The Hardcore Therapist

The Hardcore Therapist welcomes Popeye Vogelsang — the unmistakable voice of Farside, the iconic Orange County melodic hardcore band that helped shape the sound of the '90s punk scene. Known for blending raw emotion with introspective lyrics, Popeye carved out a unique space in hardcore music, setting himself apart from the noise with vulnerability and heart. Now leading Calling Hours, he continues to push musical boundaries while staying rooted in the honesty that’s defined his career. This is a super fun episode!

Sending your child off to college is one of the biggest transitions we face as parents—and it’s not just their new chapter, it’s ours too. In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I share my personal perspective on what it feels like to navigate empty nesting while weaving in insights from Mel Robbins, psychologist Guy Winch, Dr. Rachel Glik, and Dr. Janine Furdella. From the first few days of adjustment, to the instinct to rescue, to sitting with the quiet at home, we’ll unpack the grief, the growth, and the possibilities that come with letting go. You’ll hear about the importance of allowing yourself to feel, reframing the experience as a fresh start, and learning to trust your child’s wings—while finding your own again. This conversation is for every parent wrestling with worry, identity shifts, and the bittersweet ache of watching your kid step into independence. Remember—empty nest doesn’t mean empty life. It’s a chance for rediscovery, renewal, and love in a new form.

On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist Podcast, I spoke to Drew Maxey. He is a high school English teacher, comic book writer for DC under the name DrewXdeficit, and frontman for the St. Louis hardcore bands, Good Grief, Like Heaven and Time and Pressure. He’s also straight edge and brings a fierce, thoughtful voice to everything he does—on stage, in the classroom, and on the page.

Have you ever landed a promotion, finished a project, or reached a milestone only to think, “They must have made a mistake…I don’t really deserve this”? That nagging self-doubt is called imposter syndrome, and in this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I explores why it shows up, how family dynamics and perfectionism feed it, and why high achievers and creatives are especially vulnerable. In this 20-minute conversation, you’ll learn what imposter syndrome really is (and isn’t), how therapy modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy can help reframe those thoughts, and practical tools you can use right away — from keeping a success journal, to naming imposter thoughts, to practicing self-compassion. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I really good enough?” this episode will remind you that you are not a fraud, and you are not alone.

Today on The Hardcore Therapist,  I’m sitting down with someone who blends creativity with deep compassion — Alison Mennor AKA FAST ALI. Ali is an accomplished artist and founder of Lost & Found Tattoos, and you may know her from the late '90s/early 2000s New Jersey Hardcore band Fast Times. Alongside her art and music, Ali dedicated her time to providing  nipple tattoos for breast cancer survivors — a powerful way of helping people heal.