State Of Mind with Maurice Benard

In this episode of State of Mind, Maurice Benard sits down with actor Diedrich Bader for a deeply personal conversation on depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and the ongoing pursuit of peace within. What begins as a light conversation about Hollywood quickly turns into an honest exploration of mental health, including the realities of living with bipolar disorder, the impact of alcohol and anxiety, and the emotional toll of acting and storytelling. Diedrich opens up about his own experience with depression, sleeplessness, and unconventional paths to healing, while Maurice shares his lifelong journey with bipolar disorder and medication. Together, they unpack the pressure to “feel happy,” the importance of representation in mental health, and why sometimes stepping away is the most powerful step forward. This is a raw, vulnerable, and ultimately hopeful conversation about what it means to live, struggle, and keep going. In this episode: Bipolar disorder and long-term mental health management Depression, anxiety, and the impact of sleep Alcohol and mental health Acting, identity, and emotional toll Alternative healing and recovery paths Why peace within matters more than perfection Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

On this episode of State of Mind, Maurice Benard sits down with rising actress Bluesy Burke for an honest conversation about anxiety, acting, and growing up in the spotlight. Bluesy opens up about moving across the country during COVID, leaving behind close friendships, and stepping into the unknown at a young age. She shares what it was like booking General Hospital, walking into high-pressure auditions, and navigating nerves on set while learning to trust herself. Together, they explore: What anxiety actually feels like in real time The fear of the unknown and how it shapes decisions Why doing the thing you’re afraid of changes everything Mental health across generations Simple tools like breathing, movement, and mindset shifts It’s a conversation about showing up scared, pushing through self-doubt, and realizing you’re more capable than your thoughts tell you. As Maurice reminds us, sometimes the breakthrough comes from doing it anyway. Show your support: Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

Chauntal Lewis joins State of Mind again. This time, for a deeply honest conversation about surviving domestic violence, living with anxiety, and finding a way forward after trauma. In this powerful episode, she opens up about abuse, love addiction, grief, losing her hand in a devastating car accident, and the work it took to reclaim her life and sense of self. This is a raw, emotional, and ultimately hopeful conversation about what it means to tell the truth, get help, and keep going. Show your support: Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

Maurice Benard sits down with acclaimed actor Clancy Brown for a wide-ranging conversation about anxiety, mental health, acting, family, grief, and resilience. Known for unforgettable roles in The Shawshank Redemption, John Wick, SpongeBob SquarePants, and The Penguin, Clancy opens up about the nerves that have followed him throughout his career, how he learned to work through them, and the personal experiences that shaped him long before Hollywood knew his name. The conversation moves from Clancy’s childhood in Ohio and the loss of his sister, to his mother’s artistic journey, to the emotional realities of performing under pressure. Along the way, Maurice and Clancy talk candidly about bipolar disorder, auditioning, soap operas, family, and what it really takes to endure in a creative life. It is a soulful, funny, and surprisingly moving episode about vulnerability, craft, and staying human in the middle of it all. Show your support: Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato Audio Consultant: Ken Wendt

In this special birthday episode of State of Mind, the tables turn as Dominic Zamprogna (Dante on General Hospital) takes over the host chair to interview Maurice Benard. Maurice opens up about his life, career, and lifelong journey with bipolar disorder—from his early days chasing acting dreams, to his first manic episode and time in a mental institution, to becoming one of daytime television’s most iconic actors as Sonny Corinthos. The two longtime friends share stories from their years working together, discuss the pressures of fame, ego, mental health, and finding peace as you get older. Maurice also speaks candidly about medication, anxiety, and why helping others with mental health struggles has become his true purpose. Plus, heartfelt birthday messages from friends, co-stars, and family celebrating Maurice’s impact both on and off screen. This episode is honest, funny, emotional—and a powerful reminder that peace of mind is the greatest gift of all. Show your support: Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

In this episode of State of Mind, Maurice Benard sits down with actress Kelly Thiebaud for a raw, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about what it really means to start over. Kelly opens up about growing up in a small town, being a sports kid turned model, and how the modeling world messed with her relationship to food, her body, and her self-worth. She shares what it was like moving to Los Angeles at 17, experiencing an early heartbreak that shaped how she viewed love, and why she didn’t fully step into acting until later in life. Maurice and Kelly also get real about mental health: therapy, bitterness, anxiety, medication decisions, and the pressure of having to “perform” when you’re privately falling apart. Together, they talk about learning to be alone, rebuilding after blowing up your life, and treating your past not as proof you’re broken—but as information that helps you grow. Show your support: Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

