Welcome to the premiere episode of our fifth season of CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast, the podcast where notable musicians and experts share their stories and solutions for mental help and addiction recovery. I’m your host, Mari Fong, and today I’ve chosen to spotlight our partner MTV for “Mental Health Action Day” which is today, May 15th. Our mental health action was to create and premiere this very special episode that I’m incredibly excited about. So I ask you, what action will you take today, and everyday, to improve your mental health?

But now to our featured guests. Today we have a musician who has sold over 30 million albums with hits like “you were meant for me” and “standing still,” and dropped her 13th studio album entitled “freewheelin woman” in 2022. she was a winner on the popular show, The Masked Singer. Yes,today’s featured guest is singer/songwriter and mental health advocate, JEWEL. And in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, “Jewel’s Lullaby Club,” was announced, which is a special four-week series inspired by Jewel’s iconic album Lullaby, originally created to manage her own stress and also to soothe her son to sleep. Next, paired with Jewel, is an expert who was also a touring musician as the former drummer for Maroon 5, but now he’s a licensed therapist, a speaker and author of the book and podcast called, “harder to breathe,” today’s expert is RYAN DUSICK. But first, let’s hear the ever-talented Jewel, share her story.

For more information on Jewel, visit jeweljk.com where you’ll find information on “Jewel’s Lullaby Club” in partnership with Inspiring Children’s Foundation.org, also visit jewelneverbroken.com for mental health fitness tools, education, and more, and for more information Ryan Dusick, as a therapist, coach, speaker and author of the book and podcast “Harder to Breathe” visit ryandusick.com. And, on checkheadpodcast.com, you’ll find the largest online list of free and affordable mental health and addiction recovery solutions along with everything you’d ever want to know about the CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast. 

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” *THANK YOU for supporting our podcast through www.checkyourheadpodcast.com and through our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Instagram: @checkyourheadpodcast https://www.instagram.com/checkyourheadpodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of Sammi Doll (Kat Von D, IAMX, Bullet Height, solo artist) with Mari Fong & Kat Jensen speaking on Depression & ADHD Recovery for Mental Health Awareness Week, May 12-18, 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Sammi Doll (Kat Von D, IAMX, Bullet Height) on depression and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), then Mari Fong (former Life Coach for Musicians) discusses the interview with Kat Jensen (Producer, Social & Behavioral degree). Sammi Doll shares her facebook post while in the depths of depression, how the social media post affected her fans, her experience living in Berlin, Germany while in a crumbling relationship, and feeling stagnant and lost. 

How Sammi was confronted by a caring and compassionate bandmate, feeling valued, how healing began with a move back to sunny Los Angeles and starting a new chapter. Being diagnosed with ADHD, the difference between taking medication and not taking medication, feeling scattered, and remembering 5 good things that happened today. 

Kat Jensen and host Mari talk about the signs to look for with depression, what you can do to help yourself and others during a depressive episode, and how to show compassion during the pandemic. Helpful apps, teleheath, and texting that can be used to find mental help on the checkyourheadpodcast.com website. 

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” *THANK YOU for supporting our podcast through www.checkyourheadpodcast.com and through our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Instagram: @checkyourheadpodcast https://www.instagram.com/checkyourheadpodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of While She Sleeps (Sean Long) & Therapist Andrea Vassilev (DBSA) speaking on Panic Attacks & Agoraphobia Recovery for Mental Health Awareness Month, May 2025.

Mari Fong interviews guitarist Sean Long of While She Sleeps and Andrea Vassilev of DBSA, San Gabriel Valley. Sean Long share his story and solutions for recovery for anxiety, panic attacks, panic disorder and agoraphobia. While She Sleeps’s single “Nervous” off their new album Sleeps Society is based on Sean’s mental health journey and admits the song is the most important one he’s ever written. 

Andrea Vassilev of DBSA San Gabriel Valley explains panic disorder and how it can easily escalate to agoraphobia if untreated. She shares her thoughts on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication as treatment for panic disorder.  

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”
 For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* DONATE to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following and liking us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of Tower of Power (Emilio Castillo) & Tim Ringgold (Music Therapist, Sonic Recovery) speaking on Drug & Sex Addiction Recovery for National Counseling Awareness Month, April 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Emilio Castillo (Tower of Power) and Tim Ringgold, MT-BC (Music Therapist & Author of Sonic Recovery: Harness the Power of Music to Stay Sober) on addiction and mental health. Emilio Castillo shares his story of addiction to alcohol, heroin, marijuana, cocaine, eating, and more. 

