John Richards

Find this live version of Damien Jurado's "Working Titles" recorded at our Death and Music event in 2017 here: soundcloud.com

"The song describes a time in everybody’s life that make you lose faith in yourself, in someone else, or in life itself and you just need to hear from someone that one day everything will be OK again. That no matter what, with time and patience we all will be OK.” Read more from our interview with Lea Porcelain about this song here: www.kexp.org

Sharon Van Etten said in an interview to NPR in 2012, "I wrote the song about a friend talking me through a panic attack. Moving to New York City and doing what I do, social anxiety is a really ridiculous kind of curse to have. But I met people along the way who deal with it — performers as well — and they are learning to deal with it daily and deal with it in different ways. "We Are Fine" is a duet with Beirut's Zach Condon, who has social anxiety, too."

Request for Rebecca: "It’s been over 10 years since I faced the demon of depression and started to find my way out of my own personal hell. As a 2 time suicide survivor it was apparently not my time to leave this earth. The start of my healing commenced about 10 years ago. I always think of the Johnny Nash song I can see clearly now the rain is gone. Gone are the dark obstacles in my way...it’s going to be a bright, bright sunshiny day. It’s my mantra, my theme song of change. I know everybody hurts (REM) sometimes but facing my pain caused by multiple traumas took courage and resilience I didn’t know I had. It was when I became a grandmother and saw this next generation that I knew my grandson Xzavier was someone I wanted to see grow up. It’s a love indescribable, beyond comprehension, mind blowing. I never had grandparents so this was such a new feeling for me. Over the years I have had a lot of therapy but found working one on one with a personal coach has really led to self discovery and awareness. She asks thought provoking and challenging questions while offering insight and encouragement. I also workout almost daily doing CrossFit and yoga, challenging my body and mind to accomplish what I never knew I could do. Over the last 6 years I have also lost over 80 lb pounds. In my 57 years of life I can say this, it’s never to late to invest in yourself but most importantly love yourself and know you are not alone."

"Hello! Many years struggling with health issues which have led to PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Sometimes I look back over the years and realize I am still here, but also that my husband has helped carry me through so many tough times, picking up the load. Could you please play Alive and Kicking, by Simple Minds? Because we who are listening today are still here, not only because we keep showing up, but also from the support of people who have helped us get through the mess? Thank you." -Amy in Atlanta

For Colin, who notes: "Thank you. I could go on and on about that one but, please just play it."

Oh, here comes trouble Put your helmet on, we'll be heading for a fall For a list of resources to help put that helmet on when you fall, go here: www.kexp.org

Through the storm, we reach the shore You're listening to Music Heals, all day here on KEXP. Reach out with your stories and songs of hope while struggling with anxiety and depression to dj@kexp.org.

"This year I lost a friend to suicide and it triggered feelings inside me asking, if he couldn’t overcome his depression how will I? I’ve struggled with depression and self loathing for many years now and none have been worse than this year, and while I have a strong network of friends and support I am always afraid that I will hurt them as I struggle with my mental health. The morning show has given me a place where I can cry and let some of those feelings out. Hearing someone tell me “You are not alone” each morning has helped so much, and has been a message I have co-opted when speaking to my friends about their own mental health. I would like to request the song Not by Big Thief, as a reminder we are not the worst things we think we are, and we are not alone. Thank you for being there each morning." - Mason from Madison, WI

"Hi Gabriel, John, Morgan, Owen, everyone at KEXP, This is an important realization/recognition, especially in these even lonelier, isolated times, of how many of us are or have been experiencing depression & anxiety. Since the early 90s, I've been off & on struggling, unaware back then that I was having panic attacks. At one point, later in life, it became almost debilitating, afraid to have our young kids in the car w/me, bc what if I couldn't function? Damn those what-ifs. Thanks to my husband, medication, exercise, hugs from the kids, & ALWAYS music, I'm here, being grateful. A song that has propped me up & played loud when possible -- The Day I Tried to Live by Soundgarden. I didn't feel so alone. *RIP Chris Cornell. Thank you KEXP for this CommUNITY." - Amy in Baltimore, MD

"It's getting harder and harder to say 'it's okay'" - Eddie Vedder asking for help from the audience during this performance at The Gorge. Don't forget you can ask for help too! For a list of resources, you can go here: www.kexp.org

