Past guests have included Nile Rodgers, Scott Ian (Anthrax) and Gavin Rossdale (Bush).
Today, clinical psychologist, life coach and heavy metal vocalist Dr. Mike (Dr. Michael Friedman) shared the latest episode of his mental health-focused podcast Hardcore Humanism, featuring an interview with Heart's Nancy Wilson ahead of her debut solo album You and Me out this Friday, as May's Mental Health Awareness Month begins. On Hardcore Humanism with Dr. Mike, artists from a range of genres share how they've overcome barriers from poverty, discrimination and self-doubt to mental illness such as trauma, substance abuse, depression and anxiety on their road to success. In this episode, Dr. Mike and Wilson engage on heartfelt topics like Wilson's late-mother's struggle with Alzheimers, life during wartime compared to a global pandemic, and sexism as it relates to the origins of the iconic "Barracuda." Past guests have included Nile Rodgers, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Gavin Rossdale (Bush), Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) and William Duvall (Alice In Chains), with upcoming interviews from George Clinton (Parliament Funkadelic), Amy Lee (Evanescence), Paula Cole, Linda Perry and more. Listeners can check out past episodes here.
On The Hardcore Humanism Podcast, Dr. Mike talks with musicians about their mental health and personal development to inspire others and offer lessons about how to lead an authentic and purpose-driven life. "We've chosen musicians because they are often outside-the-box thinkers who have overcome tremendous struggles to achieve their purpose. We want people to get inspired by the experiences of these accomplished artists and to take-away insights that they can apply in their own lives," Dr. Mike says.
Hardcore Humanism is a collaboration between Dr. Mike and his wife, Hardcore Humanism co-founder Aylin Bumin, Esq. and is much more than just a podcast. Hardcore Humanism is a therapy and coaching method that combines the hardcore science-based approach of behavioral therapy with the compassion of humanistic psychology. Dr. Mike explains, "The main objectives of Hardcore Humanism Therapy and Coaching are to help people gain a sense of purpose, overcome obstacles, work hard to achieve their goals, and build a community around themselves that fosters a purpose-driven life. I apply these principles when working one-on-one with clients. And on the podcast, we choose guests who exemplify many of these principles and we hope that their stories will embolden our listeners to pursue their own purpose."For years, Dr. Mike has interviewed celebrities regarding their emotional, social, and physical health. Dr. Mike has interviewed artists from all genres of music, including Hip Hop (Talib Kweli, Kurtis Blow), R&B (e.g. Macy Gray, Maxi Priest), Heavy Metal (e.g. Tobias Forge, David Draiman), rock (Stewart Copeland, Duff McKagan, Lita Ford), hardcore punk (Ian MacKaye, H.R. of Bad Brains), alternative rock (Black Francis, Moby), and indie (e.g. Wesley Schultz, Natalie Merchant). Dr. Mike has also interviewed actors (Mayim Bialik, Andrew McCarthy, Cindy Williams), comedians (Margaret Cho, Jim Breuer, Lisa Lampanelli) and athletes (Laird Hamilton, Theo Fleury, Rich Roll), speaking to the universality of his approach.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Danger
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