Libsyn Directory

The Laws of Connection | #9

Release Date: 03/04/2025

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...

Sam Riegel on Resilience, Voice Acting & Humor After Cancer | Harder to Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

In this powerful episode of The Harder To Breathe Podcast, Ryan Dusik and Brian “Duck” Maillard welcome voice acting legend Sam Riegel (Critical Role, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) for a candid and moving conversation. Sam shares his extraordinary journey, from childhood fame to a career in voice acting, his 9/11 survival story, and his recent battle with cancer. In this episode, you’ll hear: [00:00:42] Duck’s Shoutout: A huge congratulations to Duck’s son's team for winning in the playoffs. [00:02:13] Navigating Realities: Discussion of where the balance is between helping someone...

The Sklar Brothers on Comedy, Identity, & Parenting | The Harder To Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

This week, Ryan and Duck sit down with the legendary Sklar Brothers (Jason & Randy) for a conversation that’s equal parts comedy, heart, and insight. From pioneering the early days of comedy podcasting to reflecting on parenting, identity, and the state of humor today—this is a must-listen episode. In this episode, you’ll hear: [00:02:00] Duck Mailer shares why the Sklar Brothers are comedy heroes [00:08:00] The guys unpack the societal issue of equating ignorance with weakness [00:15:00] Echo chambers & information bubbles—what’s the real danger? [00:22:00] Interview with...

From "That Thing You Do!" to Healing: Johnathon Schaech's Journey | Harder To Breathe Podcast

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

Hey everyone! 👋 Welcome back to The Harder To Breathe Podcast! This week, Ryan and Duck sit down with actor Johnathon Schaech (That Thing You Do!, Blue Ridge) for an incredibly open and honest conversation about addiction, trauma, finding hope, and the power of human connection. ➡️ In this episode, you'll hear: [0:00:00] - Intro: Duck and Ryan talk about themed restaurants... and Ryan reveals a WILD Maroon 5 story from Tokyo! 🤯 [0:11:24] - Interview Start: Johnathon Schaech joins the podcast! [0:13:15] - How "That Thing You Do!" Mirrored Maroon 5's Early Days: The inspiration and...

Your Mess is Your Magic with Marc Scheff | #17

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a conversation with Artist and Creativity Coach, Marc Sheff. Marc is a renowned and award winning artist who has absolutely set the NYC art scene ablaze with his incredible work in resin. In addition to his art, he has recently opened himself up to creative coaching, acquiring multiple professional licenses on the path to giving creatives the permission they need to Create… Destroy… & Emerge as...

Miscarriages, Breast Cancer, & Choosing to Talk About it (feat. Dr. Jessica Zucker) | #16

The Harder to Breathe Podcast

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a conversation with LA based psychologist and author, Dr. Jessica Zucker. Dr. Zucker has been a womens’ health advocate for years, choosing to become a clinical psychologist in order to give women a voice for their pain, both physically and mentally. All too often women feel that they are unable to comfortably speak out about the health issues they are facing in society– an issue that Dr. Zucker...

More Episodes

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and as of now… officially licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for an eye-opening conversation with David Robson, a fantastic Science Journalist known for “The Laws of Connection”.

Despite growing up with terrible social anxiety, David has become an incredible writer and speaker. His ideas will change the way that you think about the mind, and in this episode, the three men discuss several of the laws of connection he writes about in his books, including “The Liking Gap”, the “Beautiful Mess Effect” and more.

As Duck points out, we are all the “Stars of our own Movies”, and as such we immediately tend to be harder on ourselves than we are on anyone else. We think that people don’t like us, and we’re quick to point out all of our own flaws. David’s science cracks open the ways that we are able to better connect with others, and moreover, why very intelligent people can be drawn to conspiracy theories, cults, and more.

It is one of the most fascinating episodes yet on the “Harder to Breathe” Podcast, and will quickly change the way that you look at the mind, social connection, and how the two are intrinsically linked with one another.

0:00:36 Introduction & Officially Licensed!

0:04:07 Seeking Validation

0:07:36 The Six-Year Journey

0:09:20 Finding the Positivity & Healthy Apologies

0:15:06 Navigating Fundamental Disagreements Within Society

0:19:51 Today’s Guest: David Robson

0:21:06 “Severance”: What Would You “Sever” from Your Life?

0:27:21 David Robson Joins the Podcast & Duck’s Anticipation

0:28:31 David’s Extensive Background

0:30:08 The “Science of Shyness” & The “Liking Gap”

0:38:51 The “Beautiful Mess” Effect

0:41:01 Seeking Human Connection

0:48:20 David’s Book: “The Laws of Connection”

0:55:21 Boundaries Within Family Relationships

1:02:56 “The Intelligence Trap”

1:07:21 Falling Prey to Motivated Reasoning

1:10:56 Mob Mentality

1:14:37 The Ultimate Catfish

1:16:31 “The Expectation Effect”

1:24:39 Absolving Yourself of Shame

1:31:31 Embracing Public Speaking from Shyness

1:389:18 Wrap Up & Conclusion

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