Tommy Corrigan, the voice behind one of Long Island’s most influential hardcore bands—Silent Majority. Silent Majority is often credited as a foundational band in the melodic hardcore and post-hardcore scenes, particularly influencing the Long Island hardcore and emo movements that followed.They laid the groundwork for bands like Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, and The Movielife, who all emerged from the same Long Island scene. Tommy wasn’t just a frontman—he was a storyteller for a generation of...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Why do we stay loyal to our suffering—even when it hurts us? In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist , I unpacks the hidden contracts we make with our pain and explores why letting go can feel like a threat instead of a relief. From childhood trauma to cultural conditioning, we explore the deep roots of emotional loyalty to suffering—and how it shows up in our lives: toxic jobs, self-sabotage, and relationships that mirror old wounds. I dives into the psychology of staying stuck, the false sen...
Jun 25, 2025•16 min
Today on the show, we’re honored to welcome a true legend of the California hardcore scene—Dan O’Mahony. A force since the 1980s, Dan has fronted some of Orange County’s most influential bands, including No For An Answer, 411, Carry Nation, Speak 714, Shiner’s Club. His unmistakable voice and politically charged lyrics helped shape a generation of punk and hardcore, setting a standard with messages rejecting homophobia, domestic violence, war, and self-destruction. But Dan isn’t just a vocalist—...
Jun 20, 2025•57 min
Here’s the thing — when we think of high achievers, we think of success, ambition, grit, talent, maybe even wealth or influence. What we don’t always see is the mental and emotional toll that often comes along for the ride. So in this episode, we're going to explore the deeper why behind that struggle. We’ll break this down into five key pieces: The hidden cost of perfectionism Internalized self-worth and identity The trap of never enough The loneliness of high standards The physiological and ne...
Jun 18, 2025•22 min
On today’s show, I’m excited to be joined by David and Brian from See It Through . They’ve just signed with New Age Records and are getting ready to release their brand-new EP, What’s Behind Us Never Fades . This powerful record explores themes of grief, vulnerability, personal growth, and the search for deeper meaning. The band describes it as both a letter and a mantra to themselves a reminder to keep striving for growth and to leave a positive mark on the world....
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Today, we’re diving into something that’s often invisible but incredibly draining: emotional monitoring . After our episode on Emotional Immaturity, a thoughtful question from a client opened the door to this conversation. Emotional monitoring might feel like being highly attuned, sensitive, or just “good with people.” But beneath that surface is a survival strategy—one that often stems from early experiences and can quietly run your emotional life. In this episode, we unpack what emotional moni...
Jun 11, 2025•16 min
On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I had the pleasure to speak to Patrick Kitzel is the founder of Reaper Records—a label that defined a generation with landmark releases from bands like Trapped Under Ice, Terror, Backtrack, Turnstile, and more. While Reaper’s legacy is firmly cemented in hardcore history, Patrick hasn’t slowed down one bit. He’s now channeling his passion for underground culture into Tribal Publishing, a platform that continues to preserve and celebrate hardcore’s DIY r...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 20 min
In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist , I dives deep into the heart of emotional experience — what emotions really are, why they linger, and how emotional immaturity shapes our lives. From understanding the science behind feelings to unpacking the long-term impact of growing up with emotionally immature parents, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a call to healing. You’ll learn how emotional patterns get wired into us, how to recognize when you're doing the emotional labor in your ...
Jun 04, 2025•19 min
Today on The Hardcore Therapist, I got a chance to talk to 3 authors Keith Ward, Karl Buechner, and Jeremy Mueller about their book The Unraveling: The Counsel of Crows (1). The first book of their 3 book series. "The Unraveling is a fast paced, masterful work of imagination in which lovable characters remind us of our duty to preserve earth and animal rights in this vivid fable set in a compelling post-human world." -- Moby ― (Musician, Producer)
May 30, 2025•54 min
The question is: Are you overparenting? And more importantly — how can you pull back in a healthy way and help your child develop independence, resilience, and confidence? If you’ve ever caught yourself doing too much, stepping in too soon, or worrying constantly… this one’s for you.”
