Hi, How Are You? Podcast

We conclude Season 2 of the Hi, How Are You? Podcast with an amazing and vulnerable interview with Joshua Ray Walker. He destigmatizes mental illness through music and has found out that he's reaching more fans by being open about his struggles. 

Dr. Hill & Dr. Hill urge us to learn new ways of processing emotions that are healthier. Learn to process emotions so they don't process us! Identify mentors, friends, and family who can help. There are many ways to work through them, whether it's by talk therapy, dancing, creativity, spirituality, and more...you'll learn more about yourself by doing the work.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

The power of taking time for mental health is enormous. And the role that music can play in mental health is just as substantial. Both Taipei Houston and Pleasure Venom use music as a vessel to work through what’s going on in life and are very open to talk about it!

The experts weigh in on the stigma around seeking therapy and the challenge of vulnerability. They stress that in the way we go to a doctor for an annual physical exam, we should do the same with therapy for wellness checks.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Big Wild’s music gives him the opportunity for self-reflection and to facilitate an environment that allows his creativity to flow. He dives into writer's block, the helpful tools to work through it, and the importance of curiosity to spark or inspire new interests and ideas. Samia stresses the gravity of authenticity in an industry that doesn't, and shares tools of how she found self-acceptance after experiencing eating disorders and obsessing over approval from others.

Dr. Hill and Dr. Krishna break down eating disorders and the role that control plays.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Substance use and abuse. Eric Tessmer has an open conversation around his struggle with alcoholism and that the rollercoaster of keeping himself sober has been rooted in therapy. He shares the lessons he’d teach to his younger self. The always entertaining Kosha Dillz is also honest about previous substance abuse, and speaks to his methods to stay focused. Don’t miss his amazing rhymes dedicated to Daniel and the Hi, How Are You Project!

The experts agree that substance use and abuse is imbued in our culture. Using substances isn't inherently wrong but can have serious consequences. Using them to cope with life or as a crutch through the day gives away your power, and is a big marker of concern. Harm reduction models are a good way to change habits over time.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

HAPPY HABITS! Sofi Tukker are huge proponents of mental health awareness and go into detail around which happy habits keep them grounded despite very busy schedules. Goose focuses on ‘Get Moving’ and ‘You Are What You Eat (and Drink)’ and that exercising the body and mind are mental health tools they use regularly.

Dr. Hill and Dr. Krishna emphasize that there is no brain/body split; that the brain allows for the formation of thought just like the heart does for circulation of blood. Daily exercise and a healthy diet will directly impact your mental health!

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Happie Hoffman explores the role that religion and spirituality plays in her work, the connection she has with her community, the healing power and vulnerability of songwriting, and the bravery it takes to address mental health struggles. Southern Avenue address how love brings their family together, healing past traumas, parenting as artists, and how their passion drives their work.

The Docs talk about the sense of meaning that comes with religion and how it can tap you into something much larger than yourself, and how that can bring therapeutic value in itself.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

How do culture and heritage inform music? How does your emotional state inform music? Luna Luna & Katzù Oso get comfortable and open up in the “Hi, How Are You?” Podcast Lounge.

The experts agree that the younger generations are more in touch with their mental health, and that conversations are more open than ever!

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

How does one stay centered and prioritize relationships as an artist on tour? Jessia connects home and mental health, how community keeps her recharged, and how her music helps her maintain strong mental health. Josh Fudge realizes what insight he gained through the hardships of the pandemic, like the importance of putting people in his life above all else. Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast talks about the connection to her family through Korean food and being a bestselling author.

Dr. Hill declares that “We really work best in relationships, that’s a huge strength of us as people.” Dr. Krishna doubles down, that “The key ingredient to happiness are relationships.”

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Finding belonging in music, collaboration, drive, and the importance of relationships are topics explored by Gayle, who started making music at just seven years old. Campbell Burns of Australia’s Vacations discusses the inauthenticity of social media and TikTok, and how he emerged from the pandemic with a much greater understanding of his own personal mental health journey.

The “Instagram Effect” - how social media affects the brain and how we perceive the world around us - is reviewed by the experts.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Lilyisthatyou opens up about the role that drugs and sex have played in her life and the music she makes. Siena Liggins explains the pushback of being a queer Black woman, and her artistic goal to bring people together and unite communities.

Dr. Krishna and Dr. Hill dive into sexuality and gender identity in overall identity, and how it can play a part in promoting strong mental health. 

