CHECK YOUR HEAD: Mental Help for Musicians – Details, episodes & analysis

Mari Fong interviews Jared Watson of Dirty Heads and Dave Schools of Widespread Panic on the Neal Casal Foundation.

Jared Watson of Dirty Heads on Alcoholism Recovery with the Neal Casal Music Foundation “Reboot” for Alcohol Awareness Month

“I would sit on my couch and say, ‘I’m not drinking today’ and five minutes later, my body would get up and walk to the fridge,” Jared Watson of Dirty Heads said about his battle with alcoholism. “There’s me saying, ‘Don’t do this,’ and there’s my brain and body saying, ‘We need this right now, pal.’” Hear how Watson escaped his hard partying ways and now says, “I didn’t become less fun or less creative. Everything just got better.” Catch Dirty Heads on tour with 311 and stay tuned for their next album, 7 Seas, dropping June 12, 2026.

Watson shares how his hard partying ways with Dirty Heads ("Lay Me Down," "Stand Tall") descended into alcohol and drug abuse. He recollects his wake up call when rushed to the hospital, barely able to move from his tour bunk bed. Depression and anxiety followed, with his road to recovery being a remarkable one. Their album, 'The Best of Dirty Heads' features the single "Rage" with Travis Barker and Aimee Allen of The Interrupters.
 
Next, we have Dave Schools of Widespread Panic talk about Neal Casal, a musician who died from mental illness in 2019, and the  Neal Casal Music Foundation.  Dave explains the mental rigors of being a touring musician and the foundation's mission to improve the lives of others also battling mental illness. The tribute album 'Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal' is out now, with 41 incredible musicians singing the songs of this beloved musician.   

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. THANK YOU for supporting our mission to improve and save the lives of musicians and music fans by providing free and affordable recovery solutions at www.checkyourheadpodcast.com. 

Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions, visit:  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and Watch & Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174

You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘

The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Mari Fong interviews Nick Hexum of 311 and Brandon Jay of Altadena Musicians for a special episode for Podcasthon, focusing on nonprofits and those who do good in this world.

For our featured musician, I’m excited to have singer-songwriter Nick Hexum of 311, share his secrets about a mental health and addiction story that he kept hidden for more than a decade. With 311 being known for their songs like “Down,” “Amber” and “Beautiful Disaster,” many of them filled with lyrics of positivity and unity, with 311 performing high-energy shows since 1988, you can imagine how surprising it was to hear Nick talk about his self-doubt, anxiety and perfectionism that eventually led to a terrifying addiction. 

Having interviewed Nick in the past, I was honored to be the one to hear this honest and vulnerable story of addiction and recovery, one he admits he’s never shared with his fans or the public before today. I’ll be playing a clip of Nick Hexum’s song “Lonely Existence” from his side project EP, “Waxing Nostalgic” which dropped in 2025. This is Part 1 of Nick's story. 

This is also a special Podcasthon episode where 2800 podcasts from around the world spotlight a nonprofit and I’ve chosen Altadena Musicians, a foundation that’s helped musicians recover thousands of instruments and vinyl records, getting them back into the hands of those that lost theirs in the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles. I’ll be talking to musician and founder of Altadena Musicians, Brandon Jay. 

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. THANK YOU for supporting our mission to improve and save the lives of musicians and music fans by providing free and affordable recovery solutions at www.checkyourheadpodcast.com. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions, visit:  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com

Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast

Watch & Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174

You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘

The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Host Mari Fong interviews pop singer/songwriter David Archuleta and psychotherapist Thomas Keenan-Hunt. 

David's story begins as a devout Mormon that includes a message from above that helped him move past his suicidal thoughts to finally come out as gay. David also talks about his natural solutions to calm his paralyzing anxiety attacks. His new EP entitled “Earthly Delights” drops August 15, followed by a tour this September 17, 2025 his first tour in five years. At the end of our episode we’ll also play a clip of his new single, “Creme Brûlée.”

Our featured expert is psychotherapist Thom Keenan-Hunt, who specializes in the LGBTQ community and also worked extensively with homeless queer youth. We’ll discuss the common challenges and solutions that can often drive LGBTQ youth toward suicide along with his advice for those looking to come out when growing up in a religion that does not support homosexuality or the queer lifestyle. 

Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.