"My birthday is today, and I’m wondering if you can play Alive by Pearl Jam. My partner and I moved in together THREE WEEKS before lockdown, and I started grad school in mental health counseling while still working full time three weeks after that. These are good things to be stressed about, but we’ve still had our moments. We’ve gotten in the habit of breaking into spontaneous dance parties in the living room when the stress peaks (it really helps!) and I’ve officially perfected my air guitar solo on Pearl Jam’s Alive. It’s seriously 10/10. I know my friends will be listening, because we all listen every morning and text each other when you play our favorites, and I want us to all have BIRTHDAY BANGOVERS. (I think it was Troy who taught us that word last week, meaning when your neck hurts the day after head banging. Been there!) Also, on my friends’ birthdays this year, I just text them the Eddie Vedder I’m Still Alive gif, because that’s basically the bar for 2020. So it feels fitting. Thanks for all the support you and the rest of KEXP have provided this year! And thanks in advance if you’re able to enable a morning dance party for my friends and I on my birthday." - Loving amplifier, Erin

"Hi there, I didn’t think I had a song to share. Then I messaged a bit back and forth with local Seattle band, Beverly Crusher, tonight because their single “Scared” was my top song of 2020. Last year I finally found the courage to leave an abusive and violent relationship. I was terrified of him (even though I loved him), but even more scared of leaving him. I didn’t know who I was independent of that relationship. I didn’t think I would survive on my own. I had flashbacks, guilt, shame ... I thought it was all my fault. I first heard “Scared” by Beverly Crusher on KEXP with Eva Walker on Audioasis. The song build, lyrics, and everything hit very close. For the first time, I felt strong when I felt scared. I listened to it while running, when upset, when happy. It pushed me. It allowed me to feel my emotions, to be scared, but not get taken down into an abyss of despair. It empowered me. A year later after leaving my abusive ex, my PTSD has decreased significantly and I am now very happy in a healthy, loving relationship. Tonight I messaged with the band and he shared that the song was meant to empower, and he wrote it after the Parkland shooting: “Thank you so much for that insight. I’m glad you were able to remove yourself from your situation and put yourself in a better place. Literally all I wanted from that song was for it to empower people. let people know that whatever situation you are in its ok to be scared but be aware.” The lyrics, “if you know what I know / you would be scared,” while in my situation apply in a very different context, resonated so deeply with me. With domestic violence and abuse, outsiders usually do not know about, or believe, the extent of the abuse. No one knew how bad it was. Abusers present extremely well in public and to their community. Victims often hide it, or do not share the extent of the abuse with those closest to them (like I did), because of an overwhelming sense of shame. Even “our” closest friends didn’t understand or know about the extent of the abuse. I still don’t think they “know what I know.” The song empowered me and taught me that it’s okay to be scared, just don’t let it stop you. Thanks for everything that you all do at KEXP. Music heals."

For Crystal: "This year has been a hard one. I haven't worked since March 9th. The Strokes was my last concert I worked. March 12 was my boyfriend's birthday. The day after that everything shut down. Things were okay until the early morning of August 21st. When he collapsed and died in front of me. We were together for 15 years. If you could play Feel the pain by Dinosaur Jr. I would appreciate it. Also it's my 48th birthday today."

"Greetings from Dallas, TX! I heard about KEXP at my company Christmas party last year in Santa Barbara. A beautiful, feisty woman and fellow music lover from West Seattle told me about it. As a huge passionate fan of music across many genres and decades – no one delivers like KEXP. I’ve been listening to today’s morning show with John Richards and, of course, amazing songs. Icalled and woke up that now very close friend and the beautiful, feisty woman I met that night and told her to turn it on. “KEXP is crushing it right now for mental health day.” I’m thinking - everyone with mental struggles needs to hear John’s show. Anyone really! I give John huge props for his brave vulnerability to share his struggles; it’s authentic and refreshing. After I lost my father suddenly in 1990, I spiraled downwards very fast at the age of 15. Ultimately, getting expelled from school and ending up in a rehab center for six weeks. I, too was very suicidal. I wrote poetry as my outlet, and music became my voice. The Joshua Tree is the top album that has always provided comfort in times of sorrow, and of course, With or Without You was just played. Pearl Jam’s Ten is up there too. The songs Release Me and Black – musical therapy…..instrumental tools conveying what I didn’t know how to express – regardless of Eddie’s meanings behind the songs, I created my own, and they helped me endure. They carried me. And of course Alive, which is playing now. I eventually graduated high school, yet struggled through four different colleges over seven years, paying my way as a bartender. I never quit and finally got my Bachelor’s degree. I am now 45 years old with two amazing, crazy daughters and am a successful international account executive for an IT company. If by chance this is read on the air, my advice to the listeners is: Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. TRUST YOUR STRUGGLE. Thanks for taking the time to read." - Stephen

