
Going There with Dr. Mike
Sound Mind Live and Consequence of Sound present Going There. Hosted by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Mike, the weekly series aims to create a safe space for musicians to have honest, healthy conversations about mental health. Each episode covers the experience of artists and creatives as it pertains to specific issues, be it depression, anxiety, addiction, whatever they bring to the table. In the end, the goal is to de-stigmatize these topics and learn from each other. So, join us at the crossroads where music and mental health meet.
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2023 • 50min
Juice WRLD’s Mother Carmela Wallace on Turning Pain into Purpose and Carrying Juice WRLD’s Legacy
On this episode of Going There, Dr. Mike speaks with Mother of Juice WLRD entrepreneur and philanthropist Carmela Wallace. Juice WRLD’s musical style was often referred to as emo-rap, a style of Hip Hop that explored emotional themes such as depression, loneliness and suicide. Many people consider Juice Wrld to be the greatest emo rap artist ever and his album Legends Never Die to be one of the greatest emo rap albums of all time. In 2019 Juice Wrld tragically died of a drug overdose. In part to honor his death, Carmela founded Live Free 999, whose mission is to support programs that provide preventative measures and positive avenues to address mental health challenges and substance dependency. As an example, 999 Stories of Mental Health allows people to share the stories of their struggles on their mental health journey on their website, so that people know that they are not alone in their struggles. To learn more about Carmela’s work go to livefree999.org. Mother of Juice WLRD Carmela Wallace joins host Dr. Mike Friedman to talk about how she approaches her faith in the context of her mental health journey and how we may learn from her experience. She speaks about turning pain into purpose and how the loss of her son lead her start foundation to carry on his legacy.Those in need of mental health assistance can check out the Sound Mind Live resources page for a list of helplines, community programs, therapy links, and more.Listen to Mother of Juice WLRD Carmela Wallace talk about their mental health journeys. Also, make sure you like, review, and subscribe to Going There with Dr. Mike via your favorite podcast provider. You can also follow the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Season 4 of Going There with Dr. Mike is made in collaboration with Sound Mind Live and Consequence Podcast Network and is brought to you by AbbVie, who is driving the pursuit of better mental health. Over the last 30 years, AbbVie’s scientists and clinicians have worked to tackle the complexity of mental illness and today offer a portfolio of medicines and a pipeline of innovation that spans depression, anxiety, bipolar 1 disorder, and schizophrenia. To learn more about AbbVie’s work to support individuals throughout their mental health journey, please visit www.AbbVie.com or follow at AbbVie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.This episode is also brought to you by Alkermes. Alkermes is a global biopharmaceutical company developing innovative medicines in the field of neuroscience with products that treat alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia, and bipolar I disorder. To learn more, please visit Alkermes' website at www dot AL-ker-mees dot com or follow at Alkermes on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Jun 6, 2023 • 33min
Joseph on Navigating our Body's Response to Stress and Anxiety
On this episode of Going There, Dr. Mike speaks with sisters Natalie, Allison, and Meegan, otherwise known as the band Joseph. You may know Joseph from songs such as “White Flag” “Green Eyes” and “Side Effects.” Joseph has appeared on shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, and Conan, and has played music festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo. One album review described their music as an appealing mix of swoony delicacy and punchy anthems. The band just released their new album called The Sun, which includes the song “Nervous System.” Joseph is in the middle of a North American tour, then will be playing a series of shows in Europe in October. Check out Joseph’s music, tour dates and merchandise at Thebandjoseph.com.Joseph joins host Dr. Mike Friedman to talk about how we interpret the physical sensations associated with having a panic attack and stress as well as how the band’s song “Nervous System” is a description of intense anxiety. Those in need of mental health assistance can check out the Sound Mind Live resources page for a list of helplines, community programs, therapy links, and more.Listen toJoseph talk about their mental health journeys. Also, make sure you like, review, and subscribe to Going There with Dr. Mike via your favorite podcast provider. You can also follow the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Season 4 of Going There with Dr. Mike is made in collaboration with Sound Mind Live and Consequence Podcast Network and is brought to you by AbbVie, who is driving the pursuit of better mental health. Over the last 30 years, AbbVie’s scientists and clinicians have worked to tackle the complexity of mental illness and today offer a portfolio of medicines and a pipeline of innovation that spans depression, anxiety, bipolar 1 disorder, and schizophrenia. To learn more about AbbVie’s work to support individuals throughout their mental health journey, please visit www.AbbVie.com or follow at AbbVie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