In this episode of State of Mind, Maurice Benard sits down with actor, musician, and longtime friend Jonathan Jackson for a deeply personal conversation about what happens when the mind feels steady but the body doesn’t. They talk about preparation, performance, and those moments when anxiety shows up physically even when you “should” be fine. Jonathan shares how faith shapes his work and his life, why he resists the word “performing,” and what he’s learned about trauma, prayer, and the surprising idea that beauty can reach people when logic can’t. Maurice opens up about a difficult season, the power of friendship, and the kind of support that doesn’t just comfort you, it pulls you back toward the light. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Actor, writer, director, and voice actor Michael Easton joins Maurice Benard on State of Mind for a rare, deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to heal. Michael shares what it was like growing up between Belfast and the U.S., moving constantly, and carrying the hidden weight of childhood fear and instability into adulthood. From there, the conversation opens up into the stuff most people avoid: anxiety, grief, loss, and the long process of bringing buried pain to the surface so it can finally move. They talk about surrender, therapy, meditation, the difference between suppressing pain and processing it, and why real healing often starts when someone is willing to sit with you in the dark. Later, Michael reflects on his path into acting, the early years of his career, and the strange moments that come with visibility, identity, and being seen. The episode closes with a powerful tribute to Kamar de los Reyes, and what his life and passing changed in Michael forever. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

On this State of Mind, Maurice sits down with Art Stratton Brown, a remarkable 101-year-old World War II veteran (and Josh Swickard’s grandfather) whose energy, clarity, and gratitude feel almost impossible to believe. Art takes us from a tough Chicago childhood and early leadership instincts to combat training, frontline battles in Italy and France, and the daily realities of war — fear, loss, survival, and the moments that never leave you. What unfolds is ultimately a conversation about resilience, faith, discipline, and how gratitude and purpose can shape a life, even after witnessing the darkest parts of humanity. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Josh Swickard—an actor who’s starred in films that have reached #1 on Netflix and on General Hospital—opens up about anxiety attacks he didn’t understand until they hit him, and how breathwork helped him reframe the symptoms and take away the fear. The conversation moves through anger, calm, parenting, and faith, landing on a powerful idea: don’t waste the pain—use it to help others keep moving forward. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Audio Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Maurice Bernard sits down with wrestler Medina Ali for a powerful conversation about discipline, mental strength, and resilience. Medina shares how her background in combat sports shaped her mindset, and what happened when she was unexpectedly contacted by WWE and thrown into the world of professional wrestling without prior experience. They talk about bullying, culture, family expectations, fear, and why physical movement has always been her form of therapy. Plus, Maurice opens up about anxiety, hypnosis, and finally getting back on a plane after years of fear. Medina Ali on Instagram! Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Audio Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Retired LAPD veteran Manny Santoo rarely does interviews, but on State of Mind he opens up about a life shaped by the streets—air support helicopters, high-risk nights during the LA Riots, and what police work teaches you about fear, adrenaline, and restraint. The conversation turns deeply personal as Manny shares the story of his daughter Bella, who is autistic and mostly nonverbal, and how his family learned to communicate through letter boards and unwavering patience. Along the way: faith, grief, true-crime fascination, and the moments that change a person’s entire outlook. If you're having thoughts of self-harm or suicide: live chat with Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's free and confidential. You'll reach someone who is trained to listen and support you. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Enjoy this conversation originally published in 2022 featuring Emmy-winning actor Michael E. Knight. In this episode reflects on decades of friendship with Maurice Benard, their early years on All My Children, and the moments that shaped them on and off screen. In a conversation filled with laughter and honesty, Michael opens up about living with OCD and dysthymia, the role therapy and medication have played in his life, and why asking for help can be an act of strength—not weakness. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

