State Of Mind with Maurice Benard

State Of Mind
  • 4.8 (297)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

State of Mind with Maurice Benard is a leading mental health podcast dedicated to open conversations about emotional wellness and resilience. Hosted by Emmy Award–winning actor and New York Times bestselling author Maurice Benard (Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital), the show explores every aspect of mental health, from bipolar disorder and anxiety to everyday struggles with purpose, relationships, and hope. Through honest, heartfelt discussions with guests from all walks of life, State of Mind reminds listeners that no matter what you’re going through—you’re not alone. Support Resources: 🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support. 📘 "Nothing General About It" Autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062973371 (Disclaimer: This program is intended strictly for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute formal medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or mental health treatment protocols.)

  1. 2d ago

    Breaking the Cycle with Rena Sofer (GH's Lois Cerullo)

    In this episode from the SOM archives, General Hospital's Rena Sofer opens up about breaking family cycles, B&B, and becoming Lois. In this powerful conversation with Maurice Benard, the daytime legend reflects on the father who protected her, the family trauma she worked to break, and why she refuses to diagnose a family member. She explores how iconic characters like Lois Cerullo and Quinn Fuller came alive, the real-life relationship that had to end before it could be rebuilt, and why she eventually chose to walk away and follow her own dreams. (Disclaimer: This program is intended strictly for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute formal medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or mental health treatment protocols.) Support Resources: 🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support. 📘 "Nothing General About It" Autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062973371 Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch!  Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team:  Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard  Executive Producer: Paula Benard  Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato  Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

    Breaking the Cycle with Rena Sofer (GH's Lois Cerullo)

  2. 6d ago

    "I Kept It Inside": GH's Finn Carr (Rocco) Reveals His Hidden Struggle

    In this episode, which originally aired in January of 2025, General Hospital's Finn Carr (Rocco) and Maurice Benard (Sonny) sit down for a deeply honest conversation about acting pressure, anxiety, depression, and finding your voice. Moving beyond the heavy storylines of Port Charles, the two GH actors dive into the realities of growing up in the industry, from Finn’s early days acting alongside Betty White to the brutal, fast-paced reality of soap opera production. Opening up about his mental health journey, Finn details what panic attacks feel like, his experience navigating seasonal depression, and why Zoom therapy presented unique challenges during the pandemic. Maurice reflects on the cost of method acting, his own nervous breakdowns, and why opening up about mental health is the most important step a young man can take. The duo also share the specific routines—from cold water swimming to rock climbing—that help them stay grounded and keep depression at bay. *Photo Courtesy of Disney/Ricky Middlesworth (Disclaimer: This program is intended strictly for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute formal medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or mental health treatment protocols.) Support Resources: 🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support. 📘 "Nothing General About It" Autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062973371 Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch!  Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team:  Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard  Executive Producer: Paula Benard  Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato  Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

    "I Kept It Inside": GH's Finn Carr (Rocco) Reveals His Hidden Struggle

  3. Aug 1

    Matty Fiorenza: Firefighter PTSD, Addiction and Surviving a Suicidal Crisis

    First responder Matty Fiorenza joins Maurice Benard for an unflinching conversation about firefighter PTSD, complex trauma, moral injury and recovery. After a 22-year career marked by devastating emergency calls, physical injuries and unresolved childhood wounds, Matty describes how addiction and isolation brought him to a life-threatening crisis. He also shares the daily practices, faith, service and community of men that helped him rebuild his life and now allow him to support other first responders who are struggling. (Disclaimer: This program is intended strictly for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute formal medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or mental health treatment protocols.) Support Resources: 🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support. 📘 "Nothing General About It" Autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062973371 Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch!  Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team:  Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard  Executive Producer: Paula Benard  Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato  Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

    Matty Fiorenza: Firefighter PTSD, Addiction and Surviving a Suicidal Crisis

  4. Jul 30

    James Patrick Stuart: Anxiety, Addiction, Grief and Finding Purpose

    This episode is from the SOM archives. Originally recorded in 2021, it features James Patrick Stuart, beloved as Valentin Cassadine on General Hospital. James joins Maurice Benard for a deeply honest conversation about anxiety, self-medication, grief, faith and recovery. James shares how a simple act of service helped redirect his life, while Maurice reflects on surviving his own darkest period and the professional help that saved his life. Together, they explore what it means to keep going, help others and discover purpose beyond yourself. (Disclaimer: This program is intended strictly for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute formal medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or mental health treatment protocols.) Support Resources: 🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support. 📘 "Nothing General About It" Autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062973371 Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch!  Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team:  Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard  Executive Producer: Paula Benard  Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato  Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

  5. Jun 18

    AJ Mendez / AJ Lee on WWE, Bipolar Disorder, and and Making Peace With “Jean”