May 23, 2023 • 37min
Loren Gray on Accepting All the Different Parts of Ourselves
On this episode of Going There, Dr. Mike speaks with singer-songwriter and influencer Loren Gray. Loren Gray’s reign on social media is monumental, including being one of the most followed TikTok individuals in the world. She rose to prominence in part by lip syncing radio hits and eventually started working on her own music. Loren hit the music scene in 2018 with singles such as “Queen” and then “Anti-Everything” in 2019. And she just released her full length album Guilty featuring the title track song and other singles such as “Never Be Perfect” and “Told You So.” Loren has been touring the United States with Hunter Hayes, and will be performing shows in England in June. Check out Loren’s music, tour dates and merchandise at Iamlorengray.comLoren Gray joins host Dr. Mike Friedman to talk about how she has tried to understand and make sense of the various experiences in her life, including her struggle with depression. Now as a trigger warning, Loren and I discuss intense bullying and sexual assault that she has experienced in her life. If you experienced sexual assault and would like to reach out for support you can call the hotline for sexual assault support at 800-656-HOPE (4673).Those in need of mental health assistance can check out the Sound Mind Live resources page for a list of helplines, community programs, therapy links, and more.Listen to Loren Gray talk about her mental health journey. Also, make sure you like, review, and subscribe to Going There with Dr. Mike via your favorite podcast provider. You can also follow the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Season 4 of Going There with Dr. Mike is made in collaboration with Sound Mind Live and Consequence Podcast Network and is brought to you by AbbVie, who is driving the pursuit of better mental health. Over the last 30 years, AbbVie’s scientists and clinicians have worked to tackle the complexity of mental illness and today offer a portfolio of medicines and a pipeline of innovation that spans depression, anxiety, bipolar 1 disorder, and schizophrenia. To learn more about AbbVie’s work to support individuals throughout their mental health journey, please visit www.AbbVie.com or follow at AbbVie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

May 9, 2023 • 40min
Grandson on Staying Optimistic on the Hedonic Treadmill
Consequence Podcast Network and Sound Mind Live are kicking off Season 4 of Going There by talking with musician and singer-songwriter Jordan Edward Benjamin, better known as Grandson. You may know Grandson from his breakout hit song "Blood//Water" which he performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2018. Then in 2020 Grandson released his debut studio album, Death of an Optimist. One review of the album said, “He’s doing his own thing and doing it with a style, vulnerability, and fire that deserves all the eyes, ears, and attention that it can garner.” And Grandson released his new album on May 5th called I Love You, I’m Trying and starting an international tour May 12th. Check out Grandson’s music, tour dates and merchandise at Grandsonmusic.comGrandson joins host Dr. Mike Friedman to talk about his mental health journey including his struggle with suicidal thoughts, and how he understands optimism as a form of coping. As a warning in case this topic is triggering for you, we will be discussing suicidality as part of our conversation. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts and would like to speak with someone confidentially, please dial the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.Those in need of mental health assistance can check out the Sound Mind Live resources page for a list of helplines, community programs, therapy links, and more.Listen to Grandson talk about his mental health journey. Also, make sure you like, review, and subscribe to Going There with Dr. Mike via your favorite podcast provider. You can also follow the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Season 4 of Going There with Dr. Mike is brought to you by AbbVie, who is driving the pursuit of better mental health. Over the last 30 years, AbbVie’s scientists and clinicians have worked to tackle the complexity of mental illness and today offer a portfolio of medicines and a pipeline of innovation that spans depression, anxiety, bipolar 1 disorder, and schizophrenia. To learn more about AbbVie’s work to support individuals throughout their mental health journey, please visit www.AbbVie.com or follow at AbbVie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