Hear why Emilio would create drug recipes and party with bandmate “Doc” Kupka, and why singer Rick Stevens went to prison for 36 years. Emilio finds hope in recovery with the 12-steps and finally listening to others. Emilio shares his four words of advice to musicians who desire a long career in music.

Music therapist Tim Ringgold shares his story of sex addiction and finding healing through music therapy. He shares the importance of trying many tools for recovery until you find what's right for you.  Listen to Tower of Power's “Look In My Eyes" from Step Up which dropped March 2020.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” * Thank you for subscribing to our podcast and supporting us through Patreon or on checkyourheadpodcast.com. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.  For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Be our friends! “like” or follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Instagram: @checkyourheadpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured 

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of The Lumineers (Wesley Schultz) & Kerry Abernathy (Therapist & Addiction Specialist) speaking on Alcoholism & Mood Disorders Affecting Families for Alcohol Awareness Month, April 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers with Kerri Abernathy, Marriage & Family Therapist and Addiction Specialist.  Schultz shares how a family member's severe alcoholism and  mood disorders affect him and his wife and the lives of other family members. The muse for The Lumineers's song "Gloria," this woman was sent to the ER 99 times in one year due to her alcoholism. Finding help with an addiction specialist and creating healthy boundaries for your own mental health.  Listen to The Lumineers's single "Brightside" off their new album of the same name.

Next, we have Marriage & Family Therapist and Addiction Specialist Kerri Abernathy who shares her own experience as a recovering alcoholic, and her professional advice what you can do to protect yourself from the alcoholic's ongoing drama. How to help the addict while also helping yourself, and the importance of the alcoholic experiencing the harsh consequences of addiction.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Support the show

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of Sal Rodriguez (WAR) & Jeff Duke speaking on Alcoholism & Multi-Drug Addiction recovery for Alcohol Awareness Month, April 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Sal Rodriguez of WAR and Jeff Duke, Founder of Christ Powered Recovery.  Sal Rodriguez shares how music, drinking alcohol and parties were part of his lifestyle growing up which led to an addiction to cocaine and selling LSD as a teen. His obsessive-compulsive behaviors made it hard to stop using but eventually found his solutions through Christ Powered Recovery and the 12 steps. Multi-platinum selling band WAR celebrates their 52nd anniversary in 2021.
 
Next, we have Sal Rodriguez's mentor and founder of Christ Powered Recovery, Jeff Duke, who  shares his knowledge on why the program worked for Sal and how to prevent relapse with our mood disorders and addictions. With 26 years of sobriety, Jeff shares common trials and tribulations of recovery and how a better life is waiting for you on the other side.
 
“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of Katelyn Tarver speaking on Anxiety & Teen Self-Doubt for World Teen Mental Health Day, celebrated on March 2, 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Katelyn Tarver, singer-songwriter and actress, and Dr. Adi Jaffe, psychologist, addiction specialist, and author of The Abstinence Myth. 

Katelyn Tarver shares her story and solutions for living with anxiety and teen self-doubt, growing up in the spotlight as a young girl. Katelyn was only 16 when her first EP was released, followed by 5 more EPs before winning NBC's "Songland" in 2019.  Katelyn was only 14 when she first debuted on television, often feeling overwhelming fear and nervousness throughout her career.  

Next, we have Part 2 of the interview with expert Dr. Adi Jaffe, Ph.D, psychologist and author of the book,The Abstinence Myth.  Dr. Jaffe shares the importance of finding the root causes of addiction and how therapy can be essential to longtime recovery and sobriety. He explains his unique approach with the IGNTD program.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of Lindsey Stirling & Dr. Christina Wierenga speaking on Anorexia Nervosa recovery for Eating Disorders Awareness Week, 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Lindsey Stirling, singer-songwriter, violinist, and dancer, and Dr. Christina Wierenga, Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuropsychologist at UC San Diego’s Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. 

Lindsey Stirling shares her story of anorexia nervosa and the depression and anxiety that came along with it. Lindsey’s anorexia started in college and she takes us on her journey to recovery and maintenance of her condition. Currently on her 2021 Christmas Program tour, Lindsey recently dropped "Lose You Now" featuring Mako.  Next, mental health and eating disorders expert Dr. Wierenga shares new research on anorexia nervosa and the treatment steps that often takes a team of specialists to treat this serious condition.   