From listener Lynda: "I belong to a virtual family of musicheads, folks from all over the country (and world!) drawn together by the joy that music brings (and, tbh, the joy that bashing each other’s taste in music brings). We’re the Coffee Breakers. On Jan 1, 2020, we got the news that one of our own, Grumpy Dave, passed unexpectedly. He had a huge love of music, and an even bigger heart. We supported each other through that tragedy, and every day since during this s**tshow we call 2020. For Grumpy Dave, and for my Coffee Breaker family, could you play Wish You Were Here?"

Find this new R.E.M. cover from Death Cab for Cutie here: deathcabforcutie.bandcamp.com

If the isolation of this year is becoming too much of a struggle for your mental health, we have a list of resources to help here: www.kexp.org

"Good morning John, I hope you're surviving the 2020 American Crisis™ as best you can. This pandemic has been hell for a lot of people, and while I've been spared the horrors of this disease so far (knock on wood) the mental health and social consequences of this moment have been on my back every day. I work at one of the only places that served the homeless in Seattle back in March during the first wave. Almost every single other organization in Pioneer square closed their doors in that moment, and we were the last ones standing. We fed nearly 200 people every day. The toll that the pandemic took on the hearts and minds of the people was devastating. Everyone in survival mode, traumatized and panicked, losing friends and family left and right. Many of them were struggling with severe mental illness, but all of them were terrified and cut off from 90% of the services they need to survive. In those days I saw the pain that has always lived on the streets of our city, and what happens when pushed to the breaking point. During those four or five months I was physically assaulted twice, and verbally abused countless times by the very people we were trying to help. I've always struggled with depression and anxiety, but this year has thrown me into the deep end. The traumas of the spring threw me into a terrible place. Panic attacks, nightmares, tremors, sleepless nights, headaches - the full depression/anxiety package. I've always been a musician. I can't live without music, period. But the will and drive to listen to music left me at that point. It's that part of depression where the things that used to make you happy are the hardest to do. KEXP has been my sole source of music for the past 9 months. You've given me a friendly voice, a real person I can text (and will text me back!), who will play the music I need to survive. Thank you for doing this today, and doing what you do every day. In a world that seems to have stopped supporting us at every turn, we need to be there for one another. We need to meet each other with kindness and grace and open-heartedness in order to survive. We all play a small part in the large world, and every part is important. Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone." -Jeremy

"Shows like this are so important because feeling connected and heard and, as you said earlier, finding your tribe, can save lives. I went through my worst bout of depression around 10 years ago, and despite having friends and parents who were there for me, I still felt overwhelmingly numb, disconnected and worthless. That no one really needed me around. On a particularly dark day I found the energy to walk my family's dog. But then out in the woods, in the snow, I just lost all hope. I sank down and I don't know if I'd have got up again if that dog hadn't come over, sat down next to me and leant herself against me. She just waited with me, and I felt warmth, I felt connected and needed. And I took a step to accepting that others needed me around too, and that I still wanted to be around. So, as shout out to support networks in all their species and forms. Grasp connection however it comes - in-person, online, on the other end of a phone, or on a radio wave. We care, we hear you. You are not alone. 'Sweet Thing' by Van Morrisson is a song that spoke to me then and now. 'And I will walk and talk in gardens all wet with rain'. I will find a way out. I will keep trying. Anyway, cheers, keep up the good work." - Fraser in Edinburgh.

