We conclude Season 2 of the Hi, How Are You? Podcast with an amazing and vulnerable interview with Joshua Ray Walker. He destigmatizes mental illness through music and has found out that he's reaching more fans by being open about his struggles. 

Dr. Hill & Dr. Hill urge us to learn new ways of processing emotions that are healthier. Learn to process emotions so they don't process us! Identify mentors, friends, and family who can help. There are many ways to work through them, whether it's by talk therapy, dancing, creativity, spirituality, and more...you'll learn more about yourself by doing the work.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

The power of taking time for mental health is enormous. And the role that music can play in mental health is just as substantial. Both Taipei Houston and Pleasure Venom use music as a vessel to work through what’s going on in life and are very open to talk about it!

The experts weigh in on the stigma around seeking therapy and the challenge of vulnerability. They stress that in the way we go to a doctor for an annual physical exam, we should do the same with therapy for wellness checks.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Big Wild’s music gives him the opportunity for self-reflection and to facilitate an environment that allows his creativity to flow. He dives into writer's block, the helpful tools to work through it, and the importance of curiosity to spark or inspire new interests and ideas. Samia stresses the gravity of authenticity in an industry that doesn't, and shares tools of how she found self-acceptance after experiencing eating disorders and obsessing over approval from others.

Dr. Hill and Dr. Krishna break down eating disorders and the role that control plays.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Substance use and abuse. Eric Tessmer has an open conversation around his struggle with alcoholism and that the rollercoaster of keeping himself sober has been rooted in therapy. He shares the lessons he’d teach to his younger self. The always entertaining Kosha Dillz is also honest about previous substance abuse, and speaks to his methods to stay focused. Don’t miss his amazing rhymes dedicated to Daniel and the Hi, How Are You Project!

The experts agree that substance use and abuse is imbued in our culture. Using substances isn't inherently wrong but can have serious consequences. Using them to cope with life or as a crutch through the day gives away your power, and is a big marker of concern. Harm reduction models are a good way to change habits over time.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

HAPPY HABITS! Sofi Tukker are huge proponents of mental health awareness and go into detail around which happy habits keep them grounded despite very busy schedules. Goose focuses on ‘Get Moving’ and ‘You Are What You Eat (and Drink)’ and that exercising the body and mind are mental health tools they use regularly.

Dr. Hill and Dr. Krishna emphasize that there is no brain/body split; that the brain allows for the formation of thought just like the heart does for circulation of blood. Daily exercise and a healthy diet will directly impact your mental health!

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Happie Hoffman explores the role that religion and spirituality plays in her work, the connection she has with her community, the healing power and vulnerability of songwriting, and the bravery it takes to address mental health struggles. Southern Avenue address how love brings their family together, healing past traumas, parenting as artists, and how their passion drives their work.

The Docs talk about the sense of meaning that comes with religion and how it can tap you into something much larger than yourself, and how that can bring therapeutic value in itself.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

How do culture and heritage inform music? How does your emotional state inform music? Luna Luna & Katzù Oso get comfortable and open up in the “Hi, How Are You?” Podcast Lounge.

The experts agree that the younger generations are more in touch with their mental health, and that conversations are more open than ever!

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

How does one stay centered and prioritize relationships as an artist on tour? Jessia connects home and mental health, how community keeps her recharged, and how her music helps her maintain strong mental health. Josh Fudge realizes what insight he gained through the hardships of the pandemic, like the importance of putting people in his life above all else. Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast talks about the connection to her family through Korean food and being a bestselling author.

Dr. Hill declares that “We really work best in relationships, that’s a huge strength of us as people.” Dr. Krishna doubles down, that “The key ingredient to happiness are relationships.”

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Finding belonging in music, collaboration, drive, and the importance of relationships are topics explored by Gayle, who started making music at just seven years old. Campbell Burns of Australia’s Vacations discusses the inauthenticity of social media and TikTok, and how he emerged from the pandemic with a much greater understanding of his own personal mental health journey.

The “Instagram Effect” - how social media affects the brain and how we perceive the world around us - is reviewed by the experts.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Lilyisthatyou opens up about the role that drugs and sex have played in her life and the music she makes. Siena Liggins explains the pushback of being a queer Black woman, and her artistic goal to bring people together and unite communities.

Dr. Krishna and Dr. Hill dive into sexuality and gender identity in overall identity, and how it can play a part in promoting strong mental health. 

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)