May 2, 2023 • 56sec
Going There with Dr. Mike Returns
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to bring back Going There with Dr. Mike for a fresh season! Consequence Podcast Network and Sound Mind Live are proud to announce the return of the podcast that bridges the gap between music and mental health by inviting your favorite artists to have open, insightful conversations about their own mental health journeys.Going There finds licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Mike Friedman breaking through the biases surrounding mental health by speaking with artists like Jason Isbell, My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way, Jewel, Julien Baker, MUNA, Alessia Cara, Shamir, Aimee Mann, and more. Over three seasons, these musicians have been "going there" so that others might find a connection that helps them on their own wellness path.For Season 4, we're shifting to a bi-weekly release schedule, meaning Dr. Mike and his guests will be with listeners throughout even more of the year. The new season of Going There kicks off May 9th, with early guests including grandson, Loren Gray, and JOSEPH. Stay tuned as more guests are announced for upcoming episodes, and make sure to subscribe to Going There with Dr. Mike wherever you get your podcasts to stay up-to-date on all the latest conversations. What's more, Going There is returning just in time for Sound Mind Live's annual Music Festival for Mental Health. The free event is taking place Saturday, May 20th in Brooklyn, New York, with performances by Iron & Wine, Hiss Golden Messenger, Langhorne Slim, Kamauu, and Pom Pom Squad. Plus, there will be DJ sets presented by House of Yes, food from Smorgasburg, and meditative and healing sound sessions, yoga, and meditation. Attendees will also have the chance to witness mental health panels centered on communities of color, the importance of lived experience, the music industry, the LGBTQ+ community, and creative expression.Find out more and reserve your free tickets (or donate what you can!) at the Sound Mind Live website. You can also donate a minimum of $150 to secure a VIP experience including exclusive viewing area, a private mocktail bar, and merch bundle. Reserving any tickets enters you for a chance to win a VIP weekender at The Williamsburg Hotel and the ability to redeem a month of free therapy from BetterHelp.Those in need of mental health assistance can check out the Sound Mind Live resources page for a list of helplines, community programs, therapy links, and more. Season 4 of Going There with Dr. Mike is brought to you by AbbVie, who is driving the pursuit of better mental health. Over the last 30 years, AbbVie’s scientists and clinicians have worked to tackle the complexity of mental illness and today offer a portfolio of medicines and a pipeline of innovation that spans depression, anxiety, bipolar 1 disorder, and schizophrenia. To learn more about AbbVie’s work to support individuals throughout their mental health journey, please visit www.AbbVie.com or follow at abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Aug 23, 2022 • 52min
Craig Owens on Coping with the "Horror Movie" in His Head
Craig Owens of Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows opens up about his struggle with bipolar disorder, an experience he refers to as "the horror movie in my head," on this special bonus episode of the Going There with Dr. Mike podcast.The former Chiodos frontman joins host Dr. Mike Friedman to talk about how he copes with being bipolar by understanding and managing the triggers that put him at risk for manic or depressive episodes. Owens proactively works to manage his triggers with something he calls baskets. As an example, he tries to focus on a positive mantra that he tells himself regularly, not only when he experiences negative thoughts. Overall, his kind and non-judgmental approach to understanding what can influence his mood has been an important part of managing his mental health journey.Listen to Craig Owens talk about his life with bipolar disorder above. Also, make sure you like, review, and subscribe to Going There with Dr. Mike via your favorite podcast provider. You can also follow the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Going There is an interview series in which clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Mike Friedman talks with musicians about the crossroads where music and mental health meet. The series tackles the tough questions and conversations so that we can put an end to the bias against mental illness and get the care we need.Season 3 of Going There is brought to you by the fine folks at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, who never stop working to create a future where disease is a thing of the past.This episode is sponsored by AbbVie’s GettingHeretoThere.com, a safe online space for the bipolar I community to find inspiration through music and first-hand stories. Visit GettingHereToThere.com to learn how advocacy organizations, musicians, music lovers, and others come together to reduce stigma and raise awareness of mental health. While you’re there, sign up to be notified about additional support and resources.

Aug 16, 2022 • 51min
Jewel Knows That the Tide of Mental Health Always Comes Back In
Jewel joins the Going There podcast to discuss her personal mental health journey and how she learned to accept the changing tides of wellness.The iconic singer-songwriter shares that the cornerstone of her approach to mental health is what she calls the concept of emotional impermanence. Jewel shares a childhood story where she watched the ocean, and seeing the tide go out, knew that at some point it could come back in. She used this as a metaphor and inspiration to break free of the hopeless she felt when dealing with anxiousness and depression. Jewel talks about "buckling herself in" to try and weather the difficult times, becoming curious about what she can learn from her emotions and behaviors rather than just trying to avoid or suppress her experience.Listen to Jewel discuss her own mental health journey above, or wherever you get your podcasts. Then make sure to like, review, and subscribe to Going There with Dr. Mike via your favorite podcast provider. You can also follow the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.Going There is an interview series in which clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Mike Friedman talks with musicians about the crossroads where music and mental health meet. The series tackles the tough questions and conversations so that we can put an end to the bias against mental illness and get the care we need.Season 3 of Going There is brought to you by the fine folks at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, who never stop working to create a future where disease is a thing of the past.This month’s episodes of Going There are presented by Publicis Health, the world’s leading healthcare communications network. Publicis Health envisions a world where people are equipped and motivated to take control of their health — and they believe there is no health without mental health. To learn more about Publicis Health’s mental health initiatives, visit https://www.publicishealth.com/mental-health.

