What if you got everything you thought you always wanted… then lost it all? How would you move forward? Would you live in regret? Depression? Victim mentality? Or would you find that maybe, just maybe, it would spur you to find the TRUE key to happiness in learning to let go, pivot, and reprioritize your life? 

This is exactly what happened to Ryan Dusick, founding drummer from Maroon 5.

Founding the group “Kara’s Flowers” in 1994 (yup, that was the band’s name at first!) with best friends Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and Mickey Madden, Ryan and his bandmates worked tirelessly for a decade before the group changed its name to Maroon 5 and finally recorded its first multi-platinum album Songs About Jane. Multiple hit songs, two Grammy awards, and 20 million albums sold later, Ryan found himself suffering and without direction, when his career as a performer came to an end, just as it was taking off.

After years of struggling with physical and mental health challenges, Ryan finally turned a corner in 2016, when he began his journey of recovery, culminating in a new life path full of meaning, purpose and fulfillment. 

Curious about what he’s up to today? We sat with him on the heels of releasing his book, “Harder to Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery” to hear more about his journey from aspiring pop star to global superstar to heartbroken alcoholic to thriving mental health survivor and messenger of hope, recovery, and a new take on GRATITUDE.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[03:26] Ryan shares what his childhood was like as a shy, high-achieving student and pinpoints the start of his anxiety and passion for music.

[08:58] Ryan recounts the story of why he chose to play the drums and how he met his future Maroon 5 bandmates. 

[14:13] Ryan briefly talks about Maroon 5’s history: its original name, getting its first record deal, and almost breaking up. 

[18:13] Ryan discusses the artists and music genres that inspired Maroon 5’s unique style and impacted its future success.

[24:07] Ryan talks about the road to fame and the realities of touring. 

[27:05] Ryan opens up about his battle with alcoholism and what led to him eventually leaving the band.

[35:08] Ryan discusses downwards spiral after leaving the band and reckoning with his identity.  

[40:11] Ryan talks about the turning point of his addiction and finally committing to changing his life.

[45:24] Ryan reflects on his privilege during rehab in which he credits his successful recovery to. 

[49:55] Ryan explains how pursuing higher education was another level of his recovery and how it led him to dedicate himself to helping others.

[52:40] Ryan shares the reward of gratitude he was finally able to experience that carries him today. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[38:52] Ryan talks about his spiritual bottom and when he finally reached a breaking point to choose a different path.

[41:52] Ryan describes how service changed his perspective and ultimately saved him from this dark chapter in his life.

[46:17] Ryan reminds us that addiction doesn’t discriminate but to overcome it, one must learn to find acceptance in it.

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Show Notes:

A big thank you to Ryan Dusick for joining the podcast and sharing your inspiring story.

Learn more at https://www.ryandusick.com and follow Ryan on Instagram: @ryanmichaeldusick

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali  

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