The Hardcore Therapist

Craig Holloway, a fellow Detroiter and Wayne State University alumnus, is both a talented bassist and visual artist. He has played bass in bands such as Ricochet, Full Circle, Blunt Force Trauma, and is currently active in Cold As Life, H8 Inc, and Prevenge. As a visual artist, Craig has created album covers and show flyers for notable bands like Agnostic Front, Cold As Life, Negative Approach, H8 Inc, and many others. Additionally, he contributes concept drawings for Throbblehead bobbleheads, featuring iconic figures like Descendents, Danzig, Tesco Vee, and Mike Watt.

On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I tackle a powerful question: What is a dismissive-avoidant attachment style, and how does it show up in relationships? A dismissive-avoidant person’s attachment style is shaped by a deep discomfort with emotional closeness and dependence. This isn’t something they consciously choose. More often than not, it’s rooted in their early experiences—where they may have learned that relying on others for emotional support wasn’t safe or dependable. To protect themselves, they developed a coping mechanism built on fierce independence and emotional distance. While this approach may have served them in their formative years, it can create significant challenges in romantic relationships, friendships, and even parenting.

On this episode I had the chance to talk to my new best friend John Coyle a key figure in spreading positive hardcore through his work in several influential bands. As the vocalist of Outspoken, John helped create some of the most celebrated West Coast hardcore records, following in the footsteps of bands like Uniform Choice.a few years before them.  Later, he explored a more punk-driven sound with Kill the Messenger. He was also in Straight Arm Yuckmouth, Shriners Club, and LastLight.

In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, Don and I discuss our goals and intentions for 2025. Attach is a helpful handout for you to use!  Couples Journal Prompts Instructions for Use:  Dedicate time together each day, week, or month to fill out your journal. Use these prompts as conversation starters or written reflections to deepen your connection and track your growth as a couple. Celebrate your progress and embrace the journey together! Daily Prompts Gratitude * What’s one thing you did today that I appreciate? * What’s something you’re grateful for in our relationship today? Connection * What made you feel loved or connected to me today? * What’s one small way we could strengthen our bond tomorrow? Weekly Prompts Reflection * What went well in our relationship this week? * Did anything this week feel challenging in our communication or connection? Intentions * What’s one thing I can do to better support you next week? * What’s a goal we want to focus on as a couple this week? Fun & Joy * What made us laugh together this week? * What’s a small adventure or fun activity we can plan for next week? Monthly Prompts Goal Check-In * What progress did we make on our shared goals this month? * Are there any goals we need to adjust or new ones we want to set? Celebrations * What’s one thing we’re proud of achieving as a couple this month? * How can we celebrate our love or accomplishments together next month? Challenges * What challenges did we face this month, and how did we handle them? * Is there anything unresolved that we should address? Deep-Dive Prompts (Use Quarterly or for Special Occasions) Relationship Growth * How do you think our relationship has grown in the last three months? * What’s one area where we’d like to grow further? Individual Support * What’s a personal goal you’re working on, and how can I support you? * Is there anything I can do differently to be a better partner? Long-term Vision * Where do we see ourselves by the end of the year? * What’s one dream or goal we’ve both been putting off that we can commit to this year?

On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I am ending the year with an amazing interview with Mark Scondotto, the vocalist of the iconic hardcore band Shutdown, who have been tearing it up for over 30 years. Shutdown just announced the release of their brand-new EP, By Your Side, dropping on Friday, January 17, 2025, through Equal Vision Records. I can’t wait to dive into what this EP is all about and discuss the powerful messages behind Shutdown’s music over the years