Safe Spaces Series: A Focus on Mental Health in Nightlife

Steven Klavier is one of the key architects behind New York City’s modern nightlife and he unpacks what it really takes to build culture, sustain a career, and stay grounded in an industry that never stops moving.

From his early days throwing parties at downtown Manhattan to shaping institutions like House of Yes and Brooklyn Mirage, Steven shares the evolution of his 15+ year journey through the city’s club ecosystem. He currently works as the booker at Brooklyns Signal and Paragon, as one of the many hats he wears. What began as a passion for music and community quickly turned into a multifaceted career spanning promotion, booking, programming, and consultancy.

The conversation goes deep into the realities behind the scenes — from navigating agents and oversaturated lineups to understanding the economics of nightlife and what makes a party actually work. Steven breaks down the art of curation and why authenticity, taste, and relationships still matter more than hype.

He also just opened up to 1:1 consultancy in nightlife with Business Therapy where you can get advice and strategy on building a career in nightlife.

Beyond the business, this episode opens up an honest dialogue around mental health in nightlife. Steven speaks candidly about burnout, boundaries, and the importance of building a life outside the club — touching on meditation, sleep, diet, and his evolving relationship to substance use. It’s a grounded perspective from someone who’s seen every side of the industry.

He also explores the shifting future of nightlife — from safer, more inclusive spaces to the rise of community programming and educational events — and how venues like Public Records and Paragon are redefining what club culture can be.

As a vocalist and collaborator, Steven’s creative work with artists like Moon Boots, Kenny Dope, and Eli Escobar adds another layer to his story — one rooted not just in building spaces, but contributing to the sound itself.

This episode is both a behind-the-scenes look at NYC nightlife and a practical, honest guide to navigating creative careers without losing yourself in the process.

(00:00) Introduction to Steven Klavier's Journey

(02:52) The Transition from Corporate to Music Industry

(06:05) Building a Career in Nightlife and Booking

(08:57) Navigating the Challenges of Being a Booker

(11:54) The Role of Agents in a DJ's Career

(15:01) Mental Health and Setting Boundaries in the Industry

(17:55) Healthy Habits for a Sustainable Career

(21:01) Consultancy in Nightclubs and Event Management

(27:51) Building a Safer Nightlife

(30:42) The Importance of Community and Awareness

(32:54) The Value of Panel Discussions

(35:49) Evolving Club Culture and Community Engagement

(40:48) Challenges of Booking in a Saturated Market

(45:42) Maintaining Balance in Nightlife Careers

(50:37) Advice for Navigating Mental Health in the Scene

Nightlife, Booking, DJ, Club Management, Mental Health, Brooklyn Scene, Nightlife Industry, Nightclub Consulting, Security, Community

In this deeply personal and expansive conversation, Toribio — Dominican-American musician, producer, DJ, and sonic architect — explores the intersection of music, spirituality, and personal evolution.

Rooted in his upbringing in his grandfather’s church and shaped by his studies at the Berklee College of Music, Toribio shares how rhythm became both his language and his compass. From jazz drumming and marching band in Florida to global stages like Boiler Room and Glastonbury Festival, his journey reflects a commitment to sound as a tool for connection, transformation, and healing.

Together, they dive into the spiritual dimension of music — not just as performance, but as a lived, embodied practice. The conversation moves through sound meditation, emotional sensitivity, and the power of collective movement, drawing parallels between nightlife, ritual, and sacred space.

Toribio also opens up about navigating the music industry while staying aligned with purpose, and how his work — from his band Conclave to community-driven projects like Public Service NYC and Sala Sessions — centers around creating intentional environments where music becomes medicine.

This episode is an invitation to rethink how we listen, gather, and heal — and to reconnect with music as something far deeper than entertainment.

