Brent Smith of Shinedown: Choosing a More 'Dangerous' You | #10

For today's episode of "Harder to Breathe'', host and former drummer of "Maroon 5" Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian "Duck" Maillard for a discussion with Brent Smith, lead singer of the iconic Rock Band "Shinedown". Active in the music scene for well over 2 decades, Shinedown is known for global smash hits like "Second Chance" and "A Symptom of Being Human" among many others.

Similarly to Ryan, Brent has made mental health a focal point of his life and music. Having dealt with his own issues within the world of addiction, Brent has come out on the other side more focused than ever on shifting the discussion of Mental Health not just to awareness, but beyond it into solutions and finding help.

Through the very conversational style of the discussion, the trio touch on a wide spectrum of topics, including creating powerful music that maintains its vulnerability, leading a team of people with grace and kindness, and avoiding spending too much time on what others think.

It's another can't miss episode of "Harder to Breathe", not just for music fans, but for anyone who has dealt with finding identity, battling addiction, and giving the universe permission to lead you to the next open door.

0:00:00 Introduction & Duck's Birthday News

0:03:11 Seeking External Validation

0:05:34 The "Balance" Between Self & External Validation

0:06:45 Positive Affirmations and Negative Thinking

0:08:43 Today's Guest: Brent Smith, Lead Singer of Shinedown

—--

0:14:05 Introduction to Brent Smith & Shared Musical Roots

0:15:05 Mental Health Solutions & Musical Influences

0:19:25 Finding the Intersection of Vulnerability and Powerful Music

0:23:45 Navigating Transitions Through Music, Addiction, and Life

0:36:15 Handling Leadership with Grace

0:49:08 Is Mental Health an Intentional Message for Shinedown?

0:53:45 Finding Empowerment in Place of Addiction

1:04:55 Entering a "Flow State"

1:10:29 Finding the "Thing" More Important Than the Addiction

1:14:25 Ryan's Therapy Advice to Brent & Avoiding Complacency

1:20:41 The Current Moment & Shinedown's Brotherhood

1:23:40 Finding the Next Indicated Action & the Value in Following It

1:33:39 Wrap Up & Conclusion

More on Shinedown:

Official Website & Tour Dates - https://www.shinedown.com/

Official Instagram Page - https://www.instagram.com/shinedown/

Spotify Page - https://open.spotify.com/artist/70BYFdaZbEKbeauJ670ysI

Ready to Dive Deeper?:

https://www.ryandusick.com/

BenBella Books Author Page - https://benbellabooks.com/authors/dusick-ryan/

Amazon Book Page - https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/1637742339/

WWSG Speaker Page - https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/

Psychology Today Therapist Profile - https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/937599

Stay Up to Date on the Podcast: @hardertobreathepodcast

Follow Ryan on Social Media:

IG - @ryan_michael_dusick

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-ma-amft-26460894/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ryan.m.dusick

Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick/

X / Twitter - @DusickRyan

Follow Duck on Social Media:

IG - @Newyorkduck

X / Twitter - @DuckMaillard