"My life was sleeping on an air mattress in Boston. Six months later, I'm in the middle of Times Square... I would literally run to the bathroom and dry heave out of anxiety." Damien Fahey gets real about the terrifying reality behind the TRL cameras.

He was the face of MTV for years, taking over for Carson Daly on the biggest show in music television. But behind the scenes, Damien Fahey was battling crippling anxiety, imposter syndrome, and a crisis of identity.

In this candid conversation, Damien opens up to host Ryan Dusick about the pressure of the TRL rocket ship, feeling like he had to be someone else, and the shocking realization that fame didn't cure his insecurities—it amplified them. He shares how his childhood shaped his people-pleasing nature, and how therapy helped him find his own voice and advocate for himself.

This is a deep dive into the journey from being the "MTV guy" to finding true fulfillment as a writer for "Family Guy" and learning the power of being present.

📌 In this episode, you’ll hear: 00:00 Intro 35:00 The Radio Audition That Changed Everything 42:30 "I Would Dry Heave From Anxiety" - The Reality of TRL 52:00 Feeling Like an Imposter in Front of Millions 58:15 The Insecurity of Celebrities Behind the Scenes 1:00:15 Losing His Identity on MTV 1:08:15 How a Chaotic Childhood Shaped His Career 1:12:15 The Most Empowering Lesson From Therapy 1:38:00 The Power of Being Present & Finding Fulfillment After Fame

Have you ever felt like you were playing a role to meet others' expectations? Share your experience in the comments below. 📲 Connect with Damien Fahey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damienfahey/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/DamienFahey

🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts

📲Follow Harder To Breathe: 🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894

#DamienFahey #TRL #Anxiety #MentalHealth #FamilyGuy  #Podcast #HarderToBreathePodcast #2000sNostalgia #Mindfulness #RyanDusick 

The police banged on my door and just said, 'Is this your kid? Go check on her.'" Brandy Vega shares the terrifying story of the night she almost lost her daughter to suicide for the second time, and how it ignited a global movement.

In one of our most powerful conversations yet, entrepreneur, advocate, and mother Brandy Vega shares her deeply personal journey with teen suicide. From the shame and stigma that kept her silent after her daughter's first attempt at age 12, to the hospital that had no beds for suicidal teens, Brandy's story is a raw look at a crisis affecting millions. She opens up about her own struggles as a child, her feelings of failure as a parent, and how she turned her deepest pain into her life's purpose with the "Promise2Live" organization. This episode serves as a crucial guide for parents, offering insights into having open conversations with their kids, the power of asking for help, and the hope that comes from action.

📌 In this episode, you’ll hear: 00:00 Intro  17:15 Why I Kept Silent After the First Suicide Attempt 24:50 You Won't Plant the Idea by Asking "Are You Suicidal?" 28:40 "I Didn't Really Want to Die, It Was Just Too Late" 34:25 The Shocking Suicide Rate for 9-12 Year Olds 38:20 Feeling Like a Failure as a Parent 41:00 The Ego and Politics of Non-Profits 49:00 My Own Suicide Attempt at Age 12 53:15 The Promise to Live Movement & Annual Event

This conversation can save a life. Please share this video with a parent, friend, or anyone who needs to hear it. Have you ever had a crucial conversation about mental health? Tell us in the comments. 📲 Connect with Brandy Vega & Promise2Live: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandylynnvega Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandyvega77/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-vega-5715a811/ Promise2Live: https://promise2live.org/

🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts

📲Follow Harder To Breathe: 🎙️ Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894

#SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #Parenting #PromiseToLive #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #HarderToBreathe #BrandyVega #YouAreNotAlone #Podcast

Actor Erik "Happy" Anderson — known for his unforgettable role as Jerry Brudos in Mindhunter and appearances in The Knick — sits down for a raw, unfiltered conversation about addiction recovery, 21 years of sobriety, and surviving the relentless pressure of Hollywood.

