CHECK YOUR HEAD: Mental Help for Musicians

Mari Fong interviews Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry and Carly Hester of NAMI, Philly and Clinical Social Worker. Chris Robertson shares his story of being manic depressive or bipolar disorder with anxiety and panic attacks along with his solutions for recovery. *Warning: Suicide and suicidal ideation is discussed. Listener discretion is advised.
 
Having recently dropped their album "The Human Condition," Chris talks about songs like "Push Down and Turn" and the struggles of depression and mania that come with his condition.  Close to committing suicide, he eventually finds help with therapy, medication and more. Chris also talks about self-medicating with drugs and alcohol that led to dire consequences.
 
 Next, we have Carly Hester of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) speak on the difference between bipolar 1 and 2, and symptoms to look 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.”
 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 us on YouTube:  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 Grant DeCrane (Pray For Sleep) and Kat Parsons AKA Katharine Petzold (Psychotherapist & Licensed Counselor, Trauma Specialist).  Musician and lead singer Grant DeCrane of alternative rock band Pray For Sleep shares his story of sexual trauma, PTSD,  depression and anxiety.  Grant begins counseling but still experiences panic attacks and self-harm by cutting. His feelings of guilt and self-blame  are relieved by therapy and music.

Grant shares the coping skills learned in therapy that lead to his recovery and healing. Pray For Sleep become advocates for mental health for teens and young adults by creating the Screamback Program (screamback.org).
 
Next, Mari talks with Kat Parsons, a musician, singer-songwriter and psychotherapist specializing in trauma, depression and anxiety.  Kat talks about the emotions often experienced after sexual trauma, ways to deal with the aftermath, imposter syndrome, and the many reasons behind why musicians seem to experience more mental health issues than other career occupations.
 
“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/
Support 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 us on YouTube:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast)

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 Jordan Benjamin (grandson), then Mari Fong (Life Coach for Musicians) talks with Kat Jensen. Jordan Benjamin AKA grandson shares his story of living with symptoms of bipolar, his manic episodes, and his family history of bipolar and other mood disorders. His ADHD-like impulsivity as a youngster, acting out in school, his relationship with pot and other substances. 

What does grandson keep in his mental health toolkit? The importance of finding creative outlets, his experience with meditation, the dichotomy of emotions, and the power of manifestation. Being an activist with his charity the XX Resistance Fund and how you can participate in positive social change. grandson’s debut album Death Of An Optimist dropped on December 2020 and his single, “Dirty” currently #9 on the Billboard Charts. We share a clip of grandson’s “In Over My Head.”

Mari talks with Kat Jensen on how to deal with life when it gets overwhelming and we feel “in over our heads.” What it means to “catastrophize” with ways to resolve it, and the proven, positive mental and physical effects of CBD oil. 

“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 us on YouTube:  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 Linda Ronstadt (singer-songwriter) & Dr. Ish Major (Psychiatrist, Relationship Coach, “Marriage Boot Camp”). Linda 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 progressive supranuclear palsy, her favorite books, and her life during the pandemic. Next, the preacher of love, Dr. Ish Major 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.

“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 us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured 

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 India Shawn (singer-songwriter) & Dr. Ish Major (Board Certified Psychiatrist, Relationship Expert, “Marriage Boot Camp,” “Tamron Hall Show,” author of Little White Whys).

R & B artist India Shawn shares her experience with toxic relationships, co-dependency, growing up with a single, therapist mother and an alcoholic father, bad dating patterns, and her own struggles with alcohol. Taking accountability, becoming self-aware, what’s in her mental health toolbox, and Wellness Wednesdays. India performs “Be Myself" with Ron Avant of The Free Nationals.

Next, Dr. Ish Major talks about pandemic relationship issues, the one question asked before getting frustrated with your partner, how to increase your lovability level, telling your story from the end, narcissists, how to attract more loving relationships, and how to fall more in love with yourself. 

“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 us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured 

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 Shaun Morgan and Corey Lowery (Seether) & Dan Reidenberg, PsyD (SAVE.org, Suicide Prevention expert).  In 2007,  Shaun Morgan's brother Eugene died by suicide. In 2012, Shaun and Seether created the Rise Above Fest to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental illness.

Shaun and Corey of Seether share their stories of struggling as musicians, fathers and husbands during the pandemic and how it's led to frustration, depression and anxiety. The aftermath of suicide, using drugs and alcohol to escape, and the eventual grief counseling. How Shaun and Corey cope through the pandemic and what they do to improve their mental health on a daily basis.

