
Hosted by Jessica Nelson · EN

Mars Hendrik, musician and coach, joins the podcast to talk about his upcoming album, Karma, and the emotional highs and lows of performing and being a fan—what’s often called Post-Concert Depression. He shares how concerts spark creativity, motivate him to keep making music, and how he copes with the sadness after the show ends. We dive into mental health in the music industry, including misconceptions about success, popularity, and vulnerability, and the importance of transforming intense emotions into productive outlets. Mars also shares practical advice for managing feelings, from seeking constructive release to embracing the mantra “this too shall pass.” Plus, hear his story of connecting with one of his favorite bands and turning that experience into a life-changing moment for his music.

In this heartfelt conversation, Valley Boy opens up about the highs and lows of life as a touring musician, the challenges of performing as an opener, and the beauty of connecting with fans through vulnerability and music. We dive deep into how childhood experiences shape our relationships, the lasting impact of divorce, and the journey toward self-understanding and stability. Valley Boy also shares the inspiration behind his upcoming album, "Children of Divorce," exploring the emotional landscape of growing up with separated parents and reflecting on how those experiences continue to influence friendships, romantic relationships, and personal growth. This episode is a raw, thoughtful exploration of healing, resilience, and the power of music to guide us through life’s most complicated moments.

Noah Floersch opens up about the making of his new album Francis Aquarius, sharing how personal experiences and growth shaped the music. He reflects on the highs and lows of performing, from the emotional intensity of live shows to the challenges of meet-and-greets, and how he balances giving to fans while protecting his own energy. The conversation also explores his evolving relationship with faith, guilt, and perspective, and the unique ways fans connect with him—like bringing handmade clothing for him to wear on stage. From post-concert lows to the joys of connection, Noah talks candidly about creativity, vulnerability, and the mental and emotional side of being a musician.

On this episode of Post Concert Depression: The Podcast, host Jessica Nelson sits down with Ginger Winn for a heartfelt conversation about her new album Freeze Frame, the creative process behind her music, and her unique path from pastry chef to musician. Speaking about her life in Cape Town, Ginger opens up about navigating the loss of her father, the weight of grief, and how those emotions have shaped both her artistry and her healing. It’s an intimate look at transformation, resilience, and the power of music to capture life’s most fragile moments.

In this episode, we sit down with Leo Son of Bermuda Search Party to talk about the band, its formation, and the music that connects them with fans. We also dive deep into mental health and addiction, sharing Leo’s journey to sobriety—9 years strong at the time of recording. For Leo, it came down to a pivotal choice: music or addiction. Even if you haven’t faced addiction, this conversation is relatable in so many ways. Note: This episode was recorded in Fall 2024 and may not reflect the band’s current activities. Find out what they’re up to now at bermudasearchparty.com.

This week on Post Concert Depression: The Podcast, Jessica is joined by PCD contributor, Julia Dunagan, for a heartfelt conversation about what it means to be deeply connected to a band and their music. Julia shares her love for Shinedown, the unique experiences of being part of their fan community, and the highs and lows that come with living life as a devoted music fan. Together, they dive into the misconceptions about being “too invested” in a band, the nerves of meeting your favorite artist—especially as an introvert—and how music fandom can be both a source of joy and a tool for mental health. It’s a fun, honest reflection on the power of music to shape identity, community, and well-being.

In this episode, Jessica sits down with rising alt-pop singer-songwriter Aidan Bissett, known for his infectious hooks, raw honesty, and the way he blends vulnerability with high-energy anthems. Aidan joins the conversation to talk about his new debut album, shut up and love me, released on July 25, 2025, and shares the stories, emotions, and experiences that shaped its creation. He opens up about navigating rejection, the pressures of chasing big dreams, and how he balances authenticity with performance both on stage and off. The conversation also explores ego, growth, and the challenge of holding onto past versions of yourself while learning to embrace change. Plus, Aidan shares his perspective on post-concert depression—why it hits so hard, how it affects both fans and performers, and the role music plays in moving through those bittersweet emotional crashes.

In this episode of Post Concert Depression, Jessica Nelson sits down with Braden Bales to explore the intimate connection between artistry and mental health. Braden opens up about the delicate balance of being transparent in his music while setting boundaries around emotions and experiences he’s not ready to share. He dives into his pre-show rituals, the unique pressures of touring, and the challenges of sickness, equipment mishaps, and post-tour emotional crashes. Braden candidly shares the ways he copes with mental health struggles, from finding solace in songwriting to relying on the support of family, while acknowledging he’s still learning what truly works for him. Braden’s latest EP, 5 STAGES OF GRIEF (released in June), reflects his journey of processing emotions and finding resilience through music. This episode is a heartfelt conversation for fans, artists, and anyone navigating the ups and downs of life — a reminder that your feelings are valid, your love for music is powerful, and you’re never alone.

In this powerful episode, Jessica sits down with SkyDxddy, an artist known for turning raw pain into loud, unfiltered anthems. They talk about SkyDxddy’s journey with PTSD, how music became a survival tool, and why being “loud” is not only part of the sound—it’s part of the healing. SkyDxddy opens up about the moments of self-harm, their complicated relationship with faith and the church, and how creating safe spaces (online and in real life) has become central to their mission. This episode explores what it means to reclaim your narrative, speak truth without apology, and give others permission to do the same. If you’ve ever felt silenced, broken, or alone—this one’s for you.

TW: Open discussion of bipolar disorder, psychosis, psychiatric medication, suicidal ideation, and mental health crises. In this episode, NYC-based indie artist ROREY joins Jess to unpack the layered mental health journey behind her upcoming EP Dysphoria. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 21, ROREY shares what it felt like to be thrust into crisis mode, cycle through medications, and be left to process mania in solitude. Her candid reflections peel back the emotional truth of songs like “Nobody’s Fault But My Own,” written from a moment of self-blame that later transformed into self-compassion. Together, they discuss the tension between healing and identity — how it can feel like your diagnosis erases the parts of you that once made sense. ROREY talks about redefining safety for herself, learning to be alone without feeling abandoned, and finding moments of spiritual clarity amid the chaos. This episode challenges the idea that recovery has to look linear, and instead offers a more nuanced take: maybe the most powerful thing you can do is simply stay. If you’ve ever felt like you were “too much,” or feared you’d never get back to the version of yourself before it all unraveled — this one will meet you right where you are.