Your natural instinct is to fix it, but what if your efforts are making the problem worse?

We sit down with Addiction Expert Amber Hollingsworth, founder of the huge "Put the Shovel Down" community, who offers a revolutionary approach to family addiction recovery. Amber specializes in teaching family members how to stop enabling and break the cycle of blame that fuels addiction. This is essential listening for anyone who loves someone struggling with substance abuse.

In this powerful episode, you'll learn:

The "Villain" Role: Why the person with addiction often needs a family member to play the villain—and how to quit that role immediately.

Support vs. Enabling: Amber shares her simple formula to know if you're truly helping or unknowingly enabling your loved one.

The Power of Pre-Contemplation: Learn how to influence change before they hit rock bottom by using empathy to unlock their inner motivation.

Control is a Fallacy: Ryan and Amber discuss how giving up control is the crucial first step for both the addicted individual and their family.

Stop digging a deeper hole. Start building a path to recovery.

Episode Guide

00:00 - Welcome & Guest Intro

20:20 - Amber's Approach

22:00 - The "Villain Role"

25:40 - "Put the Shovel Down" Difference

30:30 - The Rock Bottom Question

34:00 - Reversing Family Dynamics

36:00 - Finding Internal Motivation

41:20 - Giving Up Control to Gain Control 4

8:20 - Support vs. Enabling Line

52:30 - "Put the Shovel Down" Meaning

55:00 - Addiction as Shame Spiral

01:01:20 - Amber's Origin Story

01:14:30 - Future Goals

🎧 Listen now:
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📲 Follow Harder To Breathe:
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#TheHarderToBreathePodcast #RyanDusick #AmberHollingsworth #PutTheShovelDown #AddictionRecovery #FamilyAddiction #MentalHealth #Therapy #Counseling #RecoveryJourney #SubstanceAbuse #MotivationalInterviewing #BreakingStigma #YouTubeCommunity #Podcast #MentalWellness #Healing #SupportForFamilies #AddictionHelp #RelapsePrevention #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration

In one of our most powerful episodes yet, actress and mental health advocate Sarah Gilman opens up about her deeply personal journey—self-harm, a suicide attempt in college, and the remarkable path that led her to become a voice for suicide prevention. She explains why suicide isn’t about wanting to die, but about wanting to escape an intolerable
pain.

This is a raw and honest conversation that will leave you feeling seen, understood, and inspired.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✨ The misunderstood functions of self-harm — Sarah shares the three core reasons people self-harm: as a coping mechanism, for manipulation, and as self-punishment.

✨ Why we fear talking about suicide — We break down the myth that asking about suicide puts the idea in someone’s head, and why opening the door can be lifesaving.

✨ The right way to offer support — What to say (and what not to say) to someone who’s struggling, and why empathy matters more than trying to “fix” things.

✨ Hope in the darkest moments — Sarah shares the incredible story of a sign that changed her life and led her to her advocacy work with Didi Hirsch.

This conversation is a testament to the power of vulnerability and a reminder that—even in your darkest moments—you are not alone.

📌 Episode Guide
00:00 – Intro
13:15 – A Trigger Warning for Today’s Conversation
16:10 – Interview Begins: Meet Sarah Gilman
28:28 – The Path to a Mental Health Decline
35:08 – An Honest Look at Self-Harm
49:10 – HIGHLIGHT: The Stigma and the Cry for Help
1:00:10 – What NOT to Say to Someone Who Is Hurting
1:06:15 – How Understanding Your Brain Can Save Your Life
1:11:30 – The Suicide Attempt: “I Didn’t Want to Die”
1:17:27 – “The Sign”: Finding Didi Hirsch
1:24:40 – The Origin of the First Suicide Prevention Center

⚠️ If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988. Help is available 24/7.

🎧 Listen now:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts

📲 Follow Harder To Breathe:
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#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #SuicideLoss #MentalHealthAdvocate #SarahGilman #DidiHirsch #Trauma #Grief #SelfHarm #EatingDisorder #Maroon5 #RyanDusick

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt alone in their struggle. We sit down with the incredible Aleksei Archer—comedian, actor, and mental health advocate—who has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful force for healing.

Aleksei shares her deeply personal story of losing her father to suicide, and how she uses humor and radical honesty to create safe spaces for grief, connection, and resilience.

💡 In this raw and vulnerable conversation, you’ll discover:

• The unexpected power of community: Why finding your "tribe" can be the most critical step in overcoming trauma and grief.
• Humor as a coping mechanism: How comedy can make the hardest conversations easier to face.
• The truth about generational trauma: How the past shapes the present—and why breaking cycles matters.
• The importance of language in healing: Why “died by suicide” is different than “committed suicide.”

✨ This conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to choose between being someone who has suffered and someone who shines.

