On the season one finale of “Harder to Breathe'', host and founding drummer of “Maroon 5” Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for an honest conversation about the first season of the podcast, how things have gone so far, and how they hope things will go moving forward into season two.

Putting together honest, truthful, and authentic interviews about mental health requires a certain level of vulnerability from the hosts themselves. Ryan and Duck take this opportunity at the end of the year to do just that: expressing their own emotions, struggles, victories, and much more.

In a bit of a shift from their usual “therapist-client” relationship, Ryan opens up to Duck at length, for the first time on air, about issues that he has faced over the past year. He speaks about his mother’s health issues, and how they have required him to take on the caregiver role. He also confides in the audience about the separation of himself from his partner, and how it has felt to be properly alone for the first time in a long time.

The relationship between Duck and Ryan is the core of the “Harder to Breathe” podcast, and their vulnerability about not only their lives, but the state of this podcast is admirable. They’re willing to talk about the difficulties that come along with trying to find an audience, but they also take the time to stop and thank YOU… our existing audience. So if you’re reading this, THANK YOU, from all of us at “Harder to Breathe”. If this has helped you in any way, please let us know! We look forward to hearing so much more from you in Season 2.

0:00:31 Introduction, Bow Ties, & Physical Comedy

0:03:30 Lessons Learned After One Season

0:07:04 Playing Bass vs. Being the Frontman

0:08:49 Ryan’s Perspective on the Podcast

0:12:09 Duck’s Perspective on the Podcast

0:16:54 The Existential Dilemma

0:22:54 Growing in the Craft & Embracing Social Media

0:29:39 Ryan Personal Life… Today

0:35:04 Logistical Stress vs. Emotional Stress

0:38:54 Drawing Lines & Setting Boundaries

0:41:29 Releasing Episodes Out of Order

0:44:54 Duck Appreciation Moment

0:46:49 Ryan’s Separation From His Partner

0:51:29 A Healthy Approach to Separation

0:57:04 Reflecting on the Year’s End

1:01:14 Making the Podcast Sustainable

1:04:47 Preparing for the Licensing Exam

1:10:54 THANK YOU to our Guests, and To YOU, the Listeners

1:12:24 Wrap Up & Conclusion

Ready to Dive Deeper?:

https://www.ryandusick.com/

BenBella Books Author Page - https://benbellabooks.com/authors/dusick-ryan/

Amazon Book Page - https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/1637742339/

WWSG Speaker Page - https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/

Psychology Today Therapist Profile - https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/937599

Stay Up to Date on the Podcast: @hardertobreathepodcast

Follow Ryan on Social Media:

IG - @ryan_michael_dusick

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-ma-amft-26460894/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ryan.m.dusick

Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick/

X / Twitter - @DusickRyan

Follow Duck on Social Media:

IG - @Newyorkduck

X / Twitter - @DuckMaillard