Sam Riegel on Resilience, Voice Acting & Humor After Cancer | Harder to Breathe Podcast
Release Date: 05/27/2025
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,...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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)....
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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...
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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...
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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...
info_outlineIn 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 face their realities versus finding peace to keep them happy.
[00:05:00] Compartmentalize: The hosts dive into how compartmentalization can help and hurt people.
[00:15:45] Welcome Sam Riegel: The guys officially welcome Sam to the show
[00:16:08] Early Days: Listen to Sam and Duck reminisce about when they first met in New York.
[00:20:50] Community: Sam talks about the community between all actors
[00:24:12]Career Journey: Hear about Sam's journey of being an actor and finding out what works.
[00:35:50] Survival Story: Sam tells the harrowing and empowering details from surviving 9/11.
[00:42:12] The Big Diagnosis: Sam reveals that he had cancer in his mouth
[00:48:50] Coping Through Life: Sam and the hosts dive into people’s coping mechanisms.
[01:05:26] A Reminder to Live Your Life: Sam discusses how his diagnosis has not stopped him.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Watch now to learn about resilience, the power of saying "yes" to opportunities, and finding humor in the face of adversity.