The Harder to Breathe Podcast

How do you turn your deepest pain into your greatest power? In this episode of The Harder to Breathe Podcast, we sit down with the unstoppable X ARI—a bold musical artist, fierce mental health advocate, and a true psychosis survivor whose story will leave you breathless.


From surviving bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and multiple hospitalizations, to becoming a globally recognized queer songwriter and performing alongside K-pop and...

Dive deep with us as we explore the complex relationship between depression, healing, and the controversial world of plant medicine with Kyle Nicolaides, former frontman of Beware of Darkness and author of "Thank God for Depression." From rockstar struggles to spiritual awakenings, this conversation is raw, honest, and thought-provoking. 🌿✨

🎧 In this episode, we cover:
[00:02:17] Thank God for Depression: Reframing Painful Experi...

😴Struggling to get good sleep? 💤 Dr. Michael Breus shares actionable hacks to ditch insomnia & quiet your mind! Learn the REAL keys to restful sleep - no matter your schedule. Is it time to get over anxiety?

🎧 In this episode, we cover:
[00:20:00] The Sleep Doctor's Serendipitous Journey
[00:27:30] Quality VS Quantity - Crackin...

Ryan Dusick and co-host Brian “Duck” Maillard confront the toxic political climate and its impact on our mental health, relationships, and society.

Join the Harder to Breathe podcast as they delve into the challenging yet necessary conversation about politics, misinformation, and the path to healthier communication. They discuss everything from cult-like leader figures to finding personal coping mechanisms to address these difficul...

Tech vs. Mental Health: Can We Find Balance? 🤔 Shira Lazar from @Creators4MentalHealth joins us to explore the culture of the tech world, the anxieties it provokes, and how we can all find joy in the present moment. 🧘‍♀️ We talk purpose, mindfulness, & more! Listen for tangible advice to build! 💪

🎧 In this episode, we cover:
[00:00:50] Overcoming tech-induced anxiety and finding your path.
[00:22:30] How AI and new tech impact ...

Join Ryan Dusik and co-host Brian “Duck” Maillard in a thought-provoking conversation with Hillary Spiritos, a certified Pathfinding Coach, on The Harder To Breathe Podcast. Dive into the unique challenges facing Gen Z, redefine success, and discover how to help young people navigate the modern world.

🎧 In this episode, we cover:
[00:01:00] The struggles of aging and maintaining physical well-being.
[00:04:00] Transitioning to a c...

Ever wondered what it takes to build a lasting career in Hollywood? Join Ryan Dusick and Brian “Duck” Maillard as they chat with actor Jeremy Sisto  about his journey through fame, family life, and the constant quest for authenticity.

🎧 In this episode, we cover:
[00:01:00] Duck's "Cosmic Connections": Hear the hilarious and oddly specific reasons Duck is a Jeremy Sisto super-fan!
[00:05:00] The Therapist's Toolkit: What go-to adv...

🎙️ I’m beyond excited to share this deeply personal and incredibly special episode of The Harder To Breathe Podcast — featuring none other than my amazing aunt, the legendary Michele Lee!

You know her from Knots Landing, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Broadway, and a 50+ year career that's nothing short of iconic. But in this conversation, we go way beyond the headlines.

It was an honor to sit down with Aunt Mic...

In this powerful episode of The Harder To Breathe Podcast, Ryan Dusik and Brian “Duck” Maillard welcome voice acting legend Sam Riegel (Critical Role, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) for a candid and moving conversation. Sam shares his extraordinary journey, from childhood fame to a career in voice acting, his 9/11 survival story, and his recent battle with cancer.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
[00:00:42] Duck’s Shoutout: A huge con...

This week, Ryan and Duck sit down with the legendary Sklar Brothers (Jason & Randy) for a conversation that’s equal parts comedy, heart, and insight. From pioneering the early days of comedy podcasting to reflecting on parenting, identity, and the state of humor today—this is a must-listen episode.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

[00:02:00] Duck Mailer shares why the Sklar Brothers are comedy heroes

[00:08:00] The guys unpack the so...

Hey everyone! 👋 Welcome back to The Harder To Breathe Podcast! This week, Ryan and Duck sit down with actor Johnathon Schaech (That Thing You Do!, Blue Ridge) for an incredibly open and honest conversation about addiction, trauma, finding hope, and the power of human connection. ➡️

In this episode, you'll hear:

[0:00:00] - Intro: Duck and Ryan talk about themed restaurants... and Ryan reve...

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a conversation with Artist and Creativity Coach, Marc Sheff.

Marc is a renowned and award winning artist who has absolutely set the NYC art scene ablaze with his incredible work in resin. In addition to his art, he has recently open...

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a conversation with LA based psychologist and author, Dr. Jessica Zucker.

Dr. Zucker has been a womens’ health advocate for years, choosing to become a clinical psychologist in order to give women a voice for their pain, both physic...

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a quick conversation surrounding Netflix’s hit psychological drama, “Adolescence”.

The mini series is a technical marvel– comprised of 4 episodes that each utilize just a single continuous take to capture all the action. It’s a rema...

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a conversation with “The Deepest Man in the World”, Pro Athlete William Trubridge.

William holds 18 World Records in Free Diving, a sport in which an individual dives straight down into the depths of the ocean… for as long and as de...

On this very special episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a phenomenal conversation with the lead vocalist and songwriter of “Halestorm”: Lzzy Hale.

Lzzy Hale, alongside her band “Halestorm”, has become a household name in the Hard Rock space. With more than 3.5 Million monthly l...

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a light-hearted conversation about the beauty of Spring, Personal Growth, and Prestige TV.

After a number of their intro conversations have been cut short in the past, Ryan and Duck have decided to take a moment to catch up with eac...

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe", host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a deep and inspirational conversation with Doug Bopst.

Doug has been through it all. Early in his teens he became addicted to hard drugs– a path that would ultimately lead him to becoming a Drug Dealer, getting caught by the police, ...

On today’s episode of “Harder to Breathe'', host, founding drummer of “Maroon 5”, and licensed therapist, Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian “Duck” Maillard for a totally unexpected conversation with Shawn O’Malley– known as both a Podcast Host & Finance Professional.

On the “Harder to Breathe” Podcast we ask our guests to be open and vulnerable so that we can see the person behind the succ...