CHECK YOUR HEAD: Mental Help for Musicians

Mari Fong interviews Anna Gevorkian and Shaunt Sulahian of Satellite Citi on OCD and PMDD with Chris Trondsen, M.S., AMFT, APCC, OCD Specialist & Therapist.

Satellite Citi share solutions for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or  OCD and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD. Shaunt Sulahian talks about his late OCD diagnosis and the havoc it wreaked on his life along with the ERP therapy that turned his life around. Anna Gevorkian shares on PMDD which is severe PMS that causes deep depression and anxiety and her solutions for recovery. We play a clip of "Empath" off their debut album Fear Tactics which drops Sept. 3, 2021.

This mental health expert spent 3 years of his life house-bound by OCD before finding the therapy that saved his life. Expert Chris Trondsen is an OCD specialist, therapist, VP of the International Foundation's OCD SoCal affiliate and nationwide speaker and advocate for OCD. Chris Trondsen gives us OCD knowledge along with the therapy that has up to an 86% success rate. Chris talks about PMDD and how hormones and genetics can trigger mood disorders along with his solutions for recovery.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For 125+ free or affordable solutions for mental health recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

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

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with our mission to educate, normalize, support, and provide mental health and addiction recovery solutions for the music industry. Participate in our mission and become a CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Superhero! 

Feel good when you make a donation to our cause, knowing we're fighting the good fight to improve and save lives for musicians and music fans worldwide. Donate on our website, where we also provide the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions on  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and 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.

Mari Fong interviews David Shaw of The Revivalists and solo artist, and Farid Hashemi, Wim Hof Certified Instructor. David Shaw shares his story of growing up with fears, insecurities and “not feeling good enough” which led to anxiety and drug and alcohol addiction. One long night of drinking led to a fateful night that shocked and scared the hell out of David, making him decide on getting clean and sober. Hear David’s solutions for recovery which include the Wim Hof Method, what he calls “anxiety training.” We play a clip of “Shaken” from David Shaw’s new, self-titled, debut album dropped in May 2021. 

Next, we have expert and certified Wim Hof instructor Farid Hashemi of E-motion Training who shares the secrets behind this unique method. Wim Hof developed these techniques after losing his wife to suicide which helped him recover both mentally and physically. Farid shares how training with Wim Hof on the snowy mountains of Poland changed his life, and how the “three pillars” of this method can benefit your life as well.
 
“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For 125+ free or affordable solutions for mental health recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

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

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with our mission to educate, normalize, support, and provide mental health and addiction recovery solutions for the music industry. Participate in our mission and become a CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Superhero! 

Feel good when you make a donation to our cause, knowing we're fighting the good fight to improve and save lives for musicians and music fans worldwide. Donate on our website, where we also provide the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions on  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and 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.

Mari Fong interviews musical guest Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage, Times of Grace and The Weapon, and suicide prevention expert Dr. Dan Reidenberg of SAVE.org. Jesse Leach talks about how a toxic relationship triggered his anxiety and depression, how he came to realize the abuse, and what it took  for him to finally break away. 

Jesse talks about his mental health solutions which include therapy, micro-dosing, and power of nature. Next, world-renowned suicide prevention expert from SAVE.org, Dr. Dan Reidenberg, talks about how to spot the warning signs of someone who may be at risk for suicide. We also talk on what to do and say to that person that could possibly save a life. We play a clip of “The Burden of Belief,” the new single from Times of Grace’s album, Songs of Loss and Separation which dropped in July 2021. 

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

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

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with our mission to educate, normalize, support, and provide mental health and addiction recovery solutions for the music industry. Participate in our mission and become a CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Superhero! 

Feel good when you make a donation to our cause, knowing we're fighting the good fight to improve and save lives for musicians and music fans worldwide. Donate on our website, where we also provide the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions on  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and 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.

Mari Fong interviews singer-songwriter Winona Oak and Richard "Wolfie" Wolf, meditation expert and author of In Tune: Music as a Bridge to Mindfulness. 

Swedish songstress Winona Oak was a 12-year-old when her panic attacks and anxiety began, triggered by her hormonal cycle (PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Winona  eventually became agoraphobic but help from loved ones along with mediation and other solutions, she finally found recovery. Winona’s SHE EP represents female empowerment and how she's grown as an artist through bravery. 

