As part of Audacy's I'm Listening series highlighting how talking and connecting with others can have the power to save lives, Train singer Pat Monahan tells host Mike Adam what keeps him in a happy and healthy mindset while on and off the road.

“Going to the UK and Europe was really good for me because I go through periods of really not being confident wanting to take time off, perhaps being done,” Monahan tells us of how traveling and getting in front of fans helps lessen his insecurities. “When I was in the U.K. and Europe, I was like, ‘Wow, maybe I should keep doing this,’” he adds.

“So, moments like that really helped me. I wish it was more internal, but I really do need external. I'm the last of seven kids,” Pat explains. “I think you live your whole life, needing people to accept you and keep telling you that you are good enough and whatever. I wish internally I could do that better, but I do need that outside force.”

“Having a song like ‘Long Yellow Dress’ and people responding to it and you know, TikTok doing better for us… those things are all motivating because it's hard, man. It's hard to be in your job because you can't help but compare yourself to the guy that you came up with that's doing slightly better,” the Train singer says. “You're never thinking about the person that didn't do as well because you've moved past it.”

“It's a challenging thing, humanity… Happiness is a fleeting movement where you catch a glimpse of it and then you move on.” Monahan says. “Social media, the Internet, is the greatest and the worst place in the world. It's funny -- somehow the algorithms that have chosen me are golf, fitness, and -- I don't even have a pet but -- animals, and babies. And I'm kind of cool with it. I'm not opposed to any of it.”

Audacy's 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.

Words by Joe Cingrana Interview by Mike Adam

As part of Audacy's I'm Listening series highlighting how talking and connecting with others can have the power to save lives, Train singer Pat Monahan tells host Mike Adam what keeps him in a happy and healthy mindset while on and off the road.
“Going to the UK and Europe was really good for me because I go through periods of really not being confident wanting to take time off, perhaps being done,” Monahan tells us of how traveling and getting in front of fans helps lessen his insecurities. “When I was in the U.K. and Europe, I was like, ‘Wow, maybe I should keep doing this,’” he adds.
“So, moments like that really helped me. I wish it was more internal, but I really do need external. I'm the last of seven kids,” Pat explains. “I think you live your whole life, needing people to accept you and keep telling you that you are good enough and whatever. I wish internally I could do that better, but I do need that outside force.”
“Having a song like ‘Long Yellow Dress’ and people responding to it and you know, TikTok doing better for us… those things are all motivating because it's hard, man. It's hard to be in your job because you can't help but compare yourself to the guy that you came up with that's doing slightly better,” the Train singer says. “You're never thinking about the person that didn't do as well because you've moved past it.”
“It's a challenging thing, humanity… Happiness is a fleeting movement where you catch a glimpse of it and then you move on.” Monahan says. “Social media, the Internet, is the greatest and the worst place in the world. It's funny -- somehow the algorithms that have chosen me are golf, fitness, and -- I don't even have a pet but -- animals, and babies. And I'm kind of cool with it. I'm not opposed to any of it.”
Audacy's 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 &amp; Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources <a href="https://www.audacy.com/im-listening/im-listening-take-control-of-your-mental-health-today">here</a>.
Words by Joe Cingrana Interview by Mike Adam

It’s okay to not be OK. We know the power of talk can save lives. Audacy's I’m Listening aims to share valuable resources for those who need to connect, heal and share their own stories. Audacy's 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.

It’s okay to not be OK. We know the power of talk can save lives. Audacy's I’m Listening aims to share valuable resources for those who need to connect, heal and share their own stories. Audacy's 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 &amp; Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources <a href="https://www.audacy.com/im-listening/im-listening-take-control-of-your-mental-health-today">here</a>.

I'm Listening

It’s okay to not be OK. We know the power of talk can save lives. Audacy's I’m Listening aims to share valuable resources for those who need to connect, heal and share their own stories. I'm Listeningis a 365-day-a-year initiative that 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.

It’s okay to not be OK. We know the power of talk can save lives. Audacy's I’m Listening aims to share valuable resources for those who need to connect, heal and share their own stories. I'm Listening is a 365-day-a-year initiative that 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.