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

You’re invited to the CHECK YOUR HEAD Afterparty where Mari Fong and Kat Jensen take best lessons from each episode and talk about how to ease them into our daily lives. For September 2024 which is Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month, we’re spotlighting the Seether & Dr. Dan Reidenberg (SAVE.org, Suicide Prevention Expert) episode. 

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" for September 2024 for Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month. Next episode, listen to CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast Afterparty where Mari Fong and Kat Jensen talk about best lessons from each episode and how to ease them into our daily lives.

Mari Fong interviews Seether (Shaun Morgan and Corey Lowery) & Dan Reidenberg, PsyD (SAVE.org, Suicide Prevention expert).  In 2007,  Shaun Morgan's brother Eugene died by suicide. In 2012, Shaun and Seether created the Rise Above Fest to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental illness.

Shaun and Corey of Seether share their stories of struggling as musicians, fathers and husbands during the pandemic and how it's led to frustration, depression and anxiety.The aftermath of suicide, using drugs and alcohol to escape, and the eventual grief counseling. How Shaun and Corey cope through the pandemic and what they do to improve their mental health on a daily basis.

Partnering with Dr. Dan Reidenberg of SAVE.org for the Rise Above Fest. Top suicide prevention expert Dr. Dan Reidenberg  shares risk factors, protective factors, warning signs, and what we can all do for those who are having suicidal thoughts and behaviors. How medical conditions can trigger mood disorders, and the importance of listening. How your words and actions can help save a life.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”  For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/
Thank you for supporting us through our website at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3
THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
 Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured 

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews Zac Barnett of American Authors and Chris Bullard, former touring musician and founder of Sound Mind Live. Zac Barnett of American Authors shares about caring for his mother with bipolar disorder and the importance of being a mental health support for those you love. American Authors will be playing at the upcoming Music for Mental Health concert on May 21, 2022, hosted by the nonprofit, Sound Mind Live. Next, Chris Bullard, the founder of Sound Mind Live, shares how his own bipolar disorder inspired him to become a mental health advocate for musicians.
* Support, donate or participate in our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews Jared Watson of Dirty Heads and Dave Schools of and the Neal Casal Foundation and Widespread Panic. Jared Watson shares how his hard partying ways with Dirty Heads ("Lay Me Down," "Stand Tall") descended into alcohol and drug abuse. He recollects his wake up call when rushed to the hospital, barely able to move from his tour bunk bed. Depression and anxiety followed, with his road to recovery being a remarkable one. Their latest album, 'The Best of Dirty Heads' features the single "Rage" with Travis Barker and Aimee Allen of The Interrupters.
 
Next, we have Dave Schools of Widespread Panic talk about Neal Casal, a musician who died from mental illness in 2019, and the  Neal Casal Music Foundation.  Dave explains the mental rigors of being a touring musician and the foundation's mission to improve the lives of others also battling mental illness. The tribute album 'Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal' is out now, with 41 incredible musicians singing the songs of this beloved musician.   

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews singer-songwriter Amos Lee and Dr. Melissa Boudin, psychologist and Clinical Director of Choosing Therapy. Amos Lee spent his life coping with anxiety and panic attacks which led him to be agoraphobic at the tender age of 10 years-old.  Lee shares his panic attack recovery tools, and also how to best support someone with mood disorders.  We'll also play a clip of his single, "Worry No More" from his 6th album, 'Dreamland.'

Next, Dr. Melissa Boudin, psychologist and Clinical Director of Choosing Therapy explains the breathing techniques and other skills that can be learned to effectively calm panic attacks.  Dr. Boudin also shares how online therapy or telehealth is effective and convenient whether you're on tour or at home.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews Matt Brandyberry of From Ashes to New and Eva Marie AKA Amanda Lyberg, psychotherapist and lead singer of Eva Under Fire.  Matt Brandyberry shares his story what led to his personal breakdown which triggered panic attacks, anxiety and depression. The pros and cons of competitiveness. From Ashes to New's single and latest album "Panic" is an insight to these moods along with 3 EPs dropped in 2021 entitled "Quarantine Chronicles." Listen to a clip of "Panic" after Matt's interview.

Next, our mental health expert is a psychotherapist, clinical psychologist and lead singer of the band Eva Under Fire, Eva Marie AKA Amanda Lyberg. Eva Marie shares panic attack solutions, how to advocate for your mental health on tour, and why facing our demons is hard, but better than drowning our sorrows. Listen to a clip of Eva Under Fire's single "Unstoppable" off their debut album, Love, Drugs & Misery.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast)

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews contemporary classical pianist RIOPY and Dr. Benjamin Miller, PsyD and President of Well Being Trust.  Pianist and composer Jean-Philippe Rio-Py (RIOPY), who wrote the score for award-winning films The Shape of Water and The Danish Girl, grew up in a cult where he was physically and emotionally abused until his escape. As a child, he survived by escaping to the piano, where he could quiet his mind from his OCD, anxiety and depression. RIOPY shares his unique solutions for recovery along with a clip of "Sweet Awakening," an instrumental off his latest album, Bliss.   
 