(00:00) Introduction and Weather Talk

(02:03) Cesar's Musical Roots and Influences

(08:52) The Spiritual Component of Music

(20:37) Exploring Sound Meditation and Listening Experiences

(29:44) The Impact of COVID on Music and Community

(34:32) The Intersection of Music and Spirituality

(36:37) Music as a Healing Tool

(39:08) Navigating Emotional Sensitivity

(42:16) The Unique Path of the Artist

(50:21) Establishing Rituals for Wellbeing

(57:22) Words of Wisdom for Struggling Artists

music, spirituality, community, healing, ambient, jazz, DJ, meditation, self-awareness, cultural roots

Veronique de Leon, a seasoned music industry professional turned health coach, shares her firsthand experience. Having worked across various roles in the Netherlands’ music scene, from being an artist liaison, stage manager and booker at Amsterdams De School, she observed how demanding this world can be on physical and mental health.

Her journey from industry insider to founder of SolSync, a coaching practice tailored for nightlife professionals, illustrates a powerful transformation that offers hope for others. Veronique touches on the industry's dark areas: burnout, irregular sleep cycles, stress, and safety concerns.that often go unspoken. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward creating a healthier environment for industry personnel.

(00:00) Introduction and personal updates on health and industry context

(02:00) Veronique’s background: from festivals to wellness entrepreneur

(04:00) The impact of industry pressures: burnout and pandemic reflection

(06:00) Founding SoulSync: merging industry experience with health expertise

(09:00) The significance of routines for mental health and industry resilience

(12:00) How backstage care supports artists and crews

(13:30) The importance of industry-specific mental health resources

(16:00) Barriers: visibility, finances, and stigma in nightlife wellness

(18:00) Early signs of burnout and when to seek help

(20:00) The value of specialized therapeutic understanding in the nightlife context

(32:00) Practical tips: circadian light exposure and morning routines

(36:00) The effects of night shifts and neurodivergence on health

(40:00) Naming and concept behind “SoulSync”: aligning with natural cues

(44:00) Building habits: grounding, digital detox, and sleep hygiene

(46:00) Flexibility in routines and mental health maintenance

(50:00) How music and nightlife passions are reconnecting health-wise

(52:00) Supporting oneself and community through vulnerability and openness

(55:00) Final words of encouragement for those struggling

(56:00) Closing thoughts and future plans

I sat down with Juan MacLean for a thoughtful conversation about aging, the wellness industry, and the changing world of music and DJ culture. He reflects on how getting older has actually left him with fewer answers, not more, and why he’s skeptical of wellness trends that promise quick fixes like cold plunges. Instead, he talks about the value of personal experience and figuring out what actually works for you.

The conversation also dives into his journey from playing in bands to becoming a DJ and producer, and the challenge of staying authentic in a music landscape increasingly shaped by algorithms and marketing. Along the way, he shares thoughts on community, the loss of real human connection in a convenience-driven world, and why leaning into discomfort can sometimes be the most powerful path to growth.

In the end, it’s a conversation about music, meaning, and the simple moments that make life feel worth living.

(00:00) Introduction and Reflection on Aging

(01:56) Critique of the Wellness Industry

(04:15) The Challenges of the Music Industry

(14:18) Reconnecting with Music

(19:02) Navigating the Current Music Landscape

(28:15) The Impact of Streaming and Marketing on Music

(37:10) The Quest for Authenticity in Music

(42:05) The Healing Power of Music and Community

(46:53) Substance Use and the Pursuit of Peak Experiences

(51:18) Integrating Joy into Daily Life

(55:37) Discomfort as a Path to Growth

Keywords

Juan MacLean, Tony Y Not, wellness industry, aging, music culture, DJing, personal growth, community, authenticity, mental health

Are you feeling lost in your own identity amid the chaos of a demanding industry? Wondering how external validation influences your sense of self? You're not alone. Sofia Ilyas is a seasoned figure in the electronic music scene, her latest work being the Chief Community Officer at Beatport. Now she transitioned her work into coaching and defines her identify beyond the music industry and shares her journey of self-discovery, the importance of silence, and how to navigate a male-dominated industry while staying true to who you are.