Next, meditation expert Richard "Wolfie" Wolf is also an Emmy-winning composer and multi-Platinum-selling music producer who’s worked with greats such as Prince, Freddie Mercury of Queen and Madonna. Richard shares his secrets on how music, mindfulness and meditation can soothe anxiety and bring daily benefits to your life.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”
  For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* DONATE to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following and liking us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

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

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with our mission to educate, normalize, support, and provide mental health and addiction recovery solutions for the music industry. Participate in our mission and become a CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Superhero! 

Feel good when you make a donation to our cause, knowing we're fighting the good fight to improve and save lives for musicians and music fans worldwide. Donate on our website, where we also provide the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions on  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and 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.

Mari Fong interviews Brian Wheat of Tesla and expert Karl Shallowhorn, mental health educator, speaker, coach and author of “Leadership Through the Lens of the 12 Steps.” Brian Wheat of Tesla shares how he overcame bulimia, addictions, and lives successfully with panic attacks, depression.

Brian Wheat’s autobiography entitled, Son of a Milkman: My Crazy Life with Tesla, tells how he survived and thrived through 39 years recording and performing with Tesla and touring with Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Poison and other iconic hair metal bands. Brian talks about his mother’s mental health issues, the one person who turned his life around, and how his autoimmune disease affects him mentally and physically. Brian shares the unexpected benefits he found from therapy and medication. 

Next, Mental Health First Aid Educator and expert Karl Shallowhorn shares his own journey with bipolar disorder and addiction and what finally led him to believe he could live a life without drugs. Karl talks about the “addictive personality” and how love and fear can be key motivators for change. Using the 12 Step Program for controlling addiction and how to live a life beyond your wildest dreams. 

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”
  For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* DONATE to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following and liking us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

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

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with our mission to educate, normalize, support, and provide mental health and addiction recovery solutions for the music industry. Participate in our mission and become a CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Superhero! 

Feel good when you make a donation to our cause, knowing we're fighting the good fight to improve and save lives for musicians and music fans worldwide. Donate on our website, where we also provide the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions on  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and 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.

Mari Fong interviews Ruby Carr and Natalia Panzarella of Bahari. Mari Fong (Life Coach for Musicians) and musician Kat Jensen discuss the Bahari interview, the benefits of journaling, and the medication naloxone or Narcan for the use of stopping an opioid overdose. 

Natalia and Ruby share their story and solutions for bipolar, panic attacks and depression. The duo talks about how they bonded by helping each other with depression and other mood disorders, along with songwriting about their mental health. Natalia shares how losing her boyfriend to an opioid overdose inspired Bahari's new singles, "Jackie Kennedy" and "Bipolar" as well as the Luke Love Foundation, a nonprofit created in his name to fight opioid addiction and overdoses.

Next, Kat Jensen and Mari discuss the Bahari interview and how journaling can be a creative and therapeutic way to express your emotions and confidential thoughts. They also share information on naloxone or Narcan, the medication used to immediately stop an opioid overdose and possibly save a life.  We share a clip of Bahari's single, "Jackie Kennedy."

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”
  For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* DONATE to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following and liking us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

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

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with our mission to educate, normalize, support, and provide mental health and addiction recovery solutions for the music industry. Participate in our mission and become a CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Superhero! 

Feel good when you make a donation to our cause, knowing we're fighting the good fight to improve and save lives for musicians and music fans worldwide. Donate on our website, where we also provide the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions on  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and 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.

Mari Fong interviews Nick Petty of The Happys and Sally Anne Gross, author of Can Music Make You Sick? Measuring the Price of Musical Ambition and 30-year veteran of the music industry. Nick Petty shares his story of growing up with major depressive disorder, anxiety and ADHD. 

Nick symptoms started as a child. He took medication for his conditions but things got worse after his parents divorced. Nick got into music but also got into doing heroin and opiates which eventually led to addiction and a 14-month stint in jail. Nick describes how he turned his life around, made use of his time in jail, and finally rid himself of opiates. The Happys perform “I Just Don’t Know,” the new single to be dropped on June 4 off their upcoming album ADHD. 

