Drumming News
In honor of the 5th Annual Mental Health Action Day, CHECK YOUR HEAD: Mental Help for Musicians Podcast will release a powerful new episode on Thursday, May 15, spotlighting conversations with singer/songwriter Jewel and Ryan Dusick, founding drummer of Maroon 5 and now a licensed therapist. The episode aims to shift the mental health conversation from awareness to action by providing listeners with real-world tools for mental health and addiction recovery.
The special episode underscores the podcast’s partnership with Mental Health Action Day, a national initiative that brings together organizations, cultural leaders, and advocates to encourage tangible steps toward better mental health. With compelling interviews and a blend of personal experience and professional insight, the episode encourages listeners to take their own first actions for mental health—whether for themselves, their families, or their communities.
From the Stage to the Therapy Room: Ryan Dusick’s Journey
Ryan Dusick is widely known for his role as the founding drummer of Maroon 5, originally formed under the name Kara’s Flowers alongside lead singer Adam Levine. Dusick helped propel the band to international fame before stepping away due to physical and mental health challenges. His departure marked the beginning of a new chapter—one centered on healing, self-discovery, and service.
Today, Dusick is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and public speaker. His work focuses on supporting high-performing individuals, drawing from his personal experience in the entertainment industry. He shares his journey in his memoir, Harder to Breathe, and on The Harder to Breathe Podcast, where he explores mental health through candid storytelling and therapeutic insight.
At the heart of Dusick’s practice is a technique he calls the “Get Curious” system—a method that empowers individuals to better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions by approaching them with curiosity rather than judgment.
About Mental Health Action Day
Mental Health Action Day is an open-source, nationwide movement to transform the culture around mental health from passive awareness to proactive support. Now in its fifth year, the initiative takes place annually on the third Thursday of May—with this year’s observance falling on May 15, 2025. Supported by a coalition of nonprofits, media platforms, and thought leaders, the day encourages everyone to take simple, meaningful actions for their mental well-being.
The 2025 theme continues the mission of moving beyond conversations to direct impact, empowering individuals to prioritize mental health the same way they would physical health.
Link to CHECK YOUR HEAD podcast HERE