*THANK YOU for supporting our podcast through www.checkyourheadpodcast.com and through our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

Support us! On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Follow Us! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Instagram: @checkyourheadpodcast https://www.instagram.com/checkyourheadpodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174

You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘

The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns.

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Welcome to the premiere episode of our fifth season of CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast, the podcast where notable musicians and experts share their stories and solutions for mental help and addiction recovery. I’m your host, Mari Fong, and today I’ve chosen to spotlight our partner MTV for “Mental Health Action Day” which is today, May 15th. Our mental health action was to create and premiere this very special episode that I’m incredibly excited about. So I ask you, what action will you take today, and everyday, to improve your mental health?

But now to our featured guests. Today we have a musician who has sold over 30 million albums with hits like “you were meant for me” and “standing still,” and dropped her 13th studio album entitled “freewheelin woman” in 2022. she was a winner on the popular show, The Masked Singer. Yes,today’s featured guest is singer/songwriter and mental health advocate, JEWEL. And in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, “Jewel’s Lullaby Club,” was announced, which is a special four-week series inspired by Jewel’s iconic album Lullaby, originally created to manage her own stress and also to soothe her son to sleep. Next, paired with Jewel, is an expert who was also a touring musician as the former drummer for Maroon 5, but now he’s a licensed therapist, a speaker and author of the book and podcast called, “harder to breathe,” today’s expert is RYAN DUSICK. But first, let’s hear the ever-talented Jewel, share her story.

For more information on Jewel, visit jeweljk.com where you’ll find information on “Jewel’s Lullaby Club” in partnership with Inspiring Children’s Foundation.org, also visit jewelneverbroken.com for mental health fitness tools, education, and more, and for more information Ryan Dusick, as a therapist, coach, speaker and author of the book and podcast “Harder to Breathe” visit ryandusick.com. And, on checkheadpodcast.com, you’ll find the largest online list of free and affordable mental health and addiction recovery solutions along with everything you’d ever want to know about the CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast. 

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” *THANK YOU for supporting our podcast through www.checkyourheadpodcast.com and through our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Instagram: @checkyourheadpodcast https://www.instagram.com/checkyourheadpodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174

You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘

The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of Sammi Doll (Kat Von D, IAMX, Bullet Height, solo artist) with Mari Fong & Kat Jensen speaking on Depression & ADHD Recovery for Mental Health Awareness Week, May 12-18, 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Sammi Doll (Kat Von D, IAMX, Bullet Height) on depression and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), then Mari Fong (former Life Coach for Musicians) discusses the interview with Kat Jensen (Producer, Social & Behavioral degree). Sammi Doll shares her facebook post while in the depths of depression, how the social media post affected her fans, her experience living in Berlin, Germany while in a crumbling relationship, and feeling stagnant and lost. 

How Sammi was confronted by a caring and compassionate bandmate, feeling valued, how healing began with a move back to sunny Los Angeles and starting a new chapter. Being diagnosed with ADHD, the difference between taking medication and not taking medication, feeling scattered, and remembering 5 good things that happened today. 

Kat Jensen and host Mari talk about the signs to look for with depression, what you can do to help yourself and others during a depressive episode, and how to show compassion during the pandemic. Helpful apps, teleheath, and texting that can be used to find mental help on the checkyourheadpodcast.com website. 

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” *THANK YOU for supporting our podcast through www.checkyourheadpodcast.com and through our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Instagram: @checkyourheadpodcast https://www.instagram.com/checkyourheadpodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of While She Sleeps (Sean Long) & Therapist Andrea Vassilev (DBSA) speaking on Panic Attacks & Agoraphobia Recovery for Mental Health Awareness Month, May 2025.

Mari Fong interviews guitarist Sean Long of While She Sleeps and Andrea Vassilev of DBSA, San Gabriel Valley. Sean Long share his story and solutions for recovery for anxiety, panic attacks, panic disorder and agoraphobia. While She Sleeps’s single “Nervous” off their new album Sleeps Society is based on Sean’s mental health journey and admits the song is the most important one he’s ever written. 

Andrea Vassilev of DBSA San Gabriel Valley explains panic disorder and how it can easily escalate to agoraphobia if untreated. She shares her thoughts on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication as treatment for panic disorder.  

