CHECK YOUR HEAD: Mental Help for Musicians

Mari Fong
  • 4.8 (33)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Award-winning "People's Choice" CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is where notable musicians and experts share stories and solutions for mental help and addiction recovery. Music journalist Mari Fong dives deep with her interviews to provide real-world solutions from artists like The Lumineers, Fred Armisen, Lindsey Stirling, David Archuleta, Killswitch Engage, Grouplove, Margaret Cho, King Iso, and Linda Ronstadt, paired with world-renown experts who provide their best medical and professional solutions.  You'll hear inspiring interviews that may shock you, educate you, make you laugh, and always entertain you. We're also a 501c3 nonprofit with our mission to normalize the conversations on mental health and addiction, educate and encourage others to receive help, and provide a variety of free and affordable solutions on checkyourheadpodcast.com to improve and save the lives of musicians and music fans worldwide.  LISTEN on all podcast platforms, WATCH on CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast's YouTube Channel, SUBSCRIBE on our socials @checkyourheadpodcast, and DONATE on checkyourheadpodcast.com. You rock and we love you Superheroes! ❤️🤘

  1. APR 14

    Dirty Heads, Jared Watson "Reboot": Alcoholism & Depression Recovery with Neal Casal Music Foundation

    Mari Fong interviews Jared Watson of Dirty Heads and Dave Schools of Widespread Panic on the Neal Casal Foundation. Jared Watson of Dirty Heads on Alcoholism Recovery with the Neal Casal Music Foundation “Reboot” for Alcohol Awareness Month “I would sit on my couch and say, ‘I’m not drinking today’ and five minutes later, my body would get up and walk to the fridge,” Jared Watson of Dirty Heads said about his battle with alcoholism. “There’s me saying, ‘Don’t do this,’ and there’s my brain and body saying, ‘We need this right now, pal.’” Hear how Watson escaped his hard partying ways and now says, “I didn’t become less fun or less creative. Everything just got better.” Catch Dirty Heads on tour with 311 and stay tuned for their next album, 7 Seas, dropping June 12, 2026. Watson shares how his hard partying ways with Dirty Heads ("Lay Me Down," "Stand Tall") descended into alcohol and drug abuse. He recollects his wake up call when rushed to the hospital, barely able to move from his tour bunk bed. Depression and anxiety followed, with his road to recovery being a remarkable one. Their album, 'The Best of Dirty Heads' features the single "Rage" with Travis Barker and Aimee Allen of The Interrupters.   Next, we have Dave Schools of Widespread Panic talk about Neal Casal, a musician who died from mental illness in 2019, and the  Neal Casal Music Foundation.  Dave explains the mental rigors of being a touring musician and the foundation's mission to improve the lives of others also battling mental illness. The tribute album 'Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal' is out now, with 41 incredible musicians singing the songs of this beloved musician.    CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. THANK YOU for supporting our mission to improve and save the lives of musicians and music fans by providing free and affordable recovery solutions at www.checkyourheadpodcast.com.  Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions, visit:  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast and Watch & Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174 You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘 The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns. Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘 Support the show Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘 Support the show

    57 min

  2. MAR 21

    311, Nick Hexum: Anxiety & Benzodiazepine Addiction Recovery with Brandon Jay, Altadena Musicians, Podcasthon Special!

    Mari Fong interviews Nick Hexum of 311 and Brandon Jay of Altadena Musicians for a special episode for Podcasthon, focusing on nonprofits and those who do good in this world. For our featured musician, I’m excited to have singer-songwriter Nick Hexum of 311, share his secrets about a mental health and addiction story that he kept hidden for more than a decade. With 311 being known for their songs like “Down,” “Amber” and “Beautiful Disaster,” many of them filled with lyrics of positivity and unity, with 311 performing high-energy shows since 1988, you can imagine how surprising it was to hear Nick talk about his self-doubt, anxiety and perfectionism that eventually led to a terrifying addiction.  Having interviewed Nick in the past, I was honored to be the one to hear this honest and vulnerable story of benzodiazepine addiction and recovery, one he admits he’s never shared with his fans or the public before today. I’ll be playing a clip of Nick Hexum’s song “Lonely Existence” from his side project EP, “Waxing Nostalgic” which dropped in 2025. This is Part 1 of Nick's story.  This is also a special Podcasthon episode where 2800 podcasts from around the world spotlight a nonprofit and I’ve chosen Altadena Musicians, a foundation that’s helped musicians recover thousands of instruments and vinyl records, getting them back into the hands of those that lost theirs in the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles. I’ll be talking to musician and founder of Altadena Musicians, Brandon Jay.  CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. THANK YOU for supporting our mission to improve and save the lives of musicians and music fans by providing free and affordable recovery solutions at www.checkyourheadpodcast.com. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions, visit:  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast Watch & Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174 You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘 The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns. Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘 Support the show

    48 min

  3. FEB 27

    King Iso: Managing Schizoaffective & Bipolar II with Scott Fears, MD, PhD (Amae Health), Part 2