Next, Mari talks with Sally Anne Gross, author of Can Music Make You Sick? Measuring the Price of Musical Ambition based on the largest study on mental health in the music industry, funded by the charity Help Musicians UK. We also talk about the variety of opportunities for musicians in the industry beyond the stage.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”
 For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* DONATE to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following and liking us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

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

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with our mission to educate, normalize, support, and provide mental health and addiction recovery solutions for the music industry. Participate in our mission and become a CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Superhero! 

Feel good when you make a donation to our cause, knowing we're fighting the good fight to improve and save lives for musicians and music fans worldwide. Donate on our website, where we also provide the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions on  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and 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.

Mari Fong interviews Hannah Hooper of Grouplove and Hallie Lincoln & Hilary Gleason of Backline. Hannah Hooper shares her story of battling stage fright and recovery, while finding self-love and empowerment. Grouplove’s surprise 5th album, This Is This,  represents evolving, healing and a way to vent your emotions from the frustrations of the pandemic. A clip of their single "Deadline" is featured at the end of the episode.

Hannah describes her experience with Adderall and how getting off the medication positively affected her as an artist. Hannah admits to such bad stage fright that she’d literally hide behind a mask. Hear how she overcomes and chooses to be a positive, empowered role model for women. Hannah believes Mac Miller helped her write the song “Broken Angel” after his passing. Hannah survives brain surgery and talks about the self-care she practices for good mental health. 

Next, experts Hallie Lincoln, clinical case manager, and Hilary Gleason, both co-founders of Backline, talk about how Backline.org assists musicians and their families in connecting them to mental help resources, support groups and recovery programs. How a musician’s lifestyle can sabotage their mental health and how to make mental health a priority while on tour and in daily life. 

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”
 For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* DONATE to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following and liking us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

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

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with our mission to educate, normalize, support, and provide mental health and addiction recovery solutions for the music industry. Participate in our mission and become a CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Superhero! 

Feel good when you make a donation to our cause, knowing we're fighting the good fight to improve and save lives for musicians and music fans worldwide. Donate on our website, where we also provide the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions on  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and 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.

Mari Fong interviews guitarist Sean Long of While She Sleeps and Andrea Vassilev of DBSA, San Gabriel Valley. Sean Long share his story and solutions for recovery for anxiety, panic attacks, panic disorder and agoraphobia. While She Sleeps’s single “Nervous” off their new album Sleeps Society is based on Sean’s mental health journey and admits the song is the most important one he’s ever written. 

Andrea Vassilev of DBSA San Gabriel Valley explains panic disorder and how it can easily escalate to agoraphobia if untreated. She shares her thoughts on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication as treatment for panic disorder.  

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”
 For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* DONATE to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following and liking us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

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

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with our mission to educate, normalize, support, and provide mental health and addiction recovery solutions for the music industry. Participate in our mission and become a CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Superhero! 

Feel good when you make a donation to our cause, knowing we're fighting the good fight to improve and save lives for musicians and music fans worldwide. Donate on our website, where we also provide the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions on  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and 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.

Mari Fong interviews pop singer-songwriter Gabbie Hanna and Cat Moore, USC Director of Belonging. Gabbie Hanna shares her story and solutions for anxiety, bulimia, depression and more. Growing up in a dysfunctional family and raised by narcissistic parents, Gabbie had a tough time making friends and connecting with others.  

During a dark, lonely period of her life, Gabbie started posting videos of herself on Vine to try and make friends which eventually led to millions of followers. She talks about the pressures of being on the internet, cyberbullying and the danger of relying at "likes" and "follows" for your identity.  Gabbie shares her solutions using the power of healthy, loving relationships, forgiveness, and more. 

Next, loneliness expert, coach and speaker Cat Moore shares her story of being lonely for the first 24 years of her life and finally finding the secret to making friends and lasting connections. USC deemed her a "belonging expert" to teach students how to feel more connected while attending college and beyond. We end the episode with a clip of Gabbie Hanna’s single “Call Me Crazy” to be released on her upcoming album.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”
 For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* DONATE to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following and liking us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

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

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with our mission to educate, normalize, support, and provide mental health and addiction recovery solutions for the music industry. Participate in our mission and become a CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Superhero! 

Feel good when you make a donation to our cause, knowing we're fighting the good fight to improve and save lives for musicians and music fans worldwide. Donate on our website, where we also provide the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions on  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and 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.