This episodes talks about redefining success beyond external validation, and fostering community support, especially for women and minority groups. Whether you're an artist, industry professional, or someone seeking personal growth, Sofia’s stories and strategies will probably inspire you to cultivate resilience, authenticity, and peace in your life and career.

(00:00) Introduction to the episode's focus on identity and mental health

(00:33) Sophia Elias’s background in music and community engagement

(01:30) Reflection on the influence of external validation and silence

(02:24) The power of group therapy and connecting with strangers

(02:52) Practicing detachment from work identity

(03:46) Declaring “I am Sophia” beyond roles and achievements

(04:14) The journey of self-discovery and embracing silence

(05:27) Changing reactions to external validation and validation addiction

(06:28) Recognizing body’s role in stress and healing

(07:14) Moving away from relentless productivity and stress addiction

(08:23) Personal evolution in career and understanding deeper self

(09:21) Overcoming defining oneself solely through music industry success

(10:50) Reflection on midlife questions about identity and “Who am I?”

(12:16) The significance of stillness and silence in growth

(13:23) Softening and opening the heart through self-awareness

(14:09) Developing more calm, reflective energy and self-love

(15:27) Supporting women and minority groups in the industry

(16:11) Changing behaviors in friendships and relationships

(17:10) The importance of community, support, and true connection

(18:03) Redefining socializing beyond drinking and partying

(19:49) The value of sobriety and authentic bonding

(21:33) Supporting women artists and navigating male-dominated spaces

(24:25) The need for structural change and regulation in organizations

(28:16) The complexities of tokenism and authentic representation

(30:41) Evolving perceptions of diversity over generations

(34:22) The importance of safety, laws, and community support for women

(36:42) Structural ingraining of norms and subconscious biases

(40:04) Global differences in diversity, inclusion, and regulation

(44:12) Opportunities in Berlin’s music scene and cultural contrasts

(47:20) Comparing work experiences across countries

(51:04) The ongoing challenge of genuine diversity and equity

(55:12) Daily practices for happiness: food and nature

(58:28) The importance of patience, observation, and appreciating simplicity

(60:22) Words of encouragement for those struggling mentally or physically

(61:54) The power of community, opening up, and shared human experience

(62:22) Closing thoughts on self-awareness, societal change, and personal stories

In this conversation, Storm Mollison shares her journey from being a singer-songwriter to a DJ and music producer. She discusses the challenges of balancing creativity with the pressures of the music industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on artists, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need to reconnect with joy in the creative process. Storm emphasizes the significance of prioritizing self-care and doing things that make one happy, rather than succumbing to the pressures of productivity.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(01:11) The Journey into DJing

(04:37) The Impact of COVID-19 on Creativity

(08:17) The Pressure of Music Production

(12:08) Navigating Creative Blocks and Expectations

(15:38) Collaboration and Creative Control

(19:41) The Evolution of Music Production

(22:37) The Role of AI in Music Creation

(25:44) The Importance of Individuality in Music

(28:36) The Challenges of Social Media for Artists

(32:24) The Pressure of Social Media in Music

(34:59) The Art of Creating Without the Camera

(39:37) Finding Value in Analog Experiences

(42:13) Navigating Boundaries in a Digital World

(53:25) Reclaiming Mornings for Mental Clarity

(57:20) Prioritizing Joy and Connection

Keywords

DJing, music production, creativity, COVID-19, social media, music industry, mental health, boundaries, joy, self-care

In this conversation, Gigi shares her journey from Brooklyn to Berlin, discussing the cultural shifts and challenges she faced in the nightlife scene. The dialogue explores the importance of language, community, and mental health, as well as the need for awareness teams and better communication within creative collectives. Gigi emphasizes the significance of finding personal happiness amidst the competitive music industry and critiques the celebrity culture that often overshadows genuine artistic expression. The conversation concludes with insights on navigating the complexities of inclusivity and exclusivity in nightlife events.

