In the first half, therapist and former drummer of the band Maroon 5, Ryan Dusick, joined guest host Lisa Garr (email) to share his tumultuous journey through music, mental health struggles, and eventual recovery. Reflecting on his early identity, he noted, "I was a high-achieving kid... it became an expectation that I had of myself." He described how this pressure manifested into anxiety in adulthood. Despite a promising start in the music industry, Dusick revealed the harsh realities of the business, recounting how Maroon 5 faced setbacks after their first album. He also discussed his substance abuse at that time, explaining how he was originally "straight edge in the 90s," but later turned to alcohol as a means to cope with the pressures of touring.
Dusick went on to describe his struggles with imposter syndrome, which led to obsessive behaviors and a disconnect from the joy of performing. The intense pressure of fame and relentless touring exacerbated his mental health issues, culminating in a condition known as focal dystonia, likened to "the Yips" in sports, where his body began to reject playing the drums. Dusick's eventual breakdown led him to leave the band he had built his identity around, which he described as "devastating."
After struggling with depression and substance abuse for nearly a decade, Dusick found purpose in helping others during his own recovery journey. Now a therapist and advocate for mental health, he has embraced a new path. "Service became advocacy... it feels good to feel like I have something to share," he said.
According to Dusick, "The biggest indicator of whether or not people are happy is that they feel a sense of connection and purpose." He advocated for proactive mental health strategies, emphasizing mindfulness as a tool to manage anxiety: "Mindfulness is about getting out of your own way and living in acceptance of the present moment." He encouraged those struggling with anxiety to practice grounding techniques and to remember that "thoughts are not actually happening; they are just things we're imposing on the present moment."
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In the second half, healer Ofer Niv shared his profound journey from a corporate career to embracing shamanism after facing serious health challenges. Niv, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after previously battling thyroid cancer, said his dire condition prompted him to explore alternative healing practices. "I just couldn't enjoy life," he confessed. This experience led him to a year-long program focused on energy and self-discovery, culminating in a transformative session with a shamanic healer. "I felt fevers go up and down my spine… something shifted so big that I said I needed to know more of this," he recalled, marking the beginning of his healing journey. Remarkably, after embracing shamanism, he reported being symptom-free for the last eight to nine years and has not needed medication since 2020.
Niv delved into the concept of "dark forces" that can affect individuals, explaining that many people unknowingly harbor "things that are not you" within their energy fields. He described these as "soul fragments" or even entities—spirits that may be drawn to individuals due to shared emotions. "Most of the time, it's coming from other people that wish something on them," he noted. When expanding on such influences, Niv explained that individuals often are under some form of curse or negative energy. "If you suspect that you are more unlucky than usual… maybe there is something that is energetically blocking you," he advised. He also emphasized the power of light and divine energy in healing, stating, "Light is always the answer to dark, and love is the answer to fear."