📌 Episode Guide:
00:00 - Intro
10:20 - Therapy Session with Ryan
19:00 - Interview Begins: Meet Aleksei Archer
20:36 - The Day She Lost Her Father to Suicide
25:20 - Finding Her "Superheroes" in a Suicide Loss Support Group
33:20 - The Ripple Effect: Secondary Losses and Family Fallout
41:00 - Why You Shouldn’t Say "Committed Suicide"
42:30 - The Power of Humor in Processing the Darkest Trauma
54:00 - The Pressure of Creating Content and "Necessary Evils"
1:13:00 - Her Dark Comedy Pilot: Venice Beach Scumbags

🎧 Listen now:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts

📲 Follow Harder To Breathe:
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🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894

📲Follow Aleksei Archer:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/alekseiarcher
FB: https://www.facebook.com/thealekseiarcher
YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/alekseiarcher
LinkendIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksei-archer-4200a2


#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #SuicideLoss #MentalHealthAdvocate #AlekseiArcher #Trauma #Grief #Humor #Comedy #RyanDusick #MentalHealthAwareness #Maroon5

🚨 LIFE UPDATE! 🚨 We’re diving into YOUR questions in our first-ever mailbag episode! From the heartbreak of an empty nest to the challenge of making friends as an adult, we’re tackling the real-life struggles you shared with us.

This isn’t just a Q&A—it’s a raw, relatable, and honest conversation about navigating life’s biggest transitions.

In this episode, we share personal stories and professional insights on:

- The Emotional Toll of Empty Nest Syndrome: As the founding drummer of Maroon 5 and now a licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick shares a unique perspective on the unexpected feelings of loss and identity change that come with your kids leaving home.

- The Power of Setting Boundaries with Family: We discuss the difficult decision of parental estrangement and how to prioritize your own mental health without feeling selfish.

- Finding Your People as a Grown-Up: We're getting real about the struggles of adult friendships, especially when you're a parent trying to find "your people."

This is a candid, heartfelt, and relatable discussion about the transitions we all face.

We want to hear from you! What's your advice for making adult friends, or are you a Swifty? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

📌 In this episode, you’ll hear:

00:00 - Intro

03:35 - Coping with an Empty Nest

18:28 - Advice for a Beginner on the Drums

24:25 - The Challenge of Adult Friendships

37:32 - Parental Estrangement

45:30 - Deep Dive: Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce

🎧 Listen to the full episode now:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts

📲Follow Harder To Breathe:

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🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick

💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894

#HarderToBreathe #Podcast #MentalHealth #Maroon5 #RyanDusick #Parenting #EmptyNest #AdultFriendships #FamilyEstrangement #ParentingAdvice #TaylorSwift #TravisKelce #Drums #Drummer #MusicIndustry #TaylorSwiftPodcast #Swifty #LifeAdvice

Join us for a deeply moving and intensely personal conversation with Nicky Byrne, the iconic member of Westlife, as he opens up about the sudden, heartbreaking loss of his father and the profound impact it had on his life. Beyond the dazzling lights of his global pop career, Nicky shares a raw account of navigating immense grief while in the public eye, revealing how his father’s enduring lessons on positivity and resilience ultimately guided him through his darkest moments. This episode delves into the unwavering bond of family, the unexpected challenges of fame, and the crucial search for purpose when life takes an unforeseen turn.

Discover how Nicky, an ambitious athlete turned international music sensation, channeled his competitive spirit and his father's wisdom to transform personal tragedy into a testament of strength. You'll gain powerful insights into coping with loss, the importance of self-identity beyond professional roles, and the surprising ways life can lead you back to your true calling.

📌 In this episode, you’ll hear:
00:00 - Intro
14:00 - Interview Begins: A Day in the Life of a Pop Star
26:00 - From Footballer to Westlife Frontman
37:00 - Finding Your Identity in a Boy Band
43:00 - The Truth About Band Dynamics
1:02:35 - HIGHLIGHT: "He's on the floor. He doesn't look good."
1:06:05 - Coping with Grief & The Power of Positive Thinking
1:14:35 - The Night He Dedicated the Album to His Dad
1:22:00 - Funny Stories: Andrew Berkowitz & The "All or Nothing" Saga

What's one piece of advice from a loved one that has helped you through a difficult time? Share your story in the comments below!

🎧 Listen to the full episode now:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts

📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
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🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@ryandusick
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✨ Follow Nicky Byrne:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickybyrneinsta
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialnickybyrne
🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/NickyByrne
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/nickybyrneofficial

#NickyByrne #Westlife #GriefJourney #MentalHealth #Loss #FamilyLove #PopStarLife #MusicIndustry #CopingStrategies #PersonalStory #Resilience #PodcastInterview #HarderToBreathePodcast #CelebrityInterview #FameAndLoss

"My life was sleeping on an air mattress in Boston. Six months later, I'm in the middle of Times Square... I would literally run to the bathroom and dry heave out of anxiety." Damien Fahey gets real about the terrifying reality behind the TRL cameras.