Aug 9, 2022 • 52min
Halestorm's Lzzy Hale on How Mental Health Monsters Feed on Each Other
Lzzy Hale of Halestorm discusses how her fame doesn't preclude her from having mental health issues on the Going There with Dr. Mike podcast.The Grammy Award-winning hard rocker discusses how "all the monsters feed on each other," meaning that each mental health issue can exacerbate the other. She explains the struggles she's had with depression and panic, including the guilt she often feels from struggling even though she in so many ways has a wonderful and successful life.Ultimately, one of the key messages Hale wants to convey is that our mental health struggles can feel like such a burden to us that we assume everyone else will also see it the same way; but what's important to remember is that the right people are the ones who do not make us feel like burdens. They're the ones who welcome the opportunity to help us when we are struggling because they understand that this is part of a strong and healthy relationship.Season 3 of Going There is brought to you by the fine folks at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, who never stop working to create a future where disease is a thing of the past.This month’s episodes of Going There are presented by Publicis Health, the world’s leading healthcare communications network. Publicis Health envisions a world where people are equipped and motivated to take control of their health — and they believe there is no health without mental health. To learn more about Publicis Health’s mental health initiatives, visit https://www.publicishealth.com/mental-health.Going There is presented in partnership with Sound Mind Live. Sound Mind Live builds community and open dialogue around mental health through the power of music, partnering with a coalition of artists across genres advocating for improved mental health support and outcomes.

Aug 2, 2022 • 48min
LAUV Finds the Light on His Mental Health Journey
Electropop artist LAUV joins Dr. Mike Friedman on the Going There podcast to discuss how he uses the concept of “finding the light” to improve his mental health and emotional well-being.The How I'm Feeling singer talks about how sometimes as we build our life, we forget to take the time to check in with ourselves to see how we are feeling. The more we bypass that process of checking in with ourselves, the more we become afraid of stillness. LAUV explains that what often starts as a health cycle in which we're building a fulfilling life can become a grind in which we constantly push ourselves harder and harder -- and often too hard.Season 3 of Going There is brought to you by the fine folks at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, who never stop working to create a future where disease is a thing of the past.This month’s episodes of Going There are presented by Publicis Health, the world’s leading healthcare communications network. Publicis Health envisions a world where people are equipped and motivated to take control of their health — and they believe there is no health without mental health. To learn more about Publicis Health’s mental health initiatives, visit https://www.publicishealth.com/mental-health.Going There is presented in partnership with Sound Mind Live. Sound Mind Live builds community and open dialogue around mental health through the power of music, partnering with a coalition of artists across genres advocating for improved mental health support and outcomes.

Jul 19, 2022 • 45min
Taylor Bennett's Uplifting Individuality
Musician, rapper, entrepreneur, and all around positive guy Taylor Bennett brings his "be yourself" mentality to the Going There with Dr. Mike podcast.The Chicago native discusses how "uplifting individuality" is his guiding philosophy in his mental health and well-being journey. Bennett explains that in order to discover our best self, we must be able to focus on how we as individuals can constantly grow and develop. That allows us to figure out what we want in the world and how to attain optimal mental, physical, and social health.The Be Yourself entrepreneur talks about how he copes with the challenges of pursuing a state of uplifting individuality. That includes exploring his feelings through his music and having his own independent label so he can pursue his authentic creative vision, eating healthy and exercising, and learning when he should stay focused and when to disconnect in order to understand how to cope with a difficult emotional situation. The key is to realize that the trial and error that we often have to go through is not a sign that we are failing, but rather a sign that we are learning and growing. Listen now, and like, review, and subscribe to Going There with Dr. Mike wherever you get your podcasts.Season 3 of Going There is brought to you by the fine folks at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, who never stop working to create a future where disease is a thing of the past.Going There is presented in partnership with Sound Mind Live. Sound Mind Live builds community and open dialogue around mental health through the power of music, partnering with a coalition of artists across genres advocating for improved mental health support and outcomes.