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Anxiety can affect all of us. Nelson Valente Aguilar of Austin’s cumbia-synth outfit Como Las Movies has an in-depth conversation about these issues; how he has dealt with anxiety, happy habits he uses to push out the negativity, family suicide, musicians finally talking to each other about their own mental health, and more. Maria from The Marias explores what home means to her and how diving into various therapies have helped get to the root of her own anxiety.

Our experts break down different types of therapies and resources to help people better understand their options.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

¡El espectáculo es su terapia! Una de las superestrellas más nuevas de la música cubana, Cimafunk, se sienta con Guido para una conversación impactante y abierta.

Dr. Hill y Dr. Krishna refuerzan la conexión entre la salud física y mental, y que las vías neurológicas se hacen a través del movimiento, el sonido, y la actividad. ¡Baila Baila Baila!

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Touring, mental health, staying grounded, and the enormous changes that they’ve seen over the past 20+ years as a band. Death Cab for Cutie are true rock and roll soldiers! Tom Odell also discusses life on the road plus his inspiration around coming to terms with anxiety and depression, and the iconic Ray Benson reveals his enormous dedication to bring awareness to mental health including his work on the Board of Directors for the SIMS Foundation.

Our experts Dr. Krishna and Dr. Hill explain how generational gaps play into this equation along with the varied ways that we’ve been raised to have open conversations around mental health.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Welcome to Season 2 of the Hi, How Are You? Podcast. For this round, our amazing University of Texas at Austin student hosts Lauren Koops and Guido Peluffo go a bit deeper into mental health conversations with the artists, with some amazing revelations and results. Enjoy!

WizTheMC has an urge to be authentic, and he’s willing to claim his space with the ability to reveal that he is unhappy. Did the Hi, How Are You? Podcast lead to some revelations that will make him commit to some transformations?

“I’m the first grandchild on both sides of my family. So I’m very selfish, very spoiled, and very entitled. And it’s a problem.” David Ramirez has an enormous sense of humor and it helps his perspective on life. He is open about being in therapy, and he’s honest with his parents. We were honored to have him as the final interview (plus a quick acoustic performance!) for Season 1 of the podcast.

Relationships should matter. Being accepted for who you are matters. Love matters. Dr. Krishna and Dr. Hill wrap up Season 1 with their words of wisdom and guidance.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

English singer, songwriter and musician Jade Bird knows that vulnerability is often harder to show than strength. Sitting in the recreation of Daniel Johnston’s living room, she candidly opens up about her personal mental health, how action can come in many forms, and the darkest and lightest moments that go with these experiences.

Sam Houston and Alejandro Rios aka BLK ODYSSY have dealt with copious amounts of adversity, but that’s how they keep moving forward. Positivity finds them on every corner!

What kind of role does generational trauma play in the minds of young adults? Dr. Krishna and Dr. Hill explore this sensitive topic, and relay how to interrupt negative cycles and toxic thoughts.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

What does it mean to blow up on social media and have the world’s eyes on you? How does it affect depression, anxiety and stress, and a sense of belonging with a community that’s based on a screen? Jessie Murph explores these issues and the coping mechanisms that go with.

“Music is the most effective facilitator of connection between humans, it promotes such a sense of community. You can hear those universal relatable themes, and you don’t feel alone.” Nashville-based Maggie Rose reflects on human nature, giving back, attending to self care, and the launch of her podcast ‘Salute the Songbird.’

Social media usage and its pros and cons are explored by Dr. Krishna and Dr. Hill.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Ryan Guldemond - lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of Vancouver, Canada’s Mother Mother - is genuinely connected to Daniel Johnston, and that connection allows for a poetic and wide open dialogue. There is much to learn from Ryan’s perspective, especially how he uses music as an outlet to explore the soul and reflect on the journey that is life.

Dr. Krishna and Dr. Hill describe burnout, how to manage it, and how it looks different from person to person.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Rapper and singer Toosii understood early on in his life that mental health is an important topic, and that sometimes all you need is a person to listen, whether it’s a family member, partner, or God. “At the end of your day, you should always sit and think about what you did, and what you could do to improve it tomorrow.”

Indie singer, songwriter and guitarist Allison Ponthier’s honesty and openness is enormously refreshing. Coming out, chosen family, sensory issues, ADHD and more. She was willing to go the distance in the ‘Hi, How Are You Lounge’ and gave us a tune as well!

