Going There with Dr. Mike

Erick Elliott, otherwise known as Flatbush Zombies member and producer Erick the Architect, joins Dr. Mike Friedman on the Going There podcast to discuss the concept of how we can build strong mental health over the course of our lifetime. Subscribe now to catch all the new episodes of Going There with Dr. Mike Season 2 every Tuesday, and make sure to keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates surrounding future programming. Those in need of mental health assistance can visit the Sound Mind Live resources page for a list of helplines, community programs, therapy links, and more. Going There with Dr. Mike and Sound Mind want to hear from you! Submit your own question for the "Ask Dr. Mike" column, and let us know what you think about the series by completing a quick survey. Click here to take the survey.

Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, otherwise known as Grammy Award-winning artist Fantastic Negrito, joins Dr. Mike Friedman on the Going There Podcast to discuss how he understands and copes with narcissism.  People who struggle with narcissism often experience a profound profound sense of shame, self-loathing, and emptiness, and may cope with these feelings through a variety of protective mechanisms including grandiosity and defensiveness. The Have You Lost Your Mind Yet artist explained how emotional pain from childhood events contributed to his feeling disconnected from himself and his “truth,” thus leading to the experience of narcissism. He also described how working to stay connected to his truth is part of his ongoing recovery from narcissism.  The “Root City” musician’s decision to step up and share his struggle with narcissism is a  powerful and important challenge to the stigma of mental illness. At a time when people who struggle with narcissism are often maligned in the media, it’s critical that we remember that people who struggle with narcissism or any mental health issue deserve to be treated with dignity and get the care they need. So let’s go there and check out what Xavier has to say! Subscribe now to catch all the new episodes of Going There with Dr. Mike Season 2 every Tuesday, and make sure to keep up with the Consequence Podcast Network for updates surrounding future programming. Those in need of mental health assistance can visit the Sound Mind Live resources page for a list of helplines, community programs, therapy links, and more. Going There with Dr. Mike and Sound Mind want to hear from you! Submit your own question for the "Ask Dr. Mike" column, and let us know what you think about the series by completing a quick survey. Click here to take the survey.

As part of National Day of Unplugging, which reminds us all to put away the smart devices just for a day and find healthier ways to connect, Sound Mind Live teamed with NDU to present Unwound & Unplugged, an acoustic concert and mental health panel livestream. Hosted by Dr. Mike Friedman, the panel featured Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance, Julien Baker, and DeathbyRomy, who shared stories of their own mental health battles, dealing with isolation, and how meaningful social connections are more important than ever during the pandemic.  Presented by Consequence of Sound and Sound Mind Live, Going There with Dr. Mike is a new interview podcast series in which clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Mike Friedman talks with musicians about the crossroads where music and mental health meet.

Mykele Deville joins the show this week to discuss how he copes with the effects of systemic racism and inter-generational trauma on mental health. In particular, the Chicago artist discusses how these stresses can result in a core belief of being unlovable. The Growing Concerns Poetry Collective artist also talks about how he addresses social justice in his music while making sure that he creates “freedoms” for himself to be able to engage in the self-care that he needs to help bolster his mental health. Presented by Consequence of Sound and Sound Mind Live, Going There with Dr. Mike is a new interview podcast series in which clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Mike Friedman talks with musicians about the crossroads where music and mental health meet.

Blockbuster singer-songwriter Jenna Andrews joins the show this week to discuss her history with anorexia nervosa. She details her harrowing experiences with weight-related bullying as an adolescent, the likes of which included verbal and physical assaults. Later, Andrews describes how she recovered from anorexia nervosa and how she continues to work on her ongoing recovery. This includes the ways she developed a healthy body image and how music is an integral part of her lifestyle. Presented by Consequence of Sound and Sound Mind Live, Going There with Dr. Mike is a new interview podcast series in which clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Mike Friedman talks with musicians about the crossroads where music and mental health meet.

Jilian Medford of Ian Sweet joins the show this week to discuss the effects that early trauma had on her mental health. She shares how the effects of her trauma expressed itself in different symptoms, particularly more steady anxiety, anger, or panic. The Los Angeles singer-songwriter talks about the search for the right therapy and how the COVID pandemic has complicated that already difficult process. She also revisits the years she spent struggling to find the best combination of treatment for her. Presented by Consequence of Sound and Sound Mind Live, Going There with Dr. Mike is a new interview podcast series in which clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Mike Friedman talks with musicians about the crossroads where music and mental health meet.

Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix joins the show this week to discuss the effects stereotypes can have on mental health. He talks about the racism and anti-immigrant bias that his own parents faced and the psychological traumas he witnessed through his family. He explains how those traumas and the stereotypes he faced on his own were triggered watching the murder of George Floyd. Later in the conversation, the singer-songwriter/producer introduces the concept of “foundational healing”, a societal healing that needs to occur to confront and address the damaging effects that stereotypes have on mental health and well-being. Presented by Consequence of Sound and Sound Mind Live, Going There with Dr. Mike is a new interview podcast series in which clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Mike Friedman talks with musicians about the crossroads where music and mental health meet.

Jason Isbell joins the show this week to discuss his struggle with alcoholism. The singer-songwriter explains how he's attained years of sobriety following his addiction, which was, in part, triggered by the stress and pain from years of touring. He shares how he's had the opportunity to engage in rehabilitation, the 12-step program, and therapy. The Grammy-winning artist also describes his thoughts on tackling the mental health crisis on a public level, including how different economic and political systems may influence our sense of self-worth. He goes on to describe some of the changes we would need to make as a society to optimize, rather than damage, our mental health and well-being. Presented by Consequence of Sound and Sound Mind Live, Going There with Dr. Mike is a new interview podcast series in which clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Mike Friedman talks with musicians about the crossroads where music and mental health meet.

Alicia Bognanno of Bully joins the show this week to discuss her struggle with Bipolar II disorder. The singer-songwriter explains how she experiences both hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes that were marked by paranoia and anxiety. During these episodes, Bognanno says she would feel as if someone else had “taken the wheel.” The Sub Pop artist shares how she's learned to manage her Bipolar II with a range of strategies, including medication, therapy, exercise, and, of course, music. Presented by Consequence of Sound and Sound Mind Live, Going There with Dr. Mike is a new interview podcast series in which clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Mike Friedman talks with musicians about the crossroads where music and mental health meet.

Julien Baker joins the show this week to discuss her experience struggling with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The singer-songwriter shares how depression often feels like a giant hole and the ways OCD manifests into perfectionism. Elsewhere, Baker talks about the various methods she uses to cope with her depression and OCD, including exercise and even substance use. She particularly discusses how music has helped her understand, experience, and express her emotions. Presented by Consequence of Sound and Sound Mind Live, Going There with Dr. Mike is a new interview podcast series in which clinical psychologist and life coach Dr. Mike Friedman talks with musicians about the crossroads where music and mental health meet.