May 28, 2025•21 min
Rob and I sat down to talk about family, the Hamilton Hardcore scene, relationships, and plenty more. If you don’t know, Rob plays bass in RUST , a metallic-hardcore band out of Hamilton, Ontario. They’ve been around since 2019, making a name for themselves in the Ontario scene with a 4-way split and their EP World Upside Down , which got a lot of attention both locally and beyond. Now in 2024, RUST is stepping things up with their new EP, True Decline , coming out on New Age Records . It’s got ...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Today on The Hardcore Therapist, we’re talking about something I see all the time in my practice and, honestly, have lived through myself: emotional burnout. This isn't just feeling “tired.” This is a deep, soul-level depletion that creeps in when you're overextended, emotionally exhausted, and running on fumes. So if you're wondering, “Am I just tired—or is this something more?”—this episode is for you.
May 21, 2025•16 min
On today's episode, we welcome Justin King, a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Ben & Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli. From motorcycle sales to punk-themed barbershops and bioplastics, Justin's journey has been anything but conventional. In 2019, he opened Ben & Esther’s in Portland, later transforming it into a fully vegan deli to align with his ethical beliefs. Beyond business, he’s a Hare Krishna devotee, a dedicated father, and the owner of Royal Harmonium and Hayden Island Boat R...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Today, we’re talking about something that touches all of us at some point in life—grief. Specifically, two big questions I hear a lot: How do I cope with the loss of a loved one? and Can grief make you physically sick? Whether you’ve just experienced a loss, or the waves of grief are still catching you years later, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about the realities of grief—emotional and physical—and how to take care of yourself when your world has shifted....
May 14, 2025•16 min
On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, we have a special guest. Hailing from West Michigan, Sam Rottschafer has an incredible talent for capturing life through his lens—whether it’s the high-energy atmosphere of a concert, the breathtaking serenity of a landscape, or the raw emotion in a portrait. Guided by the art of storytelling, Sam’s photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about freezing moments in time and turning them into lasting memories. I’m excited to dive into his journ...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min
A trauma bond is when you’re deeply attached to someone who’s hurting you — emotionally, physically, or psychologically — and it’s that cycle of pain, then love-bombing, then pain again that makes you stick around. You’re basically bonded through repeated betrayal and emotional chaos. It’s that feeling of 'I know this is bad for me, but I can’t walk away.' Key signs: You rationalize bad behavior constantly. You feel addicted to the highs and lows. You feel drained, not energized, after being wit...
May 07, 2025•19 min
Today, we have an incredible guest who embodies the true essence of music, art, and hardcore culture. Born and raised in New York, he's been immersed in creativity from an early age, coming from a family of musicians. As a teenager, he found his love for graffiti—a bold and expressive art form that exploded in the '80s—and quickly became part of a movement that blended street art with the hardcore music scene. His passion for both art and music has been a driving force throughout his life. Since...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 8 min
What happens when the entire family system bends over backwards to cater to the most toxic person in the room? I’m talking about the person who wrecks every holiday, throws emotional grenades at family events, and somehow... everyone else ends up apologizing to them . If this is ringing some uncomfortable bells for you, stick around. You are absolutely not alone — and you’re not crazy for feeling exhausted." We are going to get into it!
Apr 30, 2025•13 min
Today’s guest is an absolute powerhouse in the plant-based world. Natalie Slater is a Chicago-based vegan cookbook author, content creator, and all-around food industry badass. She’s the go-to expert for high-protein vegan eats and isn’t afraid to drop some hot takes on the plant-based food scene. As the Director of Sales and Marketing for Upton’s Naturals, she’s shaping the future of vegan protein. You might’ve seen her in the CM Punk documentary Best In the World , throwing down on Cupcake War...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 19 min
“Can you really rewire your brain for positivity?” It sounds a little... woo-woo, right? Like something you'd see on a Pinterest quote board. But here's the thing—it’s not just a feel-good idea. There’s actual neuroscience to back it up. So today, we’re digging into how our brains work, why they’re wired to lean negative by default , and how we can shift that wiring toward a more positive, grounded, and empowered mindset.
