As we prepare for our I’m Listening mental health special airing on Wednesday, September 20 at 7PM local time on Audacy stations nationwide, here's just a small taste of some of this year's big-time stars joining us for the annual broadcast.
LISTEN NOW: Kelly Clarkson on the progression of mental health conversations
Kelly Clarkson opens the discussion by noting that while some stigmas linger, open and honest mental health conversations have become much more normal since Kelly was a kid. "It’s such a logical thing, to be able to able to express yourself” and “to teach kids at a very young age,” she says. "We all grew up so differently,” recognizing that some might have been raised to not feel as comfortable talking about themselves, "or really say how were feeling.” Kelly shares, “I think it’s just a really cool thing that my little girl or my little boy will walk in the room and be like ‘Look, I’m feeling angry right now, and I don’t know why,’ or ‘look, I’m feeling hurt right now, or this hurt my feelings.’"
LISTEN NOW: SZA on creating safe spaces for herself
Asked about some of the ways she’s found along her journey to keep her mind in a good space, SZA seemed a bit unsure about what has helped her the most, between calls with her therapist, hypnotherapy, and simply finding time to be alone. “Right now I’m learning to take space for myself without the worry of disappointing people… and get out of that co-dependent, people-pleasing mindset,” she reveals. "I really think that’s the hardest thing,” SZA says, “like setting boundaries and creating a safe space for yourself... Especially with more people getting access to me,” SZA adds. “Learning to put my foot down is something I’m really bad at… that’s the self-protection and that’s the self-care. So, I’m practicing that.”
LISTEN NOW: Hayley Williams discusses boundaries
Paramore's Hayley Williams shared a similar sentiment, apropos as the group just made their highly-anticipated return with a new album and tour after taking a much-needed break. “We took four years off for our mental health,” Hayley tells us, adding, “we’d been traveling for over a decade and we were like, ‘It’s probably gonna be beneficial for us to take care of ourselves.’” Williams notes, “It’s something we have to check in with each other a lot” about, which comes naturally to them she says. “Having grown up together… we know each other, we’re friends.” It's the saying “no to stuff,” that has proven difficult for the band she admits, because “you want to be able to do everything all the time and not let anyone down.” However, “if you’re really prioritizing your mental health, then boundaries are a really big part of that.”
Related
In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), this year’s I’m Listening special will feature artists, athletes, medical experts and more to highlight why talking about mental health is important and discuss how they manage their own mental health.
Hosted this year once again by Carson Daly, alongside Audacy’s Katie Neal and psychologist, Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble (Dr. Alfiee), our guests this 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.
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.
Listen to our I’m Listening Mental Health Mix and more on 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.