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January 11, 2023 33 mins

Ryan Dusick is the founding drummer of Maroon 5, an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT), and the author of the book "Harder to Breathe - A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery."

In 1994, Ryan Dusick joined friends Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and Mickey Madden to form the band Kara’s Flowers. They released the album The Fourth World in ’97. Following the termination of their record deal, the band went on hiatus and everyone went their separate ways.

In 2001, Dusick reunited with Levine, Madden and Carmichael. They were joined by former Square guitarist James Valentine. The group changed their name to Maroon 5 and set to work writing new songs for what would become the award winning album Songs About Jane.

After departing from Maroon 5 and years of struggling with physical and mental health challenges, Ryan finally overcame in 2016, when he began his journey of recovery, culminating in a new life path.

Ryan has recently released an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at his journey from the highs of international superstardom to the depths of addiction, anxiety, chronic injury, and depression. His book Harder to Breathe chronicles Ryan’s remarkable recovery and his transition from the music industry to professional counseling where he’s helped hundreds of clients overcome mental and physical health challenges.

Today I am joined by Ryan to discuss his musical journey, addiction, identity and his new book release ‘Harder to Breathe.’

Ryan Dusick and “Kara’s Flowers’ aka ‘Maroon 5’

Evolution of the Band

Anxiety, Addiction, Coping, and Recovery

Finding Personal Identity after Maroon 5

Writing ‘Harder to Breath” as Self Reflection + Finding Purpose in Life

Check out his latest book release ‘Harder to Breath”’ available everywhere!

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