For the first time publicly, Chris McKenna opens up about his bipolar diagnosis and the mental health journey that reshaped his life and career. In this deeply personal episode of State of Mind, the General Hospital actor tells Maurice Benard what it was like living undiagnosed for decades, the breaking point he faced during the pandemic, and the treatment that helped him find stability and clarity. After breaking on State of Mind, Chris McKenna’s story was subsequently featured on The Story Is with Elex Michaelson on CNN, bringing the conversation to an even wider national audience. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

In this episode of State of Mind, legendary broadcaster and comedian Fritz Coleman reflects on retirement, identity, and the fear of losing purpose after a long career. He shares how staying engaged through creativity, sobriety, and meaningful work helped him avoid the emotional collapse he once witnessed in his own family. It is an honest conversation about aging, self-doubt, and what it really takes to stay alive inside. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

On this episode of State of Mind, Maurice sits down with Emmy-winning actress Sharon Case—known to millions as Sharon Newman from The Young and the Restless—for an unfiltered conversation about mental health, acting, and the real emotional truth behind portraying bipolar disorder on screen. Sharon opens up about her early life, unexpected path into daytime TV, her work with complex storylines, and the rising awareness around depression and suicide since the pandemic. This is an honest, surprising, deeply human conversation that fans of both daytime drama and mental-health advocacy will not forget. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

In this State of Mind conversation, Maurice sits down with young actress Scarlet Spears, who plays Young Glinda in Wicked: For Good and portrays Donna Corinthos on General Hospital. What begins as a light conversation about acting, family, and childhood opens into an unexpected moment about fear, loneliness, and mental health that only an eight year old could express with such clarity. Scarlet’s insight, humor, and kindness make this episode a reminder of how much we can learn when we truly listen. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Maurice welcomes longtime TV journalist Dorothy Lucey for a deep, vulnerable conversation about crippling nerves, panic attacks, and the unseen emotional cost of decades in the spotlight. Dorothy opens up about faith, anxiety, marriage, grief, joy, and the daily work of stopping a spiral before it starts. Together they explore how trauma sits in the body, how peace is rebuilt step by step, and why none of us are ever as “normal” as we seem. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Actor and author Adrian Alvarado sits down with Maurice to talk about his memoir Flipping My Script—a powerful story of losing his mother at fourteen, growing up without a father, and fighting through generational trauma to rebuild his identity. Adrian opens up about domestic violence, grief, art as therapy, and the long road toward healing and forgiveness. This is a raw, honest conversation that will stay with anyone who has ever rebuilt themselves from the ground up. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Actress Raven Bowens joins Maurice for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation about resilience, mental health, and the unexpected turns that shape a life. Raven opens up about a childhood spent moving from city to city, the grief of losing her first love, and the struggle to find stability while chasing her dream. She also shares how her acting journey led her to Days of Our Lives and why her greatest fulfillment now comes from rebuilding a school in Nigeria. A raw, honest, and deeply hopeful episode that reminds us why purpose and connection matter. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Maurice sits down with actor and musician Larry Romano (Donnie Brasco, King of Queens, The Thin Red Line, Sleepers) for a raw, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, identity, and the inner battles most people never see. Larry opens up about studying under Al Pacino’s acting coach, navigating depression, rebuilding after setbacks, and how family, music, and discipline shaped his resilience. It’s an honest, emotional, and unexpectedly inspiring look at artistry, mental health, and what it really takes to survive the industry — and yourself. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

In Part 2 of their conversation on State of Mind, Genie Francis (General Hospital) and Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: The Next Generation) open up about the hidden side of their 40-year relationship: social anxiety, deep lows, the “riverbank” metaphor that changed everything, and the small decisions that saved their marriage. Maurice creates space for a rare, honest look at survival, compassion, and what it means to stay when things get hard. Powerful, vulnerable, and unforgettable. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

General Hospital favorite Jeffrey Vincent Parise opens up about the real story behind his life—far beyond Carlos, the villains, and the unforgettable on-screen moments GH fans remember him for. He and Maurice dig into Parise’s battles with anxiety, the dark seasons that reshaped him, and the practices that helped him rebuild from the inside out, including yoga, meditation, and deep shadow-work. This conversation blends nostalgia, vulnerability, and the kind of mental-health honesty that reminds fans why State of Mind exists in the first place. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

