Audacy’s Mental Health Broadcast, “I’m Listening,” Returns

Audacy’s mental health initiative, “I’m Listening,” will continue to deliver engaging conversations to listeners nationwide through its annual broadcast special, which returns Wednesday, September 20, 2023. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the broadcast will bring together artists, athletes, medical experts and others to highlight why talking about mental health is important and discuss how they manage their own mental health. Listeners can call in live to share their inspiring stories and learn about valuable resources available to them.

Carson Daly, radio personality and co-host of NBC’s “TODAY” and “The Voice,” will return to host this year’s special program. Daly will be joined alongside Katie Neal, Audacy’s nationally syndicated Country host, and Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble (Dr. Alfiee), psychologist, author and scientist who founded the mental health nonprofit The AAKOMA Project.

 The two-hour special will air nationwide on Wednesday, September 20, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time across more than 220 Audacy stations and will be live-streamed via its digital app and website.

“Talking about, and taking care of, mental health isn’t just a fad. It truly affects everyone, and a mantra we live by – Talk Saves Lives,” said Dave Richards, Senior Vice President of Programming, Audacy. “We started ‘I’m Listening’ to destigmatize the conversation around mental health, and while we’ve made great strides, there’s still work to be done. On the broadcast and through year-round audio capsules and digital content, our guests explore what they do to maintain their mental health. By sharing these stories, we hope our audience knows they are not alone, that vulnerability is okay, and that asking for help does not make one weak or a burden. We encourage everyone to join the conversation.”

“Audacy’s partnership has been invaluable, enabling us to reach millions of people with lifesaving mental health and suicide prevention education. With their leadership, the ‘I’m Listening’ platform and We Can Survive concert elevate a much-needed national conversation on mental health and connect those who may be struggling to resources,” said Robert Gebbia, CEO, AFSP. “We're grateful to all of the incredible talent who help us raise funds to save lives and who remind us through the power of music and storytelling that we are not alone.”

Guests for this year’s broadcast include multi-platinum recording artist and actress Selena Gomez, singer-songwriter Adam Lambert, Latina musician and actress Anitta, Hip-Hop artist Chance the Rapper, Country duo Dan + Shay, superstar Ed Sheeran, New York Times bestselling author and “Happier” podcast host Gretchen Rubin, Audacy Launch artist Jelly Roll, actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba, television host and singing sensation Kelly Clarkson, musician Lewis Capaldi, Rock band Paramore, former NFL player Richard Sherman, and R&B singer SZA. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the surgeon general, AFSP’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Christine Moutier, and Vice President of Health Equity and Engagement, Victor Armstrong, will also participate by providing mental health and suicide prevention expertise and resources for those who tune into the program.

“Mental health is such an important thing, and I think the biggest thing, and this might not be what everybody wants to talk about, but a lot of that has to do with what we’re putting in our bodies and what we’re doing to the environment. And I think people are now starting to listen to that because they’re starting to notice what we’re doing is really affecting us and our mental health.” - Kelly Clarkson

“I put my phone down and I play with my kids. And I just disconnect from work and stress and all the stuff. And there’s something very healing about it…I grew up in a Mexican-American family, and they still have a hard time talking about mental health…I feel like I can take on the day in a more healthy way because I do what I need to get through it. We shouldn’t be so judgemental of one another.” - Jessica Alba

“One of the main tools I use to work towards my mental health is finding presence of mind, finding gratitude, anchoring myself in things like this, constantly listening, and trying to learn. And I use music to navigate my mental health as a way of therapy. I don’t mean writing it — that’s very therapeutic as well — but, to this day, if I need to sort through some thoughts, I’ll still get in that old truck and hit up a back road and turn up the radio.” - Jelly Roll

The “I’m Listening” broadcast special was founded in 2017 in response to the tragic suicide loss of Soundgarden's Chris Cornell and is at the heart of Audacy’s ongoing mental health campaign. What began as a one-time program has evolved into a multifaceted course of action supported by the entire organization, including the annual broadcast and specialty radio programming, on-demand audio on the Audacy app, collaborations with national and local organizations, and more. The partnership with AFSP has helped extend the broadcast’s message to live events, including the annual We Can Survive concert, taking place on October 14, 2023 at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ and featuring performances by Maroon 5, ONEREPUBLIC, Kelly Clarkson and more. For more information, visit WeCanSurvive.com.

“I’m Listening” aims to encourage those dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.