He was the face of MTV for years, taking over for Carson Daly on the biggest show in music television. But behind the scenes, Damien Fahey was battling crippling anxiety, imposter syndrome, and a crisis of identity.

In this candid conversation, Damien opens up to host Ryan Dusick about the pressure of the TRL rocket ship, feeling like he had to be someone else, and the shocking realization that fame didn't cure his insecurities—it amplified them. He shares how his childhood shaped his people-pleasing nature, and how therapy helped him find his own voice and advocate for himself.

This is a deep dive into the journey from being the "MTV guy" to finding true fulfillment as a writer for "Family Guy" and learning the power of being present.

📌 In this episode, you’ll hear:
00:00 Intro
35:00 The Radio Audition That Changed Everything
42:30 "I Would Dry Heave From Anxiety" - The Reality of TRL
52:00 Feeling Like an Imposter in Front of Millions
58:15 The Insecurity of Celebrities Behind the Scenes
1:00:15 Losing His Identity on MTV
1:08:15 How a Chaotic Childhood Shaped His Career
1:12:15 The Most Empowering Lesson From Therapy
1:38:00 The Power of Being Present & Finding Fulfillment After Fame

Have you ever felt like you were playing a role to meet others' expectations? Share your experience in the comments below.

📲 Connect with Damien Fahey:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damienfahey/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/DamienFahey

🎧 Listen to the full episode now:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts

📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
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👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
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#DamienFahey #TRL #Anxiety #MentalHealth #FamilyGuy #Podcast #HarderToBreathePodcast #2000sNostalgia #Mindfulness #RyanDusick

The police banged on my door and just said, 'Is this your kid? Go check on her.'" Brandy Vega shares the terrifying story of the night she almost lost her daughter to suicide for the second time, and how it ignited a global movement.

In one of our most powerful conversations yet, entrepreneur, advocate, and mother Brandy Vega shares her deeply personal journey with teen suicide. From the shame and stigma that kept her silent after her daughter's first attempt at age 12, to the hospital that had no beds for suicidal teens, Brandy's story is a raw look at a crisis affecting millions.
She opens up about her own struggles as a child, her feelings of failure as a parent, and how she turned her deepest pain into her life's purpose with the "Promise2Live" organization. This episode serves as a crucial guide for parents, offering insights into having open conversations with their kids, the power of asking for help, and the hope that comes from action.

📌 In this episode, you’ll hear:
00:00 Intro
17:15 Why I Kept Silent After the First Suicide Attempt
24:50 You Won't Plant the Idea by Asking "Are You Suicidal?"
28:40 "I Didn't Really Want to Die, It Was Just Too Late"
34:25 The Shocking Suicide Rate for 9-12 Year Olds
38:20 Feeling Like a Failure as a Parent
41:00 The Ego and Politics of Non-Profits
49:00 My Own Suicide Attempt at Age 12
53:15 The Promise to Live Movement & Annual Event

This conversation can save a life. Please share this video with a parent, friend, or anyone who needs to hear it. Have you ever had a crucial conversation about mental health? Tell us in the comments.

📲 Connect with Brandy Vega & Promise2Live:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandylynnvega
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandyvega77/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-vega-5715a811/
Promise2Live: https://promise2live.org/

🎧 Listen to the full episode now:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts

📲Follow Harder To Breathe:
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👍 Facebook: facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick
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💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894

#SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #Parenting #PromiseToLive #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #HarderToBreathe #BrandyVega #YouAreNotAlone #Podcast

Actor Erik "Happy" Anderson — known for his unforgettable role as Jerry Brudos in Mindhunter and appearances in The Knick — sits down for a raw, unfiltered conversation about addiction recovery, 21 years of sobriety, and surviving the relentless pressure of Hollywood.

By college, he was a “fall down drunk.” By 26, he was homeless. In this candid interview on the Harder to Breathe Podcast, Happy shares his journey from blackout performances on stage to becoming a working actor in one of the toughest industries in the world. He opens up about the moment he realized he had a drinking problem at 13, the terrifying blackouts, hitting rock bottom, and the path that led him to lasting recovery.

📌 Timestamps
00:00 Intro
23:40 Why So Many Young Actors Get Sober
28:10 Being Blackout Drunk On Stage... and Getting Praise For It
31:30 Hitting Rock Bottom & Getting Sober
42:30 Mindhunter & Unearthing Repressed Trauma
47:15 The Rage I Had Before Sobriety
52:00 Acting is Therapeutic, But It's Not Therapy
01:01:00 The Anxiety of Being a Working Actor
01:10:00 Dealing with Resentment and Imposter Syndrome
01:24:30 My Kidney Cancer Diagnosis

🎧 Listen to the full episode now:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Or wherever you get your podcasts

📲 Follow Happy Anderson: @happyandersonacting
📲 Follow Harder To Breathe:
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#HappyAnderson #SobrietyJourney #Mindhunter #AddictionRecovery #Hollywood #MentalHealthAwareness #ActorLife #podcast #HarderToBreathe