The Harder to Breathe Podcast7 Tammi 2025

A Recovering Narcissist: Ben Feldman | #1

On the season two premiere of "Harder to Breathe'', host and founding drummer of "Maroon 5" Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian "Duck" Maillard for a conversation with Emmy Award Nominated Actor, Ben Feldman.

Ben has played iconic roles in shows such as Mad Men and SuperStore. He found quick success out of College, immediately booking an understudy role on Broadway, as well as a role in a TV Pilot. From the jump, success came pretty easily for him, and these experiences launched both his career… and his ego… to new heights.

In a fantastic and honest conversation, the trio discuss the challenges of working as an actor: How it requires a certain level of confidence and "delusion", but that every single "high" can just as easily be followed by a "low"– even for actors working at a high level like Ben.

In typical "Harder to Breathe" fashion, the conversation turns to Ben's experience growing up as the child of an alcoholic mother, and how the experience of growing up in that sort of environment— and subsequently seeing his mother's sobriety and recovery before her death— impacted the way that Ben perceives the world. It's an impressive conversation that shows the power of vulnerability in understanding the behavior of others, and it makes for a can't-miss Season 2 Premiere episode of the podcast.

0:00:00 Introduction & Political Fatigue/Anxiety

0:05:12 Taking Solace in History

0:08:52 Recognizing Privilege in Politics

0:13:40 Today's Guest: Ben Feldman

0:17:36 Newfound Openness in Old Relationships

0:24:15 Ben Feldman Joins the Podcast & Talks Past Relationships

0:26:53 First Impressions in College

0:30:31 Confidence Within Deep-Seated Insecurity

0:33:50 The Humbling Moment(s)

0:37:30 Understudying on Broadway

0:42:00 A "Recovering Narcissist"

0:43:53 Ben's Mother's Alcoholism

0:49:21 Is This Just How Parents… Are?

0:52:25 Ben's Sober Mom vs. Drunk Mom

0:53:56 Caretaking Within Other Relationships

0:55:34 Life Experience Meeting Casting Opportunities

0:58:20 Preparation For Ben's Role on Mad Men

1:04:36 The Contrast of Ben's Role on "SuperStore"

1:06:28 Referencing Psychosis Prior to Working on Mad Men

1:09:35 Growing up With 2 Advertising Parents

1:11:08 Peaks and Valleys

1:13:14 The Effect of SuperStore

1:18:06 Having Kids

1:23:34 Upcoming Projects: "Population 11"

1:26:57 Wrap Up & Conclusion

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