    Mari Fong interviews King Iso and expert Scott Fears, MD, PhD on schizoaffective and bipolar II disorder with addictions, Part 2. He’s a rapper who’s turned his lifelong battles with mental health and addiction into life-saving music, amassing millions of streams and selling out shows across the country. Our guest today is King Iso who’s survived homelessness, suicide attempts, jail time, and was diagnosed with schizoaffective and bipolar II disorder, who also had his share of addictions. But King Iso used music to vent his pain which not only helped himself but others as well. He recently dropped his 7th studio album entitled, Ghetto Psycho and I’ll be playing a clip of his song, “Ghetto Psycho” at the end of our episode.  Next, our expert is Scott Fears, MD, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA & Chief Medical Officer of Amae Health in Los Angeles who works with patients with serious and persistent mental illness, often with the homeless and veteran communities. He’s also led and worked at Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles (HHCLA) located in Skid Row, a very tough place, but a great nonprofit that I’m familiar with since my first fundraiser for mental health was for HHCLA. Since King Iso’s story is a fascinating, longer tale, I’ve dedicated 2 episodes to him. So let’s hear Part 2 of King Iso, share his story and also his mental health nonprofit, Project Be Well. CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. THANK YOU for supporting our podcast at www.checkyourheadpodcast.com Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions, visit:   http://checkyourheadpodcast.com Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast Watch & Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174 You rock and we love you Superheroes at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘 The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns. Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘 Support the show

    1h 6m

  4. JAN 27

    *Season 6, King Iso: Managing Schizoaffective & Bipolar II with Scott Fears, MD, PhD (Amae Health), Part 1

    Mari Fong interviews King Iso and expert Scott Fears, MD, PhD on schizoaffective and bipolar II disorder with addictions, Part 1. He’s a rapper who’s turned his lifelong battles with mental health and addiction into life-saving music, amassing millions of streams and selling out shows across the country. Our guest today is King ISO who’s survived homelessness, suicide attempts, jail time, and was diagnosed with schizoaffective and bipolar II disorder, who also had his share of addictions. But King Iso used music to vent his pain which not only helped himself but others as well. He recently dropped his 7th studio album entitled, Ghetto Psycho and I’ll be playing a clip of his song, “Normal” at the end of our episode.  Next, our expert is Scott Fears, MD, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA & Chief Medical Officer of Amae Health in Los Angeles who works with patients with serious and persistent mental illness, often with the homeless and veteran communities. He’s also led and worked at Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles (HHCLA) located in Skid Row, a very tough place, but a great nonprofit that I’m familiar with since my first fundraiser for mental health was for HHCLA. Since King Iso’s story is a fascinating, longer tale, I’ve dedicated 2 episodes to him. So let’s hear Part 1 of King Iso, share his story. CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit! THANK YOU for supporting our podcast at www.checkyourheadpodcast.com Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery solutions, visit:   http://checkyourheadpodcast.com Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast Watch & Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174 You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘 The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns. Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘 Support the show

    1 hr

  5. 11/11/2025

    Linda Ronstadt "Reboot": Living w/ Parkinson's & PSP with Dr. Ish Major (Psychiatrist, Relationship Expert)

    Mari Fong interviews Linda Ronstadt (singer-songwriter) & Dr. Ish Major (Psychiatrist, Relationship Coach, “Marriage Boot Camp”).  Linda Ronstadt talks about her Mexican heritage and traditions in the documentary, “Linda and the Mockingbirds.” Her thoughts on immigration and the mental toll and trauma for children separated from their families at the border, racism, and importance of making a difference in this world. How she’s living with Parkinson's disease, specifically called progressive supranuclear palsy, her favorite books, and her life during the pandemic. Next, psychiatrist, relationship coach, and host of "Marriage Boot Camp," Dr. Ish Major speaks on choosing the love we deserve, the one habit that makes you love yourself more, dealing with shame and getting to acceptance, and how our scars make us beautiful. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/ Support us! On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast Watch & Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174 Thank you kindly Superheroes. You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘 The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns. Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘 Support the show

    56 min

  6. 10/28/2025

    Trapper Schoepp: Opioid Addiction & Mania Recovery with Bill Taylor, The Phoenix

    Mari Fong interviews singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp and expert Bill Taylor of The Phoenix.  Today's featured musical guest, Trapper Schoepp, boosted his career after discovering old lyrics of an unfinished song written by Bob Dylan about his home state of Wisconsin. Trapper took those lyrics and decided to finish the song he called “On Wisconsin.” So when Bob Dylan heard about this, Trapper officially became a co-writer with Bob Dylan for this song, news that spread quickly by Rolling Stone and newspapers across the country. When Trapper finally got to meet his boyhood hero, Bob Dylan, this happy moment happened during the most miserable time in his life. Trapper was battling a serious opioid addiction. In our interview, Trapper shares how he fought a 10 year addiction to opioids, his recent stay at the Hazelden Betty Ford clinic and while there, wrote all the songs on his new album “Osborne,” and how music was a big part of his healing. We’ll also play a clip of his song, “Satan Is Real (Satan is a Sackler)” at the end of our episode.       Next, we spotlight an organization that has made sobriety cool and fun, growing a community that’s close to a million strong. Today I talk with Bill Taylor, Director of Music Programs for The Phoenix, a sober community that’s focused on activities along with ongoing support and healing. Bill shares how the upcoming events by The Phoenix not only supports music fans, but also the artists who perform onstage.Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need. THANK YOU for supporting our podcast on www.checkyourheadpodcast.com Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated. For the largest online list of free and affordable mental and addiction recovery help, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/ Support us! On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast Follow Us! On social media @checkyourheadpodcast Watch & Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174 You rock and we love you at checkyourheadpodcast.com ❤️🤘 The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns. Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘 Support the show