How Train's Pat Monahan keeps himself focused on the moment

At the intersection of Mental Health Awareness month (May) and Pride month (June) Audacy’s CoreyCrockett is welcoming American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Christine Moutier and longtimevolunteer, BradleyBalandis, for a candid conversation discussing the importance of mental health care within the LGBTQIA+ community.

While there have been some positive strides towards acceptance, representation and change, members of the queer community still face an uphill battle, which takes a toll on the majority of the community’s mental health. As they continue to battle for acceptance in society, Dr. Moutier says being accepted by those closest to them can make a life-changing impact, especially for the younger generation.

“It’s on all of us to create an environment that is accepting, loving and affirming to all people, including queer people,” she shared before detailing the best ways to show support. “Asking and showing curiosity and caring is the combination that I think about. When I open up the caring conversation, I always start with, 'I’m not here to judge you, I’m really interested to know how you’re doing because I want to know ho two care about you more. I want to support you better.'”

Creating a safe space goes far beyond just moments in the presence of queer community members. AFSP volunteer and a member of the queer community, Bradley Balandis, shared the actions allies can take even when not in the presence of queer individuals can be just as impactful.

“I do want to emphasize the importance of the people outside the community speaking up on behalf of LGBTQIA+ young people and all people,” said Bradley. “We need allies and champions to speak up on our behalf and arguably, those people can be even more influential because they can break through to communities and ideologies that otherwise wouldn’t support our community.”

He continued on to share an examples of what that might look like including sharing your pronouns when introducing yourself to new people or typing them in next to your name on Zoom calls at work. “These little acts of allyship can actually go a long way in creating a supportive environment and frankly, saving lives.”

For more information surrounding tough mental health conversations, statistics, policies and being there for the ones you love or seeking help yourself, listen to Dr. Moutier's and Balandis’ full conversation with Audacy’s Corey Crockett above.

Audacy's I’m Listeninginitiative 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.

Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Corey Crockett

At the intersection of Mental Health Awareness month (May) and Pride month (June) Audacy’s Corey Crockett is welcoming American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Christine Moutier and longtime volunteer, Bradley Balandis, for a candid conversation discussing the importance of mental health care within the LGBTQIA+ community.
While there have been some positive strides towards acceptance, representation and change, members of the queer community still face an uphill battle, which takes a toll on the majority of the community’s mental health. As they continue to battle for acceptance in society, Dr. Moutier says being accepted by those closest to them can make a life-changing impact, especially for the younger generation.
“It’s on all of us to create an environment that is accepting, loving and affirming to all people, including queer people,” she shared before detailing the best ways to show support. “Asking and showing curiosity and caring is the combination that I think about. When I open up the caring conversation, I always start with, 'I’m not here to judge you, I’m really interested to know how you’re doing because I want to know ho two care about you more. I want to support you better.'”
Creating a safe space goes far beyond just moments in the presence of queer community members. AFSP volunteer and a member of the queer community, Bradley Balandis, shared the actions allies can take even when not in the presence of queer individuals can be just as impactful.
“I do want to emphasize the importance of the people outside the community speaking up on behalf of LGBTQIA+ young people and all people,” said Bradley. “We need allies and champions to speak up on our behalf and arguably, those people can be even more influential because they can break through to communities and ideologies that otherwise wouldn’t support our community.”
He continued on to share an examples of what that might look like including sharing your pronouns when introducing yourself to new people or typing them in next to your name on Zoom calls at work. “These little acts of allyship can actually go a long way in creating a supportive environment and frankly, saving lives.”
For more information surrounding tough mental health conversations, statistics, policies and being there for the ones you love or seeking help yourself, listen to Dr. Moutier's and Balandis’ full conversation with Audacy’s Corey Crockett above.
Audacy's <a href="https://www.audacy.com/im-listening">I’m Listening</a> 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 &amp; Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources <a href="https://www.audacy.com/im-listening/im-listening-take-control-of-your-mental-health-today">here</a>.
Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Corey Crockett

Talk Away The Dark: Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ community

This week Country music artist and Army reservist, Craig Morgan, tells us about his time in the military and his decision to re-enlist after 17 years of serving, also touching on the importance of providing mental health outlets for our military families who have lost somebody while on active duty.

“Early on, even in high school,” Morgan says of his decision to join the military, “I thought that there had to be something that I could do that would be different than everything that I grew up in. I grew up in and around Nashville. My dad was a musician and, believe it or not, that wasn't in my future. I didn't see it as part of my future.”

