The Hardcore Therapist

On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist I spoke to Dr. Kate Quinn i a UK-based clinical psychologist and co-director of Heavy Metal Therapy, a community project that uses heavy music to support mental health. A lifelong metalhead, Kate created HMT to challenge stigma and show how metal can help people process emotions like anger, grief, and loss. Through her clinical work, public speaking, and her podcast The Church of HMT, Kate advocates for embracing difficult feelings and finding healing through music.

In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I breaks down one of the most misunderstood dynamics in relationships: the difference between emotional intimacy and emotional enmeshment. If you’ve ever wondered whether your deep connection with someone is healthy—or if it’s crossing into codependent territory—this episode is for you. We’ll explore: * The key signs of emotional enmeshment * What real intimacy looks and feels like * Why those of us with trauma or attachment wounds often confuse the two * How to begin untangling yourself without losing connection

Today on The Hardcore Therapist, we’re joined by Rebecca Lore—better known as The Hardcore Cheerleader. From her early days on the sidelines as a high school cheerleader to her lifelong passion for movement, dance, and self-expression, Rebecca shares how she channels energy, joy, and authenticity into everything she does. We dive into her commitment to the straight edge lifestyle, being a mom, work life balance and everything in between.

In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist Podcast, I explores the psychology behind crowd killing in the hardcore scene. Why does it happen? What emotional and cultural forces drive it? And how is it pushing people out of a community built on connection and catharsis? From toxic masculinity to trauma responses, I try to breaks down the mental health impact of pit culture — and how we can reclaim hardcore as a space for expression without harm.

Today on the podcast, I'm joined by Mark from Time X Heist, a straight edge hardcore band out of Denver, Colorado. In a scene where few new acts are carrying the torch of the classic youth crew sound, Time X Heist stands out—blending the energy and urgency of late '80s to early 2000s hardcore with a sharp, modern edge. Their new EP, The Unforgiving Minute, just dropped on Heroes + Martyrs Records, delivering three tight, fast, and uncompromising tracks that reflect both their values and their passion for the genre. We’re talking straight edge, hardcore, and what it means to stay true in a changing scene.