This episode is Part 1 of Maurice Benard’s deeply personal conversation with Genie Francis. Together, they go back to the beginning: Genie’s early rise as a fourteen-year-old on General Hospital, the whirlwind fame of Laura Spencer, and the emotional toll of growing up on television. Genie opens up about isolation, arrested development, perfectionism, and the generational anxiety that shaped her life long before she understood it. Maurice reflects on how her experiences intersect with his own mental-health journey, creating one of the most honest and revealing dialogues ever shared on State of Mind. Part 1 covers Genie’s early career, the pressures of live TV, the explosive Luke & Laura years, and the hidden struggles behind her iconic performances. Part 2 drops November 23, when Genie is joined by her husband, Jonathan Frakes, for an intimate and powerful follow-up conversation. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Founder of Cliffside Malibu and Carrera Treatment, Richard Taite joins me to unpack addiction, the fentanyl crisis, and why most centers fail patients. We dig into his “love call” philosophy, what great treatment actually looks like, and how homelessness and veteran care intersect with mental health. It’s raw, practical, and full of takeaways for families seeking real help. Listen to Maurice's recent appearance on Richard Taite's Podcast: We're Out of Time Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:https://www.mbstateofmind.com State of Mind Production Team: Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard Executive Producer: Paula Benard Director of Production: Anthony Cammarata Audio/Video/Editorial: Anthony Cammarata Podcast Consultant: Aaron Calafato

Maurice, Kin, and Jackie pick up where they left off—at the height of GH mania. They share stories about the wild 1980s, breakout stars like Rick Springfield, Demi Moore, and John Stamos, and the reality behind the show’s unprecedented success. The conversation takes a deeper turn into mental health, the Sonny–Scotty feud, and Bobby’s wisdom about love and forgiveness. Recorded before her passing, this episode now stands as a heartfelt tribute to Jackie Zeman’s light, legacy, and unforgettable presence.

Maurice Benard sits down with GH icons Jackie Zeman and Kin Shriner for a joyful, behind-the-scenes look at the show’s 1970s reboot. They remember live-to-tape mayhem, early fame, and how Gloria Monty’s fearless vision turned General Hospital into a cultural phenomenon. Funny, fast, and full of heart, this conversation captures Jackie’s warmth, humor, and pioneering spirit—shared now in loving memory of her life and legacy following her passing in May 2023.

We're resharing on of Maurice's most popular interviews. In this conversation Maurice sits down with John J. York for a rare, wide-open conversation that starts with GH memories and turns into a deep dive on faith, mental health, and finding peace. They talk candidly about mania vs. anxiety, why staying on medication matters, and how prayer and routine helped John through life’s pivots. You’ll also hear gratitude for executive producer Frank Valentini’s leadership, Chicago family stories, and a light nod to John’s “Playgirl cover” and Werewolf days. It’s honest, warm, and quietly powerful—proof that connection is the point. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Maurice goes unscripted to unpack his recent tour, a powerful father–son moment on stage, and the reality of pushing through anxiety while performing. He speaks directly to the community about the scale of mental health struggles and why checking in twice can save a life. Maurice also previews two new ideas: long-form community Zooms and “State of Mind on the Street,” a series of conversations with people facing real challenges. A heartfelt thank-you to the audience—and a reminder that connection is the point. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