Dr. Hill and Dr. Krishna help us better understand the symptoms around certain mental health conditions, and how other medical issues can factor into a diagnosis.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Anahi sits down with two highly acclaimed Latinx artists, the Miami based Shiela, and Latin Grammy nominee and 12 time Austin Music Award winner Gina Chavez. Both cover an incredible amount of territory, from routine to empowerment, relationships to self care, and how they maintained their creative practices during the pandemic.

Dr. Krishna addresses how women often take more of the emotional burden of the people in their lives, and the challenge to balance it all comfortably. Dr. Hill provides valuable insight and resources, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Pretty Please,
Where do I begin?
Oh, I don't understand it either,
And I don't think I can.
Fuzzybrain call it what you want,
I've felt so distant lately as if I were not.

These are the lyrics from ‘Fuzzybrain’, the seventh track on Dayglow’s debut album of the same name, and he considers his songs a scrapbook.

Marissa digs in with LP Giobbi, from her roots as a jazz pianist to learning how to produce, making her own way in the male dominated EDM world, and the formation of FEMME HOUSE, a 501c3 fostering more equitable opportunity for women and gender-expansive individuals in music.

“Putting my soul into work like that, it keeps me going, it makes me feel good. Connecting with people is so good for my mental health.”

STIGMA! Dr. Krishna and Dr. Hill address this huge issue within the mental health landscape.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

¡En español! El grupo súper funky de colombianos con base en Austin discute las formas en que pudieron mantenerse creativos durante la pandemia y el costo emocional de estar separados.

Dr. Krishna y Dr. Hill hablan sobre el apoyo de la comunidad para superar el trauma y el estrés, y los mecanismos que utilizan las familias para abordar estos problemas, especialmente la comunicación abierta.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Open, honest, authentic and willing to share. Missio is not afraid! They give us assurance that there’s a path on the other side - whether it’s depression, anxiety, or struggle - and that music can be a huge part of the healing process and getting your emotions out.

Coping mechanisms and coping skills. The good and the bad. Dr. Krishna and Dr. Hill dive deeply into this subject and implore us to learn from successes and mistakes.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

“Dry bread…ain’t greasy. Ya know? And hard work, really ain’t easy…if I represent something that means a lot to people, I’ll be happy to see that grow.” The wise words of one of our favorite troubadours; singer, songwriter, and guitarist Charley Crockett. The spirit of overcoming, enduring hard times, inspiration and finding identity were common themes of this conversation, and clearly Charley is a fine example of our FIND YOUR PURPOSE Happy Habit!

Dr. Krisha and Dr. Hill double down on the importance of finding a support system and building community.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Relationships! Friendships! What are their effects on our mental health? How do they connect us and provide for mutual and spiritual uplift? College Station’s own Surfaces talk about honest communication, the beauty of opening up, and leaving nothing in the dark.

Bob’s Dance Shop (B.O.B. = Be Our Best) is a self proclaimed “paradise for self expression that exists to spread good vibes through dance.” The Bobs discuss the formation and growth of their organization, how supporting each other through open conversations has been beneficial to success, and how physical movement and dance is a hub to freedom.

Dr. Krishna and Dr. Hill reinforce the connection between physical and mental health, that scheduling fun is necessary, and that many types of relationships are worthy of a “Hi, How Are You?” conversation.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Grammy Award winning guitarist and producer Adrian Quesada sits down with Anahi to talk about his recent success with the Black Pumas, his extensive career as a touring musician, and how he takes care of his own personal wellness. Having grown up in the South Texas border town of Laredo, Quesada dives into the stigma that some communities still hold onto when talking about their feelings, plus issues surrounding mental health and machismo. “It’s OK to hug, as a man, as a Latino man…it doesn’t make us any less macho. Don’t tell my tios that I said all this!”

The Hi, How Are You Project’s resident advisor, Dr. Sonia Krishna, and Texas Psychological Association member Dr. David Hill chime in on how family and community dynamics can shape identity and perspectives about mental health, learned behaviors, and that music can often serve as a bridge between generations.

Music by Daniel Johnston (courtesy of the Johnston Family, Thirty Tigers, and BMG)

Hosts Marissa Greene and Anahi Chavero have a quick chat with Hi, How Are You Project Co-Founder Tom Gimbel about the formation of the organization and its namesake Daniel Johnston, the development and production of the podcast, and their mission to encourage open conversations around mental health. Welcome to Season 1 of the Hi, How Are You? Podcast!