“I thought I'd go in the military and get a college degree and go to work in law enforcement somewhere and retire as a sheriff in a little small town,” he explains.

“I tribute all of my success or, or the majority of my success in everything that I do to skill sets that I learned and experienced while serving in the Army,” Craig tells us. “Still to this day, you know, going back in the Reserve, I'm still learning, I'm learning new things and I get to experience different cultures and different characters. I think you learn things being in the Army that you cannot attain and you achieve certain levels of intellect that you cannot achieve in any other occupation in the world or any other form of education.”

Making the difficult transition back into civilian life, he says, is an ongoing process. “I'm still working on it,” he admits, acknowledging that his mental state while serving stayed healthy. “I had a different approach than some folks,” he says. “I know there are people that have struggles and deal with certain things in different ways, and we have resources for that. But for me personally, I never had any terrible issues, accepted things for what they were, understood that God was in charge and just kept moving.”

Deciding to re-enlist in the Army Reserve in 2023, he says, “I wanted that letter of retirement. I wanted a letter that said I served my country for 20 years. When I got out, I had 17.5 years at the time and they don't give you a letter that says, ‘Thank you for your 17.5 years of service.’ You don't get anything until 20 or more… unless they medically retire you out early, then you get that retirement or letter.  I didn't, I just left because of my music career and, at that time, I wasn't able to really fulfill both of them. After my career, now that I'm established, it's a little easier for me to attempt to do both.”

With May pulling double duty as Military Appreciation Month as well as Mental Health Awareness Month, Craig tells us how important and “life-saving” it can be to provide mental health outlets for military families who have lost loved ones on active duty. “When these service members and the families of fallen service members know that there's someone out there that is experiencing the same thing, or something similar, they, they have somebody they can communicate with. It's hard to discuss something like losing a child or losing a parent with someone who hasn't had that experience,” he adds. “There's just an emotional side of it that is only understood from those that have been in that position.”

May is Mental Health Month and Anthony is embarking on a journey called Miles for Mental Health. I'm pedaling as many miles as I can across Southern California to raise money for Project Sanctuary, a non-profit that helps out military families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. If you'd like to contribute to Project Sanctuary and the Miles for Mental Health campaign, please click here and thank you for your support.

Audacy's I’m Listeninginitiative 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.

This week Country music artist and Army reservist, Craig Morgan, tells us about his time in the military and his decision to re-enlist after 17 years of serving, also touching on the importance of providing mental health outlets for our military families who have lost somebody while on active duty.
“Early on, even in high school,” Morgan says of his decision to join the military, “I thought that there had to be something that I could do that would be different than everything that I grew up in. I grew up in and around Nashville. My dad was a musician and, believe it or not, that wasn't in my future. I didn't see it as part of my future.”
“I thought I'd go in the military and get a college degree and go to work in law enforcement somewhere and retire as a sheriff in a little small town,” he explains.
“I tribute all of my success or, or the majority of my success in everything that I do to skill sets that I learned and experienced while serving in the Army,” Craig tells us. “Still to this day, you know, going back in the Reserve, I'm still learning, I'm learning new things and I get to experience different cultures and different characters. I think you learn things being in the Army that you cannot attain and you achieve certain levels of intellect that you cannot achieve in any other occupation in the world or any other form of education.”
Making the difficult transition back into civilian life, he says, is an ongoing process. “I'm still working on it,” he admits, acknowledging that his mental state while serving stayed healthy. “I had a different approach than some folks,” he says. “I know there are people that have struggles and deal with certain things in different ways, and we have resources for that. But for me personally, I never had any terrible issues, accepted things for what they were, understood that God was in charge and just kept moving.”
Deciding to re-enlist in the Army Reserve in 2023, he says, “I wanted that letter of retirement. I wanted a letter that said I served my country for 20 years. When I got out, I had 17.5 years at the time and they don't give you a letter that says, ‘Thank you for your 17.5 years of service.’ You don't get anything until 20 or more… unless they medically retire you out early, then you get that retirement or letter.  I didn't, I just left because of my music career and, at that time, I wasn't able to really fulfill both of them. After my career, now that I'm established, it's a little easier for me to attempt to do both.”
With May pulling double duty as Military Appreciation Month as well as Mental Health Awareness Month, Craig tells us how important and “life-saving” it can be to provide mental health outlets for military families who have lost loved ones on active duty. “When these service members and the families of fallen service members know that there's someone out there that is experiencing the same thing, or something similar, they, they have somebody they can communicate with. It's hard to discuss something like losing a child or losing a parent with someone who hasn't had that experience,” he adds. “There's just an emotional side of it that is only understood from those that have been in that position.”
May is Mental Health Month and Anthony is embarking on a journey called Miles for Mental Health. I'm pedaling as many miles as I can across Southern California to raise money for <a href="https://projectsanctuary.us/">Project Sanctuary</a>, a non-profit that helps out military families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. If you'd like to contribute to Project Sanctuary and the Miles for Mental Health campaign, please click <a href="https://secure.givelively.org/donate/a-sanctuary-for-military-families-inc/miles-for-mental-health">here</a> and thank you for your support.
Audacy's <a href="https://www.audacy.com/im-listening">I’m Listening</a> 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 &amp; Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources <a href="https://www.audacy.com/im-listening/im-listening-take-control-of-your-mental-health-today">here</a>.