Next, mental health expert, President of Well Being Trust, and musician Dr. Benjamin Miller talks about the power of music and the power of meditation in healing both our minds and our souls. Well Being Trust is a philanthropy dedicated to advancing the mental, social and spiritual health of the nation at wellbeingtrust.org.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews Nina Ljeti and Jacob Loeb of Kills Birds, and Johanna Kandel of the National Alliance For Eating Disorders.  Nina and Jacob of the band Kills Birds share their  pandemic challenges, depression solutions, Nina's toxic relationship recovery, and the story behind Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters inviting the band to record their latest album, "Married," at his studio and as an opening act for the Foos. We play a clip of their single, "Rabbit" inspired by Nina's abusive relationship.

Next, we have mental health expert Johanna Kandel, founder and CEO of the National Alliance For Eating Disorders and author of "Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder." A former ballerina and 10-year survivor of eating disorders, Johanna gives recovery advice, how The Alliance can help, and their "Not One More" Weekend,  Feb. 25-27, 2022, which features advocates like singer-songwriter Demi Lovato as a part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers with Kerri Abernathy, Marriage & Family Therapist and Addiction Specialist.  Schultz shares how a family member's severe alcoholism and  mood disorders affect him and his wife and the lives of other family members. The muse for The Lumineers's song "Gloria," this woman was sent to the ER 99 times in one year due to her alcoholism. Finding help with an addiction specialist and creating healthy boundaries for your own mental health.  Listen to The Lumineers's single "Brightside" off their new album of the same name.

Next, we have Marriage & Family Therapist and Addiction Specialist Kerri Abernathy who shares her own experience as a recovering alcoholic, and her professional advice what you can do to protect yourself from the alcoholic's ongoing drama. How to help the addict while also helping yourself, and the importance of the alcoholic experiencing the harsh consequences of addiction.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong is interviewed by musician Kat Jensen on living with depression and hormone balance recovery with Dr. Gary Donovitz, founder of BioTE, a customize bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.  We begin the 3rd season of the CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast with your host Mari Fong sharing how hormone imbalance and stress were triggers for bouts of depression and anxiety throughout her life.  After finding the right antidepressant and hormone pellet therapy, Fong finally recovers and appreciates life more than ever. Musician Kat Jensen interviews.

Next, we have international speaker, author and 20 year researcher on bioidentical hormone therapy, Dr. Gary Donovitz. A board-certified OBGYN, Dr. Donovitz shares the risks and benefits of hormone optimization, how hormones can affect our mental and physical health, and the difference with BioTE, a customized hormone pellet therapy for both men and women.
 
“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews Katelyn Tarver, singer-songwriter and actress, and Dr. Adi Jaffe, psychologist, addiction specialist, and author of The Abstinence Myth.

Katelyn Tarver shares her story and solutions for living with anxiety and teen self-doubt, growing up in the spotlight as a young girl. Katelyn was only 16 when her first EP was released, followed by 5 more EPs before winning NBC's "Songland" in 2019.  Katelyn was only 14 when she first debuted on television, often feeling overwhelming fear and nervousness throughout her career.  

Next, we have Part 2 of the interview with expert Dr. Adi Jaffe, Ph.D, psychologist and author of the book,The Abstinence Myth.  Dr. Jaffe shares the importance of finding the root causes of addiction and how therapy can be essential to longtime recovery and sobriety. He explains his unique approach with the IGNTD program.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews singer-songwriter James Arthur and Dr. Adi Jaffe, mental health and addiction specialist, author of The Abstinence Myth: A New Approach For Overcoming Addiction Without Shame, Judgment, Or Rules.
 
James Arthur shares how living with depression and panic attacks along with a troublesome childhood led him to a life of partying out of bounds. Winning the X Factor UK in 2012 and his hit single, “Say You Won’t Let Go” took his fame into the stratosphere, yet controversies made fame a rocky road. James Arthur shares his real-world solutions for mood disorders and addiction recovery. We play a clip of “Emily” from his new album, It’ll All Make Sense In The End.