Apr 23, 2025•15 min
On this Episode of the Hardcore Therapist, I had the pleasure to speak with Joe Bando who will be sharing his journey, starting in the underground hardcore music scene of Cleveland, Ohio—a world of raw energy and defiance that shaped his path in comedy. Along the way,he has overcome a childhood marked by severe abuse, rebuilt his life through entrepreneurship, and embraced personal responsibility through a 110-pound weight loss on a carnivore diet. He will talk about his navigated estrangement a...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Hey everyone, welcome back to The Hardcore Therapist ! I’m so glad you’re here. Today we’re diving into a question that hits close to home for a lot of us: “How do I set boundaries without feeling guilty—and what do I do if someone crosses my boundaries after I was clear about them?” Whew. This is a big one. And if you're anything like me—or like most of the people I work with—you’ve probably struggled with this at some point. Questions to ask yourself if you struggle with boundaries: “Where in ...
Apr 16, 2025•14 min
On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, Kyle Donovan and Tyler Hillman, members of the Michigan Hardcore band Suffer No Fools. They're celebrating the release of their debut album, "To Live Is To Suffer," which is out now via Heroes + Martyrs.
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Today, we’re diving into a loaded, raw, and often painful topic—how to let go of people who don’t enhance your life—including family. I’m not here to sugarcoat this. I’m here to help you honor your mental health, even when it means making decisions that go against every message you've been taught about loyalty, tradition, or what it means to be a “good person.” Prompts for Healing: Take a moment—right now or later today—and grab a journal, a voice note app, or even just some quiet time alone. As...
Apr 09, 2025•22 min
What an amazing collaboration episode of The Hardcore Therapist Podcast and Pit Therapy Podcast ! Kyle and Trevor were so much fun. Check out this hilarious episode chalked full of hardcore, family life, growing up and a wild thought about specific songs!
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 15 min
On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist I was joined by Scott Crouse. Coming up through the thriving Syracuse, NY hardcore movement of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Scott helped shape the sound and message of a generation. As a founding guitarist of Earth Crisis, his work on albums like Firestorm and Destroy the Machines cemented their place as some of the most influential hardcore records of their time. Beyond Earth Crisis, Scott’s passion for hardcore and straight-edge activism continued thr...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 8 min
On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, today we're diving into a powerful topic: self-abandonment. This is something so many of us struggle with without even realizing it—saying yes when we mean no, ignoring our own needs, or constantly putting others before ourselves. But what does it really mean to abandon yourself, and more importantly, how can we stop doing it?
Apr 02, 2025•16 min
On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist , I am thrilled to welcome Ray Harkins. Ray is the host of the influential podcast 100 Words or Less, where he dives deep into the stories of musicians, artists, and creatives. Beyond the podcasting world, Ray is also the lead singer for the melodic hardcore band Taken. We'll explore his journey through music, the evolution of the hardcore scene, and the intersection of mental health and creativity. Check out Ray's new band Bloodguilt! @xpurposex @100wor...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 8 min
First, I just want to acknowledge how incredibly painful and confusing this must feel. To be in a marriage where one person has emotionally stepped away, while you’re still physically sharing a home and parenting together, is a deeply complicated experience. It makes sense that you’re struggling with what to do next.
Mar 26, 2025•15 min
I'm beyond excited to welcome a fellow Detroiter and friend of the show, Monica Sklar, Ph.D.! Monica is an associate professor and director of the Historic Clothing and Textiles Collection at the University of Georgia, where she dives deep into the intersections of fashion, subculture, and technology in archival practice. She’s also the vice president of education for the Costume Society of America and a go-to expert for major outlets like The Guardian, New York Post, and Washington Post. You ma...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 5 min
