Ryan Dusick: Turning Pain Into Power

July 22, 2025

How do you turn your deepest pain into your greatest power? In this episode of The Harder to Breathe Podcast, we sit down with the unstoppable X ARI—a bold musical artist, fierce mental health advocate, and a true psychosis survivor whose story will leave you breathless.

From surviving bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and multiple hospitalizations, to becoming a globally recognized queer songwriter and performing alongside K-pop and Eurovision acts—X ARI shares how she reclaimed her life through radical self-acceptance, love, music, and healing.

In this powerful interview, ARI opens up about:
* Navigating a dysfunctional family, mental illness, and spiritual awakening
* Finding love and coming out as a queer, Jewish woman amidst rising antisemitism
* The emotional and medical rollercoaster of finding the right diagnosis and treatment
* Using creativity and resilience to manifest the life she dreamed of

Ryan Dusick brings a rare blend of music industry insight and therapeutic expertise to every conversation, making him a compelling speaker on topics like mental health, resilience, and creative identity. Dusick’s speaking engagements are managed exclusively by WWSG. To host him as your event speaker, contact us.

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