https://awareness.berlin

(00:00) Introduction and Transatlantic Connection

(01:09) Journey from Brooklyn to Berlin

(02:43) Navigating the Visa Process and Language Barriers

(03:23) The Importance of Learning German in Berlin's Nightlife

(07:10) Cultural Differences: Work-Life Balance in Berlin vs. New York

(10:33) Diving into Berlin's Nightlife Scene

(13:04) Blind Spots in the Nightlife Community

(19:05) The Need for Accountability in Party Organizing

(23:16) Challenges in FLINTA Spaces

(28:22) Navigating Inclusivity and Exclusivity in Events

(33:55) Understanding Awareness Teams in Berlin's Nightlife

(36:49) The Role of Awareness Teams in Events

(39:39) The Importance of Action Over Intentions

(41:15) Understanding the Club Commission in Berlin

(43:41) Navigating the Challenges of Nightlife Culture

(46:03) The Need for Accountability in Creative Spaces

(47:35) Redefining Success in the DJ Community

(54:36) Personal Well-being and Mental Health Strategies

(59:26) Addressing Mental Health Stigmas in Berlin

Keywords

Berlin, nightlife, creative scene, language barriers, community, mental health, awareness teams, inclusivity, FLINTA spaces, celebrity culture

In this conversation, live performer Felix Raphael discusses the impact of the pandemic on his creative process, his preference for live performances, and the importance of mental health in the music industry. Felix emphasizes the need for authenticity and vulnerability in art, and how his experiences have shaped his latest album "DO YOU", which focuses on mental health themes and is intentionally not your algorithm cookie cutter album. The discussion highlights the challenges artists face and the importance of community support and open dialogue.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(04:45) Transition to Music Career

(09:52) The Live Performance Experience

(14:57) The Journey of Creating an Album

(19:35) Exploring Mental Health Themes

(24:47) Authenticity and Vulnerability in Music

music, mental health, live performance, authenticity, electronic music, artist journey, resilience, creative process, emotional well-being, community support

Julia Fugazy shares her inspiring journey of sobriety, celebrating four years of recovery while navigating the challenges of working in the nightlife industry. Born and raised in New York, she’s been in the music industry since she was fifteen and now manages Bedouin, recently being honored as Manager of the Year at The Femmys. She discusses the impact of sobriety on her personal and professional growth and the importance of mental health practices. Julia emphasizes the need for boundaries in a demanding industry, the significance of community support, and the unique challenges faced by women in music. She offers valuable advice for those struggling with addiction, encouraging them to seek help and explore their options.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(03:09) Celebrating Sobriety and Its Impact

(05:56) Navigating Sobriety in the Nightlife Industry

(09:02) Mental Health Practices and Support Systems

(12:02) Dating and Relationships in Sobriety

(15:02) Building a Supportive Environment

(17:57) The Journey of Sobriety and Career Growth

(20:48) Service and Community in Recovery

(23:43) Finding Balance in a Party-Centric World

(26:56) Setting Boundaries in a 24/7 Job

(29:51) Conclusion and Future Outlook

(34:20) Balancing Work and Personal Life

(39:31) The Importance of Boundaries in the Music Industry

(44:45) Finding Fulfillment in a Chaotic Career

(48:58) Navigating Gender Dynamics in Music Management

(58:21) Accountability and Respect in the Workplace

Keywords

sobriety, nightlife, mental health, recovery, personal growth, women in music, boundaries, community support, dating, service

In this episode Raphael Pujol aka The Checkup, discusses mental health, burnout, and the journey of healing through holistic practices. Raphael shares his experiences of balancing a demanding career in music as a DJ, label owner of Heattraxx and his job at Beatport with personal well-being, emphasizing the importance of intention, self-care, and reconnecting with music from a place of passion rather than survival.

(00:00:00) Introduction to Raphael Pujol

(00:05:00) The Journey to Holistic Health

(00:15:00) Balancing Career and Well-being

(00:25:00) Reconnecting with Music

(00:35:00) The Role of Spirituality

(00:45:00) Advice for Aspiring Artists

(00:50:00) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

mental health, burnout, holistic health, music industry, self-care, intention, healing, DJing, Beatport, Raphael Pujol