Audacy’s I’m Listening mental health broadcast is almost here. Ahead of this year’s September 20 air date, we’re giving you a taste of what’s to come as we welcome some big-time stars to join us in conversations surrounding the importance of mental health.
Keep up with artists creating music focused on feeding the mind with the I’m Listening Mental Health Mix on the free Audacy App
Check out what Jelly Roll, Ed Sheeran and Luke Bryan have to say about maintaining their own mental health below, and be sure to tune in for Audacy’s I’m Listening broadcast special on September 20 at 7PM local time on Audacy stations nationwide.
LISTEN NOW: Jelly Roll shares how music helps his mental health
Music isn’t just a job for Jelly Roll, it’s a positive way to cope with his mental heath struggles. “I use music to navigate my mental health as a way of therapy,” The 38-year-old shared, telling listeners he turns to various types of music to tend to his mental health. “I don’t mean writing it — that’s very therapeutic as well — but, to this day, if I need to sort through some thoughts I’ll still get in that old truck and hit up a back road and turn up the radio.”
LISTEN NOW: Ed Sheeran on mental health conversations
For Ed Sheeran, open communication can make all the difference. “Talk about it more,” Sheeran said when asked about the tools he believes combat mental health struggles. “Don’t assume you’re the only one going through it,” he added. “I feel like the more I’ve spoken about it, the more that my friends have opened up to me about it and the less alone you feel.”
LISTEN NOW: Luke Bryan on being there for one another
Luke Bryan also believes there’s strength in numbers as he expressed being there for one another is one of the most powerful ways to lift each other up amidst life struggles. “I think the key with helping people with what’s going on in their minds and mental health is talking about it more openly and letting people know they’re not alone in the journey of dealing with all that stuff,” he shared. “I think when you understand you’re not alone in that world of depression or the ups and downs of life… when you understand everybody else deals with that too… Then you’re able to talk more freely about it, which helps you navigate all the things this world can throw you.”
In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), this year’s I’m Listening special will be hosted by Carson Daly, alongside Audacy’s Katie Neal and psychologist, Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble (Dr. Alfiee).
Joined by artists, athletes, medical experts and more, the broadcast will highlight why talking about mental health is important and discuss ways to manage mental health struggles.
Guests for this year’s broadcast include Selena Gomez, Adam Lambert, Anitta, Chance the Rapper, Dan + Shay, Ed Sheeran, Gretchen Rubin, Jelly Roll, Jessica Alba, Kelly Clarkson, Lewis Capaldi, Paramore, Richard Sherman, SZA and more.
Additionally, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, AFSP’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Christine Moutier, and VP/Health Equity and Engagement, Victor Armstrong will join the conversation to provide mental health and suicide prevention expertise and resources to listeners.
Needing advice or wanting to share your own best mental health practices? Listeners are encouraged to call throughout the 2-hour, September 20 special that will span 220 Audacy stations, as well as Audacy.com and the free Audacy app.
Audacy's I’m Listening aims to share valuable resources for those who need to connect, heal, and share their own stories. The I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.