    AJ Mendez, known to WWE fans around the world as AJ Lee, returns to State of Mind and has a deeply honest and powerful conversation Maurice. They talked about growing up tough, surviving pressure, living with bipolar disorder, and returning to the wrestling spotlight with a healthier sense of self. AJ opens up about her childhood, her mother’s mental health journey, hospitalization, therapy, routine, and the tools that help her separate herself from dark thoughts. She also shares why she named the darker side of her bipolar disorder “Jean,” how she learned to manage anxiety before stepping back into the ring, and why support, treatment, and self-awareness look different for everyone. For lifelong WWE fans, this is a rare look at the person behind AJ Lee. For anyone navigating their own mental health journey, it is a reminder that a diagnosis does not have to define you. With the right tools, support, and honesty, what feels like a weakness can become part of your strength. In this episode, Maurice and AJ discuss bipolar disorder, wrestling, anxiety, depression, WWE, mental health support, creative work, marriage, storytelling, and why living with a mental health condition can become a superpower. Support Resources: 🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support. 📘 "Nothing General About It" Autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062973371 (Disclaimer: This program is intended strictly for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute formal medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or mental health treatment protocols.) Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch!  Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team:  Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard  Executive Producer: Paula Benard  Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato  Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

    AJ Mendez / AJ Lee on WWE, Bipolar Disorder, and and Making Peace With “Jean”

  6. Jun 16

    Joshua Benard on Music, Mental Health, and Turning Pain Into Art

    Maurice Benard welcomes his son Joshua Benard back to State of Mind for a deeply personal conversation about music, acting, anxiety, depression, family, and the creative life. After a powerful performance at The Hotel Cafe, Joshua opens up about finding his identity as a songwriter, moving from songs rooted in pain to music that also makes room for joy. He and Maurice talk honestly about sleep, depression, bipolar disorder, what it feels like to watch a parent struggle with mental health, and why openness can be both necessary and complicated. The conversation also moves into creativity, performance, artistic influences, acting versus music, Chris Martin’s unforgettable advice to “don’t stop,” and Joshua’s perspective on pain as something that cannot always be measured or ranked. The episode closes with an intimate live acoustic performance from Joshua. Support Resources: 🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support. 📘 "Nothing General About It" Autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062973371 (Disclaimer: This program is intended strictly for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute formal medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or mental health treatment protocols.) Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch!  Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team:  Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard  Executive Producer: Paula Benard  Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato  Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

    Joshua Benard on Music, Mental Health, and Turning Pain Into Art

  7. Jun 6

    Andrew Hawkes Opens Up About General Hospital, Mental Health & the Gift of Staying Alive

    Maurice Benard welcomes Andrew Hawkes from General Hospital for a raw and heartfelt conversation about acting, anxiety, addiction, depression, family, and survival. Andrew shares how undiagnosed ADD shaped his childhood, how acting gave him focus, and how recovery, therapy, and love helped him find gratitude after some of the darkest seasons of his life. A deeply human episode about staying alive long enough to discover what life still has waiting for you. Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch!  Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team:  Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard  Executive Producer: Paula Benard  Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato  Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

    Andrew Hawkes Opens Up About General Hospital, Mental Health & the Gift of Staying Alive

  8. May 29

    Marcus Coloma on Scientology, General Hospital, Anxiety, and Friendship

    Actor and director Marcus Coloma joins Maurice Benard for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about General Hospital, acting, anxiety, Scientology, faith, friendship, fatherhood, and the personal choices that have helped him grow. Marcus opens up about his time on General Hospital, the fear and pressure that came with performing, how he found more confidence as an actor, and why his friendship with Maurice allows them to talk openly about complicated subjects. The conversation also moves into Marcus’s experience with Scientology and Dianetics, his perspective on anxiety and the mind, his recent decision to step away from dating apps and social media, and the self-discipline he has been practicing in his personal life. In this episode: • Marcus Coloma reflects on his time at General Hospital • Maurice and Marcus discuss anxiety, fear, and mental health • Marcus shares how Scientology and Dianetics shaped his life • The two friends talk about faith, friendship, and acceptance • Marcus opens up about celibacy, social media, fatherhood, and personal growth A thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly vulnerable episode about identity, belief, performance, and what it means to keep becoming yourself. Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch!  Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team:  Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard  Executive Producer: Paula Benard  Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato  Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

    Marcus Coloma on Scientology, General Hospital, Anxiety, and Friendship
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4.8
out of 5
297 Ratings

About

State of Mind with Maurice Benard is a leading mental health podcast dedicated to open conversations about emotional wellness and resilience. Hosted by Emmy Award–winning actor and New York Times bestselling author Maurice Benard (Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital), the show explores every aspect of mental health, from bipolar disorder and anxiety to everyday struggles with purpose, relationships, and hope. Through honest, heartfelt discussions with guests from all walks of life, State of Mind reminds listeners that no matter what you’re going through—you’re not alone. Support Resources: 🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support. 📘 "Nothing General About It" Autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062973371 (Disclaimer: This program is intended strictly for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute formal medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or mental health treatment protocols.)

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