The Harder to Breathe Podcast14 Jan 2025

Holding Our Breath: Grief, Fun, and the LA Wildfires | #2

On today's episode of "Harder to Breathe'', host and founding drummer of "Maroon 5" Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian "Duck" Maillard to break down the impact, fear, and trauma surrounding the current LA Wildfires. Afterwards, the duo are joined by the host of the "Dopey" Podcast, David Manheim, for an incredible conversation surrounding Recovery, Fun, and so much more.

Living in LA during the greatest wildfire the city has ever seen has led Duck and Ryan, and many other LA locals, to a great deal of emotion and uncertainty. The two share their concerns surrounding the current events in Los Angeles, but ultimately decide that the best way to find comfort is by moving forward, and as such they've chosen to continue with their plans to speak with David.

With David on board, the conversation quickly becomes one of the funniest, and also heaviest that we've ever had on the "Harder to Breathe" Podcast. That dichotomy is perfectly on brand for David, whose entire "Dopey" Podcast is based around comedic stories about his drug-use and addiction before he got sober.

In a far-reaching discussion, the three men talk at length about the 12 Step Program, about "Fun" being a defining motivation for finding connection with other human beings, about dealing with the Grief of losing a friend and Podcast Partner, and so much more. It's a great showcase for why David has been so successful with his own Podcast, because he is able to walk the fine line between humor and recovery– an approach that has reached and helped many people over the years. The chemistry between the three is undeniable, and it makes for an absolutely can't-miss episode of "Harder to Breathe".

L.A. FIRE CONTRIBUTION LINKS & RESOURCES:

L.A Fire Department Fund: https://supportlafd.org/
L.A. Food Bank: https://www.lafoodbank.org/
The American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/
Pasadena Humane Society: https://pasadenahumane.org/

0:00:00 Introduction & the LA Wildfires

0:04:06 Duck's Driving Emotions

0:07:20 Ryan's Driving Emotions

0:11:45 Newfound Perspective

0:14:49 Dealing with the Trauma of a Disaster

0:19:18 Acknowledging Our Instincts in an Emergency

0:20:38 Today's Guest: David Manheim

0:22:40 How You Can Contribute to LA Fire Disaster Relief

0:24:57 David Manheim joins the Podcast & Discusses Cancelled Plans

0:27:16 The Feeling of Lack of Control

0:32:31 Walking the Line Between Humor and Darkness

0:33:00 Original Goals for the Dopey Podcast

0:35:30 The Freedom of Letting Go & Embracing Dark Humor

0:39:05 The Purity of Leading with Comedy

0:43:25 Building an Intentional Community

0:44:40 The Tragic Relapse and Death of David's Podcast Partner

0:47:24 Podcasting through Tragedy as a Catharsis

0:52:19 Chris's Legacy in the Dopey Podcast

0:56:29 Walking Through the Grieving Process Publically

0:59:20 Utilizing Purpose to Address the Root of Anxiety

1:07:35 "Fun" as a Core Motivator

1:11:16 Jerry Garcia's Mission for Fun

1:18:32 David's Relationship with his "Wife" & Kids

1:24:03 Conflict Born From Within Podcasting

1:28:25 The Cynic vs. the 12 Step Process

1:45:40 Wrap Up & Conclusion

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