In this special State of Mind tribute, Maurice Benard sits down with the late, legendary Tristan Rogers (General Hospital, The Young and the Restless) for one of his final interviews. In this wide-ranging, funny, and deeply human conversation, Tristan reflects on his wild early days in Australia, his unexpected path to Hollywood, and unforgettable moments with Elizabeth Taylor and the cast of General Hospital. A celebration of a storyteller, an actor, and a friend whose charm, honesty, and laughter will never be forgotten. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Actor Tony Denison (Major Crimes, Crime Story, The Closer) joins Maurice Benard for a raw and inspiring conversation about survival, sobriety, and self-worth. Tony opens up about overcoming addiction, rebuilding his life and career, and the moment he finally chose recovery. From Harlem to Hollywood, he reflects on lessons from his immigrant parents, the importance of service, and how gratitude—not fame—became the true measure of success. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Emmy-winning actress Laura Wright returns to State of Mind for a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Maurice Benard. She opens up about her daughter’s battle with Type 1 diabetes, the life-changing moment that led to her diagnosis, and how it reshaped her outlook on family and gratitude. Laura also shares her passion project, Sacred Space—a movement devoted to healing, self-discovery, and helping others find strength through connection. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Actress Cynthia Watros (General Hospital, Lost, Guiding Light) joins Maurice Benard for a rare and revealing conversation about resilience, redemption, and self-discovery. From battling a life-threatening illness as a teen to finding purpose through acting, Cynthia opens up about her journey, family, mental health, and motherhood. A heartfelt, honest talk about learning from mistakes, embracing imperfection, and finding peace in life’s messiest chapters. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Actor Jens Austin Astrup (General Hospital, Gossip Girl) joins Maurice Benard for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about grief, resilience, and rediscovering peace. Jens opens up about losing his father to suicide, navigating instability and foster care, and how he learned to find meaning through love, discipline, and self-reflection. A moving discussion about overcoming darkness, healing family bonds, and the strength it takes to stay open-hearted in a chaotic world. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Actor and creator Adrian Anchondo joins Maurice Benard to share his inspiring journey from YouTube fame to General Hospital. He opens up about growing up in a large family, his creative drive, and how faith and humor helped him navigate life’s toughest chapters. A heartfelt and uplifting look at creativity, identity, and choosing joy through it all. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Emmy-winning actress Eileen Davidson (The Young and the Restless, Days of Our Lives, RHOBH) joins Maurice Benard for a deeply honest and emotional conversation about family, grief, mental health, and resilience. Eileen opens up about growing up in a turbulent household, coping with loss, and learning to let go of shame while finding inner peace. A powerful, intimate episode that celebrates strength, vulnerability, and the courage to heal. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Actor Clint Howard joins Maurice Benard for an unforgettable conversation about childhood fame, family, and mental health. From growing up alongside his brother Ron Howard to surviving addiction and rediscovering purpose, Clint shares the wisdom, humor, and heart that have defined his journey. A candid, deeply human talk about resilience, recovery, and what really matters after the spotlight fades. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Actor Rory Gibson joins Maurice Benard for a candid and powerful conversation about his journey from a rough upbringing in Bakersfield to life on General Hospital. Rory opens up about anxiety, growing up fast, and the struggles that nearly derailed his acting career before finding redemption and stability. A raw, honest look at resilience, mental health, and what it takes to rebuild your life in Hollywood. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Actress, writer, and producer Elizabeth Morales joins Maurice Benard for one of the most emotional and powerful State of Mind conversations yet. Elizabeth opens up about growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness, surviving trauma and expulsion from her family, and how she rebuilt her voice through comedy and creativity. Together, they explore faith, healing, and the courage it takes to reclaim your life and mental health after breaking free from control. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! Watch! Read Maurice’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital Follow Maurice on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch: https://www.mbstateofmind.com

Paolo Presta ----- Youtube: mbstateofmind Instagram: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind Twitter: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind State Of Mind with Maurice Benard Merch: SHOP

Mark Grossman (The Young and The Restless) ----- Youtube: mbstateofmind Instagram: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind Twitter: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind State Of Mind with Maurice Benard Merch: SHOP

Julie Dove (Days of Our Lives) ----- Youtube: mbstateofmind Instagram: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind Twitter: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind State Of Mind with Maurice Benard Merch: SHOP

Ignacio Serricchio (Bones, General Hospital, The Young and The Restless) ----- Youtube: mbstateofmind Instagram: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind Twitter: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind State Of Mind with Maurice Benard Merch: SHOP

Dr. Suzette Glasner Returns ----- Youtube: mbstateofmind Instagram: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind Twitter: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind State Of Mind with Maurice Benard Merch: SHOP

Cameron Mathison Returns (All My Children, General Hospital, Model, Hallmark) ----- Youtube: mbstateofmind Instagram: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind Twitter: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind State Of Mind with Maurice Benard Merch: SHOP

Van Hansis (As the World Turns, General Hospital, Eastsiders) ----- Youtube: mbstateofmind Instagram: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind Twitter: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind State Of Mind with Maurice Benard Merch: SHOP

Lauralee Bell (The Young and The Restless) ----- Youtube: mbstateofmind Instagram: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind Twitter: @MauriceBenard @mbstateofmind State Of Mind with Maurice Benard Merch: SHOP