Miles for Mental Health: Craig Morgan

Keeping the conversation open and honest within their songwriting has given Twenty One Pilots a way to move the discussion around mental health forward.

Known for their intricate disguises and hidden worlds, Twenty One Pilots' Tyler Joseph admits, "When I first started writing music, I didn't think anyone would hear it." He tells us during our recent Audacy Check In while looking back on the duo's 12+ year career, "There was [an] honesty just naturally there that is hard to recreate because now I know that if we write a song, people are going to hear it. Because people resonated with it early on, the honesty," he admits, "I realized that honesty was really important. So, we started writing songs honestly -- hopefully, that's at least how they were perceived and accepted.”

“I do think that we now live in a time of music where culturally it's way more common -- in a good way -- for people to be writing about mental health and about their own personal struggles, and what they're going through. That seems to be a part of our overall musical culture more than it was when we first started doing it,” Joseph adds.

“Because of that, I feel less inclined to articulate what a song is specifically because I think we all know, we're all familiar with the terminology of depression, and what it could mean, and how it could impact someone we know," Tyler says. "As a culture, we're more aware of diagnosing it personally, or with someone we know. I do feel like there's a bit of, we're all speaking the same language now as we release music. I feel comfort in that, knowing that we're now in a culture that feels way more accepting of that conversation.”

Audacy's I’m Listeninginitiative 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.

Words by Joe Cingrana Interview by Brad Steiner

Keeping the conversation open and honest within their songwriting has given Twenty One Pilots a way to move the discussion around mental health forward.
Known for their intricate disguises and hidden worlds, Twenty One Pilots' Tyler Joseph admits, "When I first started writing music, I didn't think anyone would hear it." He tells us during our recent Audacy Check In while looking back on the duo's 12+ year career, "There was [an] honesty just naturally there that is hard to recreate because now I know that if we write a song, people are going to hear it. Because people resonated with it early on, the honesty," he admits, "I realized that honesty was really important. So, we started writing songs honestly -- hopefully, that's at least how they were perceived and accepted.”
“I do think that we now live in a time of music where culturally it's way more common -- in a good way -- for people to be writing about mental health and about their own personal struggles, and what they're going through. That seems to be a part of our overall musical culture more than it was when we first started doing it,” Joseph adds.
“Because of that, I feel less inclined to articulate what a song is specifically because I think we all know, we're all familiar with the terminology of depression, and what it could mean, and how it could impact someone we know," Tyler says. "As a culture, we're more aware of diagnosing it personally, or with someone we know. I do feel like there's a bit of, we're all speaking the same language now as we release music. I feel comfort in that, knowing that we're now in a culture that feels way more accepting of that conversation.”
Audacy's <a href="https://www.audacy.com/im-listening">I’m Listening</a> 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 &amp; Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources <a href="https://www.audacy.com/im-listening/im-listening-take-control-of-your-mental-health-today">here</a>.
Words by Joe Cingrana Interview by Brad Steiner

How Train's Pat Monahan keeps himself focused on the moment

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