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”
 For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* DONATE to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated <3

• THANK YOU for following and liking us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of Tower of Power (Emilio Castillo) & Tim Ringgold (Music Therapist, Sonic Recovery) speaking on Drug & Sex Addiction Recovery for National Counseling Awareness Month, April 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Emilio Castillo (Tower of Power) and Tim Ringgold, MT-BC (Music Therapist & Author of Sonic Recovery: Harness the Power of Music to Stay Sober) on addiction and mental health. Emilio Castillo shares his story of addiction to alcohol, heroin, marijuana, cocaine, eating, and more. 

Hear why Emilio would create drug recipes and party with bandmate “Doc” Kupka, and why singer Rick Stevens went to prison for 36 years. Emilio finds hope in recovery with the 12-steps and finally listening to others. Emilio shares his four words of advice to musicians who desire a long career in music.

Music therapist Tim Ringgold shares his story of sex addiction and finding healing through music therapy. He shares the importance of trying many tools for recovery until you find what's right for you.  Listen to Tower of Power's “Look In My Eyes" from Step Up which dropped March 2020.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” * Thank you for subscribing to our podcast and supporting us through Patreon or on checkyourheadpodcast.com. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.  For free or affordable mental help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Be our friends! “like” or follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkyourheadpodcast

Instagram: @checkyourheadpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured 

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of The Lumineers (Wesley Schultz) & Kerry Abernathy (Therapist & Addiction Specialist) speaking on Alcoholism & Mood Disorders Affecting Families for Alcohol Awareness Month, April 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers with Kerri Abernathy, Marriage & Family Therapist and Addiction Specialist.  Schultz shares how a family member's severe alcoholism and  mood disorders affect him and his wife and the lives of other family members. The muse for The Lumineers's song "Gloria," this woman was sent to the ER 99 times in one year due to her alcoholism. Finding help with an addiction specialist and creating healthy boundaries for your own mental health.  Listen to The Lumineers's single "Brightside" off their new album of the same name.

Next, we have Marriage & Family Therapist and Addiction Specialist Kerri Abernathy who shares her own experience as a recovering alcoholic, and her professional advice what you can do to protect yourself from the alcoholic's ongoing drama. How to help the addict while also helping yourself, and the importance of the alcoholic experiencing the harsh consequences of addiction.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Support the show

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of Sal Rodriguez (WAR) & Jeff Duke speaking on Alcoholism & Multi-Drug Addiction recovery for Alcohol Awareness Month, April 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Sal Rodriguez of WAR and Jeff Duke, Founder of Christ Powered Recovery.  Sal Rodriguez shares how music, drinking alcohol and parties were part of his lifestyle growing up which led to an addiction to cocaine and selling LSD as a teen. His obsessive-compulsive behaviors made it hard to stop using but eventually found his solutions through Christ Powered Recovery and the 12 steps. Multi-platinum selling band WAR celebrates their 52nd anniversary in 2021.
 
Next, we have Sal Rodriguez's mentor and founder of Christ Powered Recovery, Jeff Duke, who  shares his knowledge on why the program worked for Sal and how to prevent relapse with our mood disorders and addictions. With 26 years of sobriety, Jeff shares common trials and tribulations of recovery and how a better life is waiting for you on the other side.
 
“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show

CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" of Katelyn Tarver speaking on Anxiety & Teen Self-Doubt for World Teen Mental Health Day, celebrated on March 2, 2025.

Mari Fong interviews Katelyn Tarver, singer-songwriter and actress, and Dr. Adi Jaffe, psychologist, addiction specialist, and author of The Abstinence Myth. 

Katelyn Tarver shares her story and solutions for living with anxiety and teen self-doubt, growing up in the spotlight as a young girl. Katelyn was only 16 when her first EP was released, followed by 5 more EPs before winning NBC's "Songland" in 2019.  Katelyn was only 14 when she first debuted on television, often feeling overwhelming fear and nervousness throughout her career.  

Next, we have Part 2 of the interview with expert Dr. Adi Jaffe, Ph.D, psychologist and author of the book,The Abstinence Myth.  Dr. Jaffe shares the importance of finding the root causes of addiction and how therapy can be essential to longtime recovery and sobriety. He explains his unique approach with the IGNTD program.

“Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.” For free and affordable solutions for mental health and addiction recovery, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/

* Donate to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.

• THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcast
• Watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel:  checkyourheadpodcast.youtube

Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘

Support the show