Check Out the Pod
Interview with Bearpit
Rob from Bearpit joins The Heavy Metal Therapist to talk about rebuilding the band, writing music about mental health, and the story behind their upcoming single Echoes. A raw and honest look at creativity, struggle, and resilience.
Metal Therapist Reacts to Brazilian Metal
John reacts to Brazilian metal band DOCAOS and their track Whooshing, breaking down the new metal sound and the powerful message of resilience, identity, and mental health woven through the lyrics.
Machine Head Still Brings the Fire
John reacts to Machine Head’s latest video and breaks down the lyrics from a therapist’s perspective, exploring themes of pain, control, and emotional survival beneath the heaviness.
Metal Therapist Reacts to Electric Callboy
John reacts to Electric Callboy’s newest track, Elevator Operator, breaking down the chaos, joy, and the deeper message about how the people around you shape your mindset.
How Ill Niño Stayed True to the Scene Through Chaos
Ill Niño joins The Heavy Metal Therapist to talk about culture, conflict, and coming back stronger. From lineup changes to mental health on the road, this interview gets real about what it takes to survive the industry without losing your soul.
Breaking the Silence with Barriers
In this raw and honest interview, John sits down with Jack and Tom from Barriers to explore the intersection of heavy music and mental health. They discuss OCD, PTSD, burnout, and the role that hardcore plays in processing pain. This is not your typical band interview. It is an unfiltered look at what it means to make music while carrying real-life weight. Perfect for fans who want more than just sound.
Heriot: How Brutal Honesty Drives the Band Forward
Julian from Heriot joins The Heavy Metal Therapist to talk about the real grind behind the band’s rise, the mental strain of touring, and why brutal honesty beats hype every time. This conversation digs into the emotional weight of creating heavy music and the discipline it takes to stay grounded in the chaos. Perfect for fans who care about what’s behind the sound.
Johnny Anomaly: Can Spoken Word Save Your Life?
Spoken word artist Johnny Anomaly joins The Heavy Metal Therapist for an unfiltered conversation about grief, mental health, and turning pain into purpose. After losing his best friend to suicide, Johnny found healing in language and now uses his voice to reach others in the darkness. This episode dives deep into honesty, creative expression, and the power of words to save lives.
Life on Tour and Mental Health with Mark Rivera
In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, John sits down with touring guitar tech Mark to talk about the realities of life on the road. From burnout and blacking out behind the wheel to rebuilding after loss and finding unexpected purpose in chaos, Mark shares what it's really like working behind the scenes in heavy music. They dive into mental health, neurodivergence, crew dynamics, and the unglamorous but deeply human side of tour life.
OCD and the Chaos of Creating
Horror author John and game designer Delaney open up about OCD, anxiety, and the creative process behind their upcoming Ice Nine Kills board game, Ink on the Table. This raw and honest conversation explores how mental health and horror storytelling collide - and why creating can be a lifeline when everything feels overwhelming.