)
Now playing
Dance 89.5 Live - Seattle's Party Radio
Dance 89.5 Live - Seattle's Party Radio
Recent spins
Playlist
In Partnership with 4Culture:
Artist Mental Health Stories
A student-led podcast destigmatizing mental health
High school hosts get real about mental health with all kinds of artists from all walks of life in depth conversations.
Find all episodes on these platforms
Funded by
The Maker’s Mind: Stories of Art & Mental Health
Through honest conversations with local thought leaders in their respective mediums, we break down stigma and explore how art can help us deal with life’s challenges — because no matter your age or background, we all struggle sometimes, and there are healthy ways to cope.
Reach out
If you or someone you know is in emotional crisis and needs immediate help, call 988.
Recent Episodes
Artist Mental Health Stories | March 16, 2025
28: Spectrum of Life
Before there were influencers, Donald Byrd was busy influencing art and culture through his countless contributions in Dance. As an established force on both coasts, with Seattle now his home, the iconic choreographer shares stories, insights and deep feelings that are the culmination of an artist’s life well lived. In this honest conversation with high school senior Gavin M., the legend articulates the significance of an Artist in 2025. He also debunks Drug use and addiction from a years-long struggle that he successfully overcame. He discusses Blackness in America, and how Black people are alchemists that turn pain and oppression into gold. And together they explore the ways that we can achieve more balance, growth and compassion through work on Self.
Listen on Libsyn
Artist Mental Health Stories | January 6, 2025
27: Reckless Spirits
After a “voice of God” moment in 2012, Vee Hua set about making their first film—a process that has taken years. Vee Hua 華婷婷 (they/them) is a writer, filmmaker, and organizer. They’re currently the Editor-in-Chief of REDEFINE, a Co-Chair of the Seattle Arts Commission, and until recently, the Interim Managing Editor of the South Seattle Emerald. Prior to that, they were the Executive Director of the interdisciplinary community hub, Northwest Film Forum, where they played a role in making the space more welcoming and accessible for diverse audiences. Their latest short film, Reckless Spirits (2022), is a metaphysical, multi-lingual POC buddy comedy; the feature film version is slated for production in 2025. Vee is also in post-production on a short documentary film about Hunt’s Trading Post in Southern Utah, just outside of the Navajo and Ute Nations. DANCE 89.5’s Podcast Club Advisor Gavin Reub joined Vee to explore the experience of filmmaking in a town like Seattle, the connection between cultural spaces and community mental health, and how their status as a second generation American has impacted their approach to art making, politics, and expression.
Listen on Libsyn
Looking for help?
Quick Reference Crisis Guide from Seattle Times Mental Health Project – who to call and when, how to navigate a mental health crisis situation and more.
Latest happenings
Related shows
Coping 101
Podcast | Having more open conversations about mental health, bringing it up more, allows people to be more comfortable and open to talking about. Since it can be really hard, the more regular it is, the easier to talk about it.
close