By college, he was a “fall down drunk.” By 26, he was homeless. In this candid interview on the Harder to Breathe Podcast, Happy shares his journey from blackout performances on stage to becoming a working actor in one of the toughest industries in the world. He opens up about the moment he realized he had a drinking problem at 13, the terrifying blackouts, hitting rock bottom, and the path that led him to lasting recovery.

📌 Timestamps 00:00 Intro 23:40 Why So Many Young Actors Get Sober 28:10 Being Blackout Drunk On Stage... and Getting Praise For It 31:30 Hitting Rock Bottom & Getting Sober 42:30 Mindhunter & Unearthing Repressed Trauma 47:15 The Rage I Had Before Sobriety 52:00 Acting is Therapeutic, But It's Not Therapy 01:01:00 The Anxiety of Being a Working Actor 01:10:00 Dealing with Resentment and Imposter Syndrome 01:24:30 My Kidney Cancer Diagnosis

🎧 Listen to the full episode now: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts

📲 Follow Happy Anderson: @happyandersonacting 📲 Follow Harder To Breathe: 🎙 Libsyn: sites.libsyn.com/533902 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ryan_michael_dusick 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894

#HappyAnderson #SobrietyJourney #Mindhunter #AddictionRecovery #Hollywood #MentalHealthAwareness #ActorLife #podcast #HarderToBreathe

In this deep-dive episode,  Ryan Dusick breaks down the complex family trauma, addiction, and healing portrayed in Season 4 of FX's "The Bear." Is it the most realistic depiction of a dysfunctional family on television?

The kitchen in "The Bear" isn't just about food; it's a metaphor for a chaotic family system. In this one-on-one conversation, hosts Ryan Dusick and Brian “Duck” Maillard explore why we are drawn to chaos, how generational trauma shapes our lives, and the difficult but rewarding journey of personal growth.

We analyze the character arcs of Carmy, Sugar, and Richie, and discuss the controversial but hopeful depiction of DeeDee's recovery. Ryan also explains the vital role of support systems like Al-Anon and Codependents Anonymous (CoDA) for families of addicts.

If you've ever seen your own family dynamics reflected in a TV show, this conversation will resonate deeply.

In this episode, you’ll hear: 00:00 Intro

06:03 Breaking Down "The Bear" Season 4

08:45 Is "The Bear" More About Family Than Cooking?

12:10 The Psychology of an Alcoholic, Narcissistic Parent (DeeDee)

17:15 Understanding Codependency and Family Roles (Sugar the Caretaker)

23:00 Why Carmy is Addicted to Chaos

32:00 Confronting Your Abuser: Carmy & the Chef

38:15 What is Al-Anon and How Does it Help?

48:05 Why People Stay in Toxic Systems

56:10 Our Personal Journeys of Growth and Change

What was your biggest takeaway from "The Bear"? Did a character's journey resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#TheBear #TVAnalysis #FamilyTrauma #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #RyanDusick #HarderToBreathePodcast #GenerationalTrauma  #NewEpisode #PodcastRecommendation  #TheBearFX #TherapistReacts #MentalHealth

What does it take to be truly unstoppable? In this powerful episode of Harder to Breathe, we sit down with wrestler, Paralympian, skateboarder, musician, and motivational speaker Anthony Ferraro, who has accomplished it all while being blind.    

Anthony shares his incredible story, from growing up as a visually impaired kid in a massive family to becoming a champion wrestler who faced constant prejudice from parents and coaches. He opens up about the crushing rejection from a high school that didn't want him, the journey of making the documentary "A Shot in the Dark" in his late brother's honor, and the deep depression that led him to check himself into a mental hospital.
 Join us for an inspiring conversation about overcoming unimaginable adversity, the healing power of love, and the relentless drive to turn every challenge into an opportunity. Find out how Anthony learned to skateboard, play guitar, and ultimately use his platform to combat negativity with his "One Love" message. This is a story that proves the human spirit knows no limits.