    1h 2m

  7. 09/30/2025

    Fred Armisen (Portlandia, SNL) "Reboot" : Conquering Stage Fright & Mastering the Art of "Who Cares?" w/ Keren Clark (DBT Therapist), Part 1

    CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot": Mari Fong interviews comedian and musician Fred Armisen (Saturday Night Live, Portlandia, Trenchmouth, and more) and Keren Clark (Psychotherapist, Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Part 1.  Fred Armisen on 8 YEARS IN THE PUNK BAND TRENCHMOUTH, the DIFFICULTIES OF TOURING with a band, taking left turns in life, BATTLING STAGE FRIGHT, his favorite Death Metal band, my Clash tshirt, on Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo and David Byrne of Talking Heads, SURVIVING TERRIBLE SHOWS, working with friends like Carrie Brownstein and Maya Rudolph, and THE HARDEST PART ABOUT BEING A DRUMMER.  Psychotherapist KEREN CLARK talks more on DBT OR DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY, radical acceptance, GAINING EMOTIONAL MUSCLE, improving relationships with others, approaching difficult but importance conversations, being mindful and practicing gratitude.  “Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”  * Thank you for subscribing to our podcast and supporting us through Patreon! Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated.   For the largest list of free and afforable mental help and addiction recovery solutions, visit  http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/ Donate to our 501c3 nonprofit on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/checkyourheadpodcast * WE LIKE YOU A LOT so please "like" us and be our friends on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkyourheadpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkyourheadpodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BJN--waRV1rKMM2OVwkSw/featured X: @checkheadpod, https://twitter.com/checkheadpod The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns. Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘 Support the show

    48 min

  8. 09/24/2025

    Black Stone Cherry (Chris Robertson) "Reboot": Living with Bipolar & Panic Attacks with Carly Hester (NAMI)

    CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast "Reboot" with Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry and Carly Hester of NAMI, Philadelphia for Suicide Awareness Month, September 2025,  Chris Robertson  of Black Stone Cherry shares his story of having bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depressive disorder) with anxiety and panic attacks, along with his solutions for recovery. *Warning: Suicide and suicidal ideation is discussed. Listener discretion is advised. Black Stone Cherry dropped their album "The Human Condition," where lead singer Chris Robertson talks about songs like "Push Down and Turn" along with the struggles of depression and mania that come with bipolar disorder.  Close to committing suicide, Chris eventually finds help with therapy, medication and more. He also explains how he self-medicated for years with drugs and alcohol that led to dire consequences. Next, we have expert Carly Hester of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) speaking on the difference between bipolar 1 and 2 and symptoms to look out for. Carly also discusses the correlation between gut health and mental health, along with the many resources found through NAMI.org for those with mood disorders and their families. “Be brave, ask for help, and be persistent in finding the mental help that you need.”  To listen and find the largest online list of free or affordable mental help and addiction recovery solutions, visit: http://checkyourheadpodcast.com/ * DONATE to our mission at checkyourheadpodcast.com or on our patreon.com page. Every dollar is appreciated, every listener is appreciated 3 THANK YOU for following us on social media @checkyourheadpodcastWatch us on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@checkyourheadpodcast5174The information shared during this interview is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any individualized medical concerns. Say hello and give us feedback! We love hearing from our Superhero fans ❤️🤘 Support the show

    53 min
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4.8
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Award-winning "People's Choice" CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast is where notable musicians and experts share stories and solutions for mental help and addiction recovery. Music journalist Mari Fong dives deep with her interviews to provide real-world solutions from artists like The Lumineers, Fred Armisen, Lindsey Stirling, David Archuleta, Killswitch Engage, Grouplove, Margaret Cho, King Iso, and Linda Ronstadt, paired with world-renown experts who provide their best medical and professional solutions.  You'll hear inspiring interviews that may shock you, educate you, make you laugh, and always entertain you. We're also a 501c3 nonprofit with our mission to normalize the conversations on mental health and addiction, educate and encourage others to receive help, and provide a variety of free and affordable solutions on checkyourheadpodcast.com to improve and save the lives of musicians and music fans worldwide.  LISTEN on all podcast platforms, WATCH on CHECK YOUR HEAD Podcast's YouTube Channel, SUBSCRIBE on our socials @checkyourheadpodcast, and DONATE on checkyourheadpodcast.com. You rock and we love you Superheroes! ❤️🤘

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