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Holding Our Breath: Grief, Fun, and the LA Wildfires | #2

Release Date: 01/14/2025

Therapist Reacts: The Hidden Psychology of The Bear Season 4 | Harder to Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

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,...

How Blind Athlete Anthony Ferraro Defied the Odds and Found His Voice | Harder to Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

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...

From Psychosis to Eurovision: Turning Pain Into Power with X. ARI | Harder to Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

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,...

How a Rock Star Healed His Depression & Addiction | Kyle Nicolaides | Harder to Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

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...

A Doctor's Plan to Fix Insomnia & Anxiety for Good | Dr. Michael Breus | Harder to Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

😴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...

Mental Health in a Divided World | Harder to Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

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...

Overcoming Anxiety in a Tech-Driven World | Shira Lazar | The Harder to Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

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)....

Hillary Spiritos on Defining Success for Gen Z | The Harder To Breathe

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

Join Ryan Dusik and co-host Brian “Duck” Maillard in a thought-provoking conversation with Hillary Spiritos, a certified Pathfinding Coach, on The Harder To Breathe Podcast. Dive into the unique challenges facing Gen Z, redefine success, and discover how to help young people navigate the modern world. 🎧 In this episode, we cover: [00:01:00] The struggles of aging and maintaining physical well-being. [00:04:00] Transitioning to a career as a youth coach. [00:08:00] Defining success for young people. [00:15:00] Coping as a non-binary person. [00:17:00] Finding positive routes to help...

Jeremy Sisto on Hollywood, Family, & Finding Purpose | The Harder To Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

Ever wondered what it takes to build a lasting career in Hollywood? Join Ryan Dusick and Brian “Duck” Maillard as they chat with actor Jeremy Sisto about his journey through fame, family life, and the constant quest for authenticity. 🎧 In this episode, we cover: [00:01:00] Duck's "Cosmic Connections": Hear the hilarious and oddly specific reasons Duck is a Jeremy Sisto super-fan! [00:05:00] The Therapist's Toolkit: What go-to advice does Ryan find himself sharing with clients most often? [00:29:00] Authenticity in Hollywood: Jeremy discusses the balance of staying true to yourself...

Michele Lee UNFILTERED: Knots Landing, Broadway & Mental Health | Harder To Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

🎙️ I’m beyond excited to share this deeply personal and incredibly special episode of The Harder To Breathe Podcast — featuring none other than my amazing aunt, the legendary Michele Lee! You know her from Knots Landing, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Broadway, and a 50+ year career that's nothing short of iconic. But in this conversation, we go way beyond the headlines. It was an honor to sit down with Aunt Michele and my co-host Brian “Duck” Maillard for a raw, real, and heartfelt chat. We covered everything — from superstardom to family complexities...

More Episodes

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host and founding drummer of “Maroon 5” Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard to break down the impact, fear, and trauma surrounding the current LA Wildfires. Afterwards, the duo are joined by the host of the “Dopey” Podcast, David Manheim, for an incredible conversation surrounding Recovery, Fun, and so much more.

Living in LA during the greatest wildfire the city has ever seen has led Duck and Ryan, and many other LA locals, to a great deal of emotion and uncertainty. The two share their concerns surrounding the current events in Los Angeles, but ultimately decide that the best way to find comfort is by moving forward, and as such they’ve chosen to continue with their plans to speak with David.

With David on board, the conversation quickly becomes one of the funniest, and also heaviest that we’ve ever had on the “Harder to Breathe” Podcast. That dichotomy is perfectly on brand for David, whose entire “Dopey” Podcast is based around comedic stories about his drug-use and addiction before he got sober.

In a far-reaching discussion, the three men talk at length about the 12 Step Program, about “Fun” being a defining motivation for finding connection with other human beings, about dealing with the Grief of losing a friend and Podcast Partner, and so much more. It’s a great showcase for why David has been so successful with his own Podcast, because he is able to walk the fine line between humor and recovery– an approach that has reached and helped many people over the years. The chemistry between the three is undeniable, and it makes for an absolutely can’t-miss episode of “Harder to Breathe”.

L.A. FIRE CONTRIBUTION LINKS & RESOURCES:

L.A Fire Department Fund: https://supportlafd.org/
L.A. Food Bank: https://www.lafoodbank.org/
The American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/
Pasadena Humane Society: https://pasadenahumane.org/

0:00:00 Introduction & the LA Wildfires

0:04:06 Duck’s Driving Emotions

0:07:20 Ryan’s Driving Emotions

0:11:45 Newfound Perspective

0:14:49 Dealing with the Trauma of a Disaster

0:19:18 Acknowledging Our Instincts in an Emergency

0:20:38 Today’s Guest: David Manheim

0:22:40 How You Can Contribute to LA Fire Disaster Relief

0:24:57 David Manheim joins the Podcast & Discusses Cancelled Plans

0:27:16 The Feeling of Lack of Control

0:32:31 Walking the Line Between Humor and Darkness

0:33:00 Original Goals for the Dopey Podcast

0:35:30 The Freedom of Letting Go & Embracing Dark Humor

0:39:05 The Purity of Leading with Comedy

0:43:25 Building an Intentional Community

0:44:40 The Tragic Relapse and Death of David’s Podcast Partner

0:47:24 Podcasting through Tragedy as a Catharsis

0:52:19 Chris’s Legacy in the Dopey Podcast

0:56:29 Walking Through the Grieving Process Publically

0:59:20 Utilizing Purpose to Address the Root of Anxiety

1:07:35 “Fun” as a Core Motivator

1:11:16 Jerry Garcia’s Mission for Fun

1:18:32 David’s Relationship with his “Wife” & Kids

1:24:03 Conflict Born From Within Podcasting

1:28:25 The Cynic vs. the 12 Step Process

1:45:40 Wrap Up & Conclusion

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