📌 Timestamps
(11:09) - Interview Begins: Meet Anthony Ferraro
(12:20) - "I Was Born Blind" (14:50) - The First Taste of Rejection (15:55) - "Your Son Has an Unfair Advantage" (18:10) - "A Shot in the Dark": A Brother's Gift (26:15) - Highlight: From Locker Room Rage to "One Love" (30:30) - "She Wore a Velvet Dress For Me" (40:20) - How Do You Skateboard Blind? (45:30) - From "Stone Hands" to Musician (51:25) - The Secret to Harnessing Joy (56:05) - The Day Allen Iverson Broke His Heart 
What's an obstacle you've overcome that made you stronger? Share your experience in the comments below! 👇 
 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

 #HarderToBreathePodcast #AnthonyFerraro #Inspiration #Motivation #OvercomingAdversity #BlindSkateboarder #Wrestling #Paralympics #MentalHealth #Resilience #OneLove #AShotInTheDark #ASFvision #Podcast #NeverGiveUp

How do you turn your deepest pain into your greatest power? In this episode of The Harder to Breathe Podcast, we sit down with the unstoppable X ARI—a bold musical artist, fierce mental health advocate, and a true psychosis survivor whose story will leave you breathless.
 From surviving bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and multiple hospitalizations, to becoming a globally recognized queer songwriter and performing alongside K-pop and Eurovision acts—X ARI shares how she reclaimed her life through radical self-acceptance, love, music, and healing. 🎶💜
 In this powerful interview, ARI opens up about: * Navigating a dysfunctional family, mental illness, and spiritual awakening * Finding love and coming out as a queer, Jewish woman amidst rising antisemitism * The emotional and medical rollercoaster of finding the right diagnosis and treatment * Using creativity and resilience to manifest the life she dreamed of 💬 What part of ARI’s journey resonated with you the most? Let us know in the comments! 👇 
 📌 Timestamps
 (02:40) – Dysfunctional Families and The Bear
 (12:45) – The Depression That Creeps Up on You
 (15:25) – A Cocktail of Diagnoses & The Power of Drive
 (27:10) – “Something Was Not Right in My Family”
 (29:30) – From Sleep Paralysis to Psychosis
 (44:50) – Becoming the Advocate She Never Saw
 (55:40) – Surviving the Hospital
 (58:45) – A Surprise from the Spirit Guides: Coming Out
 (1:07:05) – The Intersection of Queerness and Mental Health
 (1:12:30) – POLITICAL DEEP DIVE: Navigating Hate as a Queer, Jewish Woman
 (1:28:00) – From Eurovision to K-Pop: ARI's Music Career
 (1:34:33) – The Story Behind Her Hit Song “Next to You”
 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Let’s break the stigma—one story at a time. 💥
 #HarderToBreathePodcast #XARI #MentalHealthAdvocate #PsychosisSurvivor #BipolarAwareness #HealingJourney #LGBTQ #QueerArtist #JewishIdentity #PainIntoPower #ChildhoodTrauma #Anxiety #Depression #MentalWellness #TherapyHelp #ComingOutStory #Kpop #Eurovision #PodcastInterview #BipolarArtist #RecoverFromPsychosis #SelfCare #Songwriting #MentalHealthStigma #TheBearFX #MusiCares #NAMI

Dive deep with us as we explore the complex relationship between depression, healing, and the controversial world of plant medicine with Kyle Nicolaides, former frontman of Beware of Darkness and author of "Thank God for Depression." From rockstar struggles to spiritual awakenings, this conversation is raw, honest, and thought-provoking. 🌿✨