Partnering with Dr. Dan Reidenberg of SAVE.org for the Rise Above Fest. Top suicide prevention expert Dr. Dan Reidenberg  shares risk factors, protective factors, warning signs, and what we can all do for those who are having suicidal thoughts and behaviors. How medical conditions can trigger mood disorders, and the importance of listening. How your words and actions can help save a 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/
Thank you for supporting us through our website 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 us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured 

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 Yesod Williams (Pepper, LAW Records) & Kellie Nowell (The Nowell Family Foundation, Bradley's House). Yesod Williams shares his story and solutions on alcoholism and depression. Growing up seeing his mother's alcoholism, Yesod Williams slides into alcoholism after her death. With 9 years of abuse, Yesod's drummer friend Adam O'Rourke of 2Cents gave him the direction and advice that started his detox from alcohol.

After hitting rock bottom, Yesod changed his lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise. Depression was part of his withdrawal from alcohol, but he kept moving forward. Yesod's LAW Records dropped a new compilation CD entitled, "The House That Bradley Built" with artists singing acoustic Sublime songs. The proceeds will go to Bradley's House, an opioid rehab center for musicians, as a tribute to Bradley Nowell, lead singer of Sublime who died in 1996 of a heroin overdose.

Kellie Nowell, sister of Brad of Sublime, talks about family addictions and fond memories of brother Brad. Our featured song is "Rivers of Babylon" sung by Jake and Jim "Papa" Nowell, a highlight on  "The House That Bradley Built" Deluxe CD that can be purchased at law-records.com. 

“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/
Thank you for supporting us through our website 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 us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured 

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 Danny Griego (singer-songwriter, solo artist) and Anika Wilson (Clinical Psychologist, PTSD & Trauma) on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Having worked with icons such as Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and Billy Jo Shaver,  Danny Griego shares his story of being struck by lightning which led him to music and also anxiety-filled PTSD. After recovery, Danny connects with our armed forces and military who also suffer from PTSD. He writes songs such as “22," dedicated to veterans, and a new single called “Inevitable.”
 
Next, we talk with PTSD and trauma expert Anika Wilson. Dr. Wilson explains PTSD and therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) which can be helpful for PTSD patients and other conditions such as eating disorders, panic attacks, and addictions.
 
“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/
Thank you for supporting us through our website at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3
THANK YOU for following us on Facebook & Instagram @checkyourheadpodcast, Twitter: @checkheadpod
 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured 

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 Rench (Gangstagrass, producer, singer/songwriter, solo artist) and Daniel McCartney (music agent at United Talent Agency, Gideon), founder of The Continuance Foundation. Rench from bluegrass, hip-hop band Gangstagrass talks about racial unity and living with social anxiety, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) which can occur with ADHD.

Dealing with social anxiety, mood swings and learning new skills to live better with RSD. The importance of not being too self-critical, being understanding and flexible, and finishing the “No Time For Enemies” album during the pandemic. Rench treats us with a special acoustic performance of “Lone Dogs.”

Musician and music agent with United Talent Agency, Daniel McCartney, shares his reasons for creating The Continuance Foundation.  How the foundation makes it easier for musicians to prioritize their mental health while touring or back home in the studio.

“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/
* Thank you for supporting us through our website at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3
THANK YOU for “liking” or following us on Facebook & Instagram @checkyourheadpodcast, Twitter: @checkheadpod
 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured 

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 Davey Suicide (solo artist & band) and Michael Friedman, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach, Psychology Today) on dealing with childhood traumas.  Davey Suicide describes his turbulent upbringing with divorced parents, feeling misunderstood, not fitting in at school, and how music saved him. The positivity behind his name “Suicide,”  the importance of self-reflection and second chances. Letting go of the past and being in the driver’s seat of life.

Clinical psychologist, author, and co-founder of  “Hardcore Humanism," Michael Friedman, Ph.D.  Dr. Mike talks about the importance of being non-judgmental, how to live a “purpose-driven” life. When “having fun” slides into an addiction, and what the "heavy fundamentals” of 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/
* Thank you for supporting us through our website at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3
THANK YOU for “liking” or page or following us on Facebook & Instagram @checkyourheadpodcast, Twitter: @checkheadpod
Watch us on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured 

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.