You're listening to Music Heals: Mental Health, a day of programming dedicated to calling attention to the public health crisis that is depression and anxiety, and exploring how music can help us know we are not alone. We have a list of resources to help here: www.kexp.org

"Good morning KEXP Morning show, I know my request is late and you have so many to get to, but if it fits, I'd love if you could play something for my little guy Crosby. My son Crosby and I listen to your show on streaming archive during every Kindergarten zoom break. Although he never mentions it, I know he hears you saying "you are not alone" and I hope it is sinking in for him. One day in March, I picked him up from preschool and a two week break turned into two months turned into what now seems like two years. He hasn't seen the teachers or students that he grew up with since that day. Every single weekday since he was 1 year old he saw and connected with these people. And in an instant, all of that was gone. Yesterday, you mentioned that we should check in with our kids, and you were right. It struck a chord with me because it helped me to see that my son is also not alone in his struggle to adjust to whatever this new normal is. Not a shy bone in his body, he'll talk to anyone and everyone who will listen, and that drive to connect with others has been roadblocked by this pandemic. And his struggle wears on him in ways that a 5 year old has very few ways to process. Us adults have our jobs and our memes and our social media and our social justice work or our voting... ways of still feeling like we belong and have significance in these strange times. Kids his age are supposed to be building these feelings of belonging and significance in kid ways - through playing with one another. They say kids are resilient, and I know they are. But I want to take a minute to recognize that this is so hard for kids of any age, in different ways than it is hard for us adults. And it manifests itself through so many different behaviors and tantrums and tears that we often try to discourage our kids from having and sometimes frustrate us - but these feelings are so real, and our kids are hurting from this, just like we are. I want to honor that yesterday might have been hard, and tomorrow might be easier, but today, my dear Crosby, I'm requesting a song for you on the radio and that makes it a lovely day. Could you play Lovely Day by Bill Withers for my son to remind him that he is not alone? Thank you KEXP for showing up for us every day. Your work is essential to mental health and I am grateful for you." -Jessica --- Rhiannon also notes: "I usually write in every time you guys do this show.. I suffer from depression and anxiety and proven to be the only thing that helps when I'm having the roughest of days, Bill withers lovely day is one of the classics that can always pull me back to a moment of peace."

"We all do some amazing mental gymnastics in order to not feel the things we think are intolerable. But the truth is, our feelings are full of information and can help determine the route forward. I Can See Clearly Now is one of the songs that I’ve listened to for years, but resonated so deeply when I heard it in the midst of ending a 25 year marriage. We can’t force something to work when it’s unworkable. Finding support and knowing I’m not alone have been key to moving forward. I’m so grateful to friends, family, therapy, music, and KEXP." - Judy

Rise up this mornin' Smiled with the risin' sun Three little birds Pitch by my doorstep Singin' sweet songs Of melodies pure and true Sayin', this is my message to you

Request for Anne in St. Louis: "Could you play You Are Not Alone, Brandon Summers? It's meant so much to me since I first heard it on your show. I've dealt with depression my whole life, and having a particularly hard time right now. I feel alone. And like everyone around me is expecting me to go to this dark place I find myself in so often. I feel like it's all they see in me right now. Your show brings a little light in this darkness."

Keep your eyes on right Keep your eyes on right ahead Get your head on right Get your head on right again You're listening to Music Heals: Mental Health, a day of programming dedicated to calling attention to the public health crisis that is depression and anxiety, and exploring how music can help us know we are not alone. We have a list of resources to help here: www.kexp.org

This year has put us all under a lot of pressure! Please reach out if you need help to get through. You can find a list of resources here: www.kexp.org

"Thank you again for reminding us We Are Not Alone! My two sources of physical and emotional health are live music and ultimate frisbee. I chose our most recent Brooklyn apartment in order to be close to Prospect Park. The bandshell and pick up ultimate are a 5 minute walk away. While pick up is happening again, I have not played ultimate out of fear of covid, and also being old :-). The bandshell has no bands, but it does have this lovely sentiment: www.prospectpark.org Can you play Where is My Mind by the Pixies?" - Troy

And if the darkness is to keep us apart And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off And if your glass heart should crack And for a second you turn back Oh no, be strong Walk on, walk on What you got they can't steal it No, they can't even feel it Walk on, walk on Stay safe tonight This has been The Morning Show on Music Heals Day here at KEXP. Take care of yourselves out there. You are not alone! www.kexp.org

We've all been going a little crazy this year. So happy to be here to support you today on Music Heals Mental Health day. This is the Midday Show. Send in your stories and requests to dj@kexp.org or 206-903-5397. Songwriter Fran Healy said, "First of all, I love the idea of having the word 'sing' repeated in the chorus of a song—it's just so silly," and he explained that the emotional weight of the song originates from the belief that "feeling free enough to cut loose and sing in front of someone you love is an indication of extraordinary intimacy and trust."