Next, mental health and addiction specialist Dr. Adi Jaffe explains his unique recovery perspective from his book,The Abstinence Myth. Dr. Jaffe also shares his story of hardcore addiction and the trials of his recovery which helped him develop his personalized recovery plan called IGNTD.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews Sal Rodriguez of WAR and Jeff Duke, Founder of Christ Powered Recovery.  Sal Rodriguez shares how music, drinking alcohol and parties were part of his lifestyle growing up which led to an addiction to cocaine and selling LSD as a teen. His obsessive-compulsive behaviors made it hard to stop using but eventually found his solutions through Christ Powered Recovery and the 12 steps. Multi-platinum selling band WAR celebrates their 52nd anniversary in 2021.
 
Next, we have Sal Rodriguez's mentor and founder of Christ Powered Recovery, Jeff Duke, who  shares his knowledge on why the program worked for Sal and how to prevent relapse with our mood disorders and addictions. With 26 years of sobriety, Jeff shares common trials and tribulations of recovery and how a better life is waiting for you on the other side.
 
“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews Michael Murphy, lead singer of Written By Wolves, and musician health expert Kat Jensen. Michael Murphy shares his story and solutions for anxiety and depression, where his goal to always be “the best” started to have a negative affect on him and his family. Michael explains why songwriting is easier than traditional therapy, and how making lists has worked wonders for him. We play a clip of “Help Me Through the Night” inspired by Michael’s anxiety. Written By Wolves dropped the “The Collab Project” EP made as a mental health initiative featuring collaborations with Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens, Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. and more. 

Next, Mari Fong, Life Coach for Musicians, and Kat Jensen, singer-songwriter formerly of Love Toyz, talk about the dangers of perfectionism and how it can be tamed to work for you, not against you. How perfectionism can creep into a musician’s life and wreak havoc on their mind, body, spirit and relationships. How mistakes show you the way to achieving your goals.
 
“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews country singer-songwriter Chase Bryant and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund Executive Vice President of Development & Artist Relations, Aric Steinberg. Chase Bryant shares his solutions for anxiety, depression and imposter syndrome recovery. After skyrocketing to fame, Chase Bryant found himself quickly playing with country superstars like Tim McGraw where the stress of fame took his toll and led him to a suicide attempt. Slowing his life down, being true to himself, and therapy have soothed his soul and helped calm his mood disorders. 

Next, Aric Steinberg of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund talks about how this 501(c)3 nonprofit can help musicians and others working in the music industry with financial assistance, especially during this pandemic. Sweet Relief and the CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast partner for the Add-A-Buck Program where artists donate $1 for each ticket sold to benefit musicians and their mental health. Aric shares how easy it is to apply for Sweet Relief assistance.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews singer-songwriter Cap Carter and USC's Director of Belonging and Loneliness Expert, Cat Moore. Cap Carter shares his solutions for depression and addiction recovery having experienced a painful childhood and the difficult divorce of his parents. Cap’s single “Relapse,” started out as an exit song but became the song that saved his life.  Addiction recovery with the 12-step program helped resolved connections with his father and begin a new chapter in his musical career. 

Next, we have loneliness expert and USC’s Director of Belonging, Cat Moore who guides us in how to make friends and lasting connections even during tough separations such as the pandemic. Cat shares the 5 components of making meaningful relationships and ways to feel like you belong wherever you go in life. 

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For 125+ free or affordable solutions for mental health recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews Anna Gevorkian and Shaunt Sulahian of Satellite Citi on OCD and PMDD with Chris Trondsen, M.S., AMFT, APCC, OCD Specialist & Therapist.

Satellite Citi share solutions for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or  OCD and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD. Shaunt Sulahian talks about his late OCD diagnosis and the havoc it wreaked on his life along with the ERP therapy that turned his life around. Anna Gevorkian shares on PMDD which is severe PMS that causes deep depression and anxiety and her solutions for recovery. We play a clip of "Empath" off their debut album Fear Tactics which drops Sept. 3, 2021.

This mental health expert spent 3 years of his life house-bound by OCD before finding the therapy that saved his life. Expert Chris Trondsen is an OCD specialist, therapist, VP of the International Foundation's OCD SoCal affiliate and nationwide speaker and advocate for OCD. Chris Trondsen gives us OCD knowledge along with the therapy that has up to an 86% success rate. Chris talks about PMDD and how hormones and genetics can trigger mood disorders along with his solutions for recovery.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For 125+ free or affordable solutions for mental health recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show