On this episode of Going There, Dr. Mike speaks with Grammy-nominated Roc Nation Hip Hop artist, singer-songwriter, and actor Vic Mensa. You may know Vic from songs like Reverse and Liquor Locker. Vic is the founder of the artist collective Save Money which includes fellow artists such as Chance The Rapper. Vic has been described as a “storytelling great” and “impeccably self-reflective and honest. He has also been a long-time mental health advocate, including founding the SaveMoneySaveLife non-profit designed to promote mental health and environmental justice. Vic has a new album dropping September 15th called Victor, including the new single Blue Eyes. Check out all of Vic’s music, tour, and merch info at vicmensa.lnk.to or Rocnation.com

On this episode, Vic Mensa discusses the role of vulnerability in our mental health journey and how finding vulnerability through music is his superpower. For Vic, music is a way to open up and explore how he is feeling in a way that helps him better understand his feelings and possible pathways to coping. 

As a warning in case this topic is triggering for you, we will be discussing suicidal ideation 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.

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression or addiction, and are looking for help, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National helpline at 800-622-4357.

Please 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 of Going There is also supported by Sage Therapeutics. Sage Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company fearlessly leading the way to create a world with better brain health. Their mission is to pioneer solutions to deliver life-changing brain health medicines, so every person can thrive. For more information, please visit www.sagerx.com.

On this episode of Going There, Dr. Mike speaks talking with singer-songwriter and musician Wrabel. Wrabel's music is a "refined, masterfully written and cathartically performed collection that recounts love, heartbreaks, personal discoveries, and devastating realizations." He’s also been featured performing on songs with artists such as Afrojack, Marshmello, and Kesha, and has been a songwriter for songs performed by Pink, Adam Lambert, and Backstreet Boys, among others. Wrabel has a new EP out called Chapter of Me that includes the single “Happier.” Check out all of Wrabel’s music, tour, and merch info at wrabelmusic.com.

On this episode, Wrabel discusses how he understood and incorporated the feedback he got from others regarding his sexuality and addiction on his mental health journey.

Please 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 of Going There is also supported by Sage Therapeutics. Sage Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company fearlessly leading the way to create a world with better brain health. Their mission is to pioneer solutions to deliver life-changing brain health medicines, so every person can thrive. For more information, please visit www.sagerx.com.

On this episode of Going There, Dr. Mike speaks talking with singer-songwriter and musician Noah Kahan. One review of Noah’s music said that he has “become one of the most recognizable forces in acoustic indie-pop … thanks to his alpine voice and sucker-punch-to-the-heart lyrical style.” Noah just began a North American tour, including playing the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October. Then Noah begins a European tour in November.

Be sure to check out Noah Kahan's new song "Dial Drunk" with Post Malone. Check out Noah Kahan’s music, tour info, and merch at https://noahkahan.com/tour/.

Also, you can learn about Noah's mental-health initiative The Busyhead Project, which is working to raise $1 million to benefit partner organizations, including Bring Change to Mind, Jack.org, Oasis Center, Project Venture, Rural Behavioral Health Institute, and Upper Valley Haven, with $325,000 already raised. Noah will also donate a portion of every ticket sold from his massive 2023 tour to The Busyhead Project and support local organizations on the road.

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 Noah Kahan 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 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 of Going There is also supported by Sage Therapeutics. Sage Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company fearlessly leading the way to create a world with better brain health. Their mission is to pioneer solutions to deliver life-changing brain health medicines, so every person can thrive. For more information, please visit www.sagerx.com.

On this episode of Going There, Dr. Mike speaks with singer, songwriter, and musician Kristine Meredith Flaherty, otherwise known as the multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated artist K.Flay. You may know K.Flay from songs such as “High Enough” and “Blood in the Cut.” Her music has been described as “inimitable storytelling … personable and colorful. Neither an escape from reality nor a shun of the fantastical. Instead, it’s a playful frolic into what makes us simply human.” Be sure to check out K.Flay's new songs "Raw Raw" and "Shy," which are out now and K.Flay's new album MONO is out Sept 15th. Check out K.Flay’s music, tour info, and merch at Kflay.com.

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 K.Flay talk about K.Flay's 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.

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.

On this episode of Going There, Dr. Mike speaks with producer, musician, DJ, and songwriter Paul Edward Blair, otherwise known as DJ White Shadow about his struggle with anxiety and depression, and how he felt broken during his career highs and lows. They go deep to uncover how imagining a singular idea state is actually counter-productive to our mental health journeys.

DJ White Shadow is widely known for his collaborations with Lady Gaga. He produced and co-wrote songs for her Born This Way Album, ARTPOP, and the soundtrack for the movie A Star Is Born for which he won a Grammy Award. DJ White Shadow has also produced music for artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Pit Bull and Black Eyed Peas. Check out DJ White Shadow’s music and news at DJWhiteshadow.com. 