🎧 In this episode, we cover: [00:02:17] Thank God for Depression: Reframing Painful Experiences as Lessons for Growth. [00:04:50] The Fear of Psychedelics: Navigating Loss of Control and New Mindstates. [00:11:00] When Early Success Breeds Depression: A Rockstar's Story. [00:21:10] Avidya: Identifying the Spiritual Ignorance at the Root of Depression. [00:23:00] Healing Birth Trauma with Plant Medicine: A Psychedelic Journey. [00:27:00] Plant Medicine 101: The Power of Intention in Psychedelic Ceremonies. [00:32:30] Too Much of a Good Thing: The Fine Line Between Healing and Addiction. [00:40:00] What is an Ayahuasca Ceremony? A Look Inside the Process. [00:47:00] Embodiment: Why Feeling Your Trauma is More Important Than Understanding It. [00:50:00] Emotional Release: Unlocking Repressed Anger to Heal Depression. [00:53:00] Constructive Outlets for Righteous Anger: Rage Rooms vs. Therapy. [01:02:15] Generational Trauma: How We Inherit Our Ancestors' Fears and Beliefs. [01:06:05] Breaking the Cycle: How Conditioning is the Key to Healing. [01:08:00] Breaking Karmic Cycles: Using Plant Medicine to Interrupt Old Patterns. [01:10:00] The Importance of "Steady Therapy" for Psychedelic Integration. [01:19:00] - Kyle Nickis Exclusive Performance: A beautiful musical performance.To Breathe 

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #PlantMedicine #Ayahuasca #HealingJourney #SpiritualAwakening #TraumaRecovery #SelfHelp #PersonalGrowth #podcast #NewEpisode #RyanDusick #Maroon5 #KyleNicolaides #BewareofDarkness #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #Psychotherapy #PartsWork #WellnessJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalHealth #SelfCare #Mindfulness #InnerPeace

😴Struggling to get good sleep? 💤 Dr. Michael Breus shares actionable hacks to ditch insomnia & quiet your mind! Learn the REAL keys to restful sleep - no matter your schedule. Is it time to get over anxiety?

🎧 In this episode, we cover: [00:20:00] The Sleep Doctor's Serendipitous Journey [00:27:30] Quality VS Quantity - Cracking the Sleep Code [00:28:45] Fear-Based Insomnia [00:40:48] The Truth About Benzodiazepines [00:50:37] Are Sleep Supplements Helpful or Hype? [01:06:00] Silencing Monkey Mind [01:17:00] The Hardest Part of Fixing Your Sleep (Explained!) [01:31:30] Sex and SleepWhat's YOUR biggest sleep struggle? Share in the comments! 👇🏻

🎧Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your podcasts. 

Ryan Dusick and co-host Brian “Duck” Maillard confront the toxic political climate and its impact on our mental health, relationships, and society.

Join the Harder to Breathe podcast as they delve into the challenging yet necessary conversation about politics, misinformation, and the path to healthier communication. They discuss everything from cult-like leader figures to finding personal coping mechanisms to address these difficult topics. Can we save democracy without losing ourselves in the process?

🎧 In this episode, we cover: [00:00:33] Why Talking About Politics is Stressful [00:05:34] Agreeing on Reality and Facts [00:11:09] Combating Misinformation with Truth [00:13:17] Black-and-White Thinking and Personal Biases [00:32:40] The Lack of Leadership on the Left [00:34:04] Going Too Far Left or Too Far Right [00:43:00] Tolerating Nuance [01:04:27] The Cable News silos That Divided Us [01:07:00] A Glimmer of Hopefulness

What steps do YOU think can be taken to foster more productive conversations and a healthier political landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👇

Tech vs. Mental Health: Can We Find Balance? 🤔 Shira Lazar from @Creators4MentalHealth joins us to explore the culture of the tech world, the anxieties it provokes, and how we can all find joy in the present moment. 🧘‍♀️ We talk purpose, mindfulness, & more! Listen for tangible advice to build! 💪

🎧 In this episode, we cover: [00:00:50] Overcoming tech-induced anxiety and finding your path. [00:22:30] How AI and new tech impact our wellness. [00:27:00] Being creative while handling fame at the same time! [00:35:00] The joys of staying in compared to going out (JOMO). [00:53:30] How social awareness can help you show love. [01:00:40] Where should you go in life? Inner peace. [01:10:00] Finding the correct perspective to stay happy. [01:14:30] Can AI help get you to a mental health professional? [01:23:00] Should you be involved in this stuff? Yeah!

What helps YOU stay grounded? Share your thoughts!