" along with the struggles of depression and mania that come with bipolar disorder.  Close to committing suicide, Chris eventually finds help with therapy, medication and more. He also explains how he self-medicated for years with drugs and alcohol that led to dire consequences.

Next, we have expert Carly Hester of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) speaking on the difference between bipolar 1 and 2 and symptoms to look out for. Carly also discusses the correlation between gut health and mental health, along with the many resources found through NAMI.org for those with mood disorders and their families.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”  To listen and find the largest online list of free or affordable mental help and addiction recovery solutions, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

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The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

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Mari Fong & Kat Jensen interview Lzzy Hale of Halestorm and expert J. Stuart Ablon, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School. 

Today's featured guest just came back from playing with Metallica, Slayer, Lamb of God and the great Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, for the “Back to the Beginning” show, touted as "the greatest day in the history of heavy metal." A bigger hint? She was the only female rocker invited to perform onstage. Yes, today we have the great Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, a Grammy Award winner who’s also a mental health advocate having been a member of the Grammy Mental Health Panel, Halestorm recently dropping their 6th studio album entitled, “Everest” on August 8. Lzzy will share her story of battling depression, panic attacks, anxiety and alcoholism, and then share the solutions that managed her demons. We’ll also find out why she feared Alcoholics Anonymous, who convinced her into therapy, and how she survives and thrives as one of the greatest female metal rockers in music. I’ll also play a clip of Halestorm’s single, “Everest” at the end of our episode. 

Next, our featured expert is an award-winning psychologist from Harvard Medical School, Dr. J. Stuart Ablon. Dr. Ablon is known for his revolutionary approach for creating change, not just for our mental health and addiction but also for use in our everyday lives. We’ll tackle questions like, “How do you approach someone who may be in danger of losing their life to their addiction?” And the meaning behind his tag lines, "People do well if they can, and behavior is about skill, not will.”  But first, let’s hear Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, share her story, and for this interview, musician Kat Jensen, will be joining me. 

Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.

THANK YOU for supporting our podcast on www.checkyourheadpodcast.com Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

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You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘

The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

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Mari Fong interviews musical guest Margaret Cho and Kandace Kuwahara of Infinite Love Rescue. 

Margaret Cho gives a no-holds-barred interview talking about opioid addiction (such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet, Heroin and more) and other addictions (alcohol, benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium and more), being bed-ridden for a month while detoxing, sharing her solutions for how she survived and how she now lives a happy sober life with her beloved pets by her side. Margaret Cho recently dropped her new album “Lucky Gift” and will soon be on her comedy tour, “Choligarchy" starting in August, 2025. We also play a clip of her single,“Lucky Gift” at the end of our episode. 

Next, our featured expert is Kandace Kuwahara, owner of the nonprofit, Infinite Love Rescue. For over 20 years, Kandace has volunteered for rescue organizations, with her mission being to find forever homes for animals who have been abandoned. Her annual Furbaby Lovefest this October 5 is a free event, featuring low-cost animal services and fun activities like a furbaby costume contest. Kandace and I will be talking about how pets can support our mental health and why adopting a rescue is so worth it.

Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.

THANK YOU for supporting our podcast on www.checkyourheadpodcast.com Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

Support us! On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast

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You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘

The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

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Host Mari Fong interviews pop singer/songwriter David Archuleta and psychotherapist Thomas Keenan-Hunt. 

David's story begins as a devout Mormon that includes a message from above that helped him move past his suicidal thoughts to finally come out as gay. David also talks about his natural solutions to calm his paralyzing anxiety attacks. His new EP entitled “Earthly Delights” drops August 15, followed by a tour this September 17, 2025 his first tour in five years. At the end of our episode we’ll also play a clip of his new single, “Creme Brûlée.”

Our featured expert is psychotherapist Thom Keenan-Hunt, who specializes in the LGBTQ community and also worked extensively with homeless queer youth. We’ll discuss the common challenges and solutions that can often drive LGBTQ youth toward suicide along with his advice for those looking to come out when growing up in a religion that does not support homosexuality or the queer lifestyle. 

Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.

*THANK YOU for supporting our podcast through www.checkyourheadpodcast.com and through our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

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The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

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Welcome to the premiere episode of our fifth season of CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast, the podcast where notable musicians and experts share their stories and solutions for mental help and addiction recovery. I’m your host, Mari Fong, and today I’ve chosen to spotlight our partner MTV for “Mental Health Action Day” which is today, May 15th. Our mental health action was to create and premiere this very special episode that I’m incredibly excited about. So I ask you, what action will you take today, and everyday, to improve your mental health?

But now to our featured guests. Today we have a musician who has sold over 30 million albums with hits like “you were meant for me” and “standing still,” and dropped her 13th studio album entitled “freewheelin woman” in 2022. she was a winner on the popular show, The Masked Singer. Yes,today’s featured guest is singer/songwriter and mental health advocate, JEWEL. And in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, “Jewel’s Lullaby Club,” was announced, which is a special four-week series inspired by Jewel’s iconic album Lullaby, originally created to manage her own stress and also to soothe her son to sleep. Next, paired with Jewel, is an expert who was also a touring musician as the former drummer for Maroon 5, but now he’s a licensed therapist, a speaker and author of the book and podcast called, “harder to breathe,” today’s expert is RYAN DUSICK. But first, let’s hear the ever-talented Jewel, share her story.

For more information on Jewel, visit jeweljk.com where you’ll find information on “Jewel’s Lullaby Club” in partnership with Inspiring Children’s Foundation.org, also visit jewelneverbroken.com for mental health fitness tools, education, and more, and for more information Ryan Dusick, as a therapist, coach, speaker and author of the book and podcast “Harder to Breathe” visit ryandusick.com. And, on checkheadpodcast.com, you’ll find the largest online list of free and affordable mental health and addiction recovery solutions along with everything you’d ever want to know about the CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast. 

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” *THANK YOU for supporting our podcast through www.checkyourheadpodcast.com and through our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

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You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘

The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

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