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 DJ White Shadow 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 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.

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.

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.

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.com

Loren 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.

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.com

Grandson 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 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.

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.

Jewel joins the Going There podcast to discuss her personal mental health journey and how she learned to except 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.

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.

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.

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.

Mia Berrin -- leader of former Artists of the Month Pom Pom Squad -- joins the Going There podcast to discuss the bias that "mental health" means always feeling and acting happy, calm, and confident.

The world would have us believe that being "normal" involves continuous positive and optimistic thinking, and being accepted or popular socially. If we don't behave this way, our mental health and well-being can be questioned. This bias can create a stigma whereby people are unduly judged or criticized. Berrin explains that she took on these societal standards by evoking the image of a cheerleader in her music persona.

She discusses how she copes with not living up to societal standards in part by embracing her own "Galaxy Brain." The term can refer to someone who rejects conventional norms and understanding, instead looking at the bigger pictures of issues and digging until they uncover how they really feel and what they want to do. Though the phrase is often meant as an insult -- like someone is making too much of an issue -- the Pom Pom Squad singer talks about how her Galaxy Brain has helped create a pathway to mental health, not an obstacle. After all, we can't cope by invalidating our feelings; we must embrace our Galaxy Mind and accept that our feelings gave value first.

 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.

Season 3 of the Going There podcast continues today with Bartees Strange helping launch our focus on BIPOC Mental Health Month. The Farm to Table artist joins host Dr. Mike Friedman for a discussion about the concept of validation and why it it so critical for maintaining strong mental health and emotional well-being.

Strange explains how he experienced the damaging effects of invalidation when dealing with racism, often feeling that some people in his life would either directly or inadvertently invalidate that experience. As an example, he describes growing up in Oklahoma and witnessing violence against black people and fearing violence against himself. When others told him he'd be "fine" or "safe," it didn't reassure him -- it only made him feel more frightened.

He also discusses the feelings of invalidation that came when others told him following his love of music was not a valid choice. (Something he's clearly proven them wrong about, as he's recently announced his first-ever headlining tour, tickets for which can be found here.)

Listen to Bartees Strange discuss mental health from the perspective of a BIPOC artists in the episode now. Then make sure to 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.

The Aces close out Pride Month on the Going There podcast by joining host Dr. Mike in a discussion about building community to battle anti-LGBTQ+ bias and discrimination.

The indie pop quartet -- Cristal and Alisa Ramirez, Katie Henderson, and McKenna Petty -- talk about their own experiences coming out as gay in an industry that met them with powerful and damaging bias and discrimination.They explain how they were able to build a supportive and accepting community so that they could lead authentic, openly gay lives. As artists and advocates, they strive to build on existing progress in making the world a safer and more accepting place for members of the LGBTQ+ community -- a world where we celebrate diversity rather than attempt to suppress it..

Make sure to 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.

To coincide with Pride Month, June 2022’s episodes focused on LGBTQ+ mental health are specially presented by imi, created by Hopelab. imi guide is a free, research-backed, mental health tool built for and with LGBTQ+ teens looking for support and help in affirming their identity and learning practical ways to cope with stress that is helpful, relevant, inclusive, and joyful. Find it at imi.guide.

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.

Indie pop band MUNA join the Going There podcast's Pride Month series to discuss the potentially harmful effects of rigid, binary thinking to our mental health and well-being.

Speaking with Dr. Mike Friedman, the trio of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson explore how the skills of love and acceptance are vital to our mental health journey as we work on the things that we would like to change. The band talks about how being more loving and accepting towards ourselves gives us a much context for understanding and making change. Whether it's exploring and improving our general mental health or understanding our gender identity or sexuality, we need to approach these issues with patience and curiosity rather than harshness and critique, leading to a more virtuous cycle in which we can work on making necessary changes and build an affirming community around us.

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.

To coincide with Pride Month, June 2022’s episodes focused on LGBTQ+ mental health are specially presented by imi, created by Hopelab. imi guide is a free, research-backed, mental health tool built for and with LGBTQ+ teens looking for support and help in affirming their identity and learning practical ways to cope with stress that is helpful, relevant, inclusive, and joyful. Find it at imi.guide.

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.

The Going There with Dr. Mike podcast returns for a third season of shattering the stigma of mental health. We're launching during Pride Month with a specific focus on LGBTQ+ issues and discussions. To help us kick things off, singer-songwriter Bridie Monds-Watson, better known as the artist SOAK, joins Going There to talk about the challenges people face as they seek to understand and express their identity in the world.

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.

To coincide with Pride Month, June 2022’s episodes focused on LGBTQ+ mental health are specially presented by imi, created by Hopelab. imi guide is a free, research-backed, mental health tool built for and with LGBTQ+ teens looking for support and help in affirming their identity and learning practical ways to cope with stress that is helpful, relevant, inclusive, and joyful. Find it at imi.guide.

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.