Russ ON: Toxic Masculinity, Music & Mental Health: “My Songs Were Cries For Help”

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Published 2023-08-21
Today, we welcome a special second-time guest: Russ. He’s a multi-platinum rapper, singer-songwriter, producer, and best-selling author.

Russ talks to us about his successful music career and the highs and lows that come with fame and excess. He shares his self-development journey and the realizations he's come to by facing his emotions and going to therapy.

In this interview, we'll discuss:
00:00 Intro
00:59 Being Your Own Worst Critic
03:50 Russ On His Song 'Oasis'
05:11 Facing Your Issues
08:19 Why Do Men Struggle With Emotions?
11:42 Using Music To Address Mental Health
15:02 Society's Stigma Around Men's Mental Health
16:51 Why Are Men Afraid To Show Vulnerability, Especially Around Women?
19:49 How To Get Men To Open Up
23:38 Why Does Success Not Bring Happiness?
31:37 Why Self-Validation Is Important
33:47 Creating A Healthy Internal Monologue
36:05 Navigating An Identity Crisis
40:20 What Does 'Growing Down' Mean?
41:29 Feeling Insecure and Facing Dark Thoughts
46:22 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
48:28 If You Could Talk To Your Younger Self Now, What Do You Need To Hear?
52:07 We Don't See People As A Story, We See Them As A Page
56:31 The Toxic "I'm Always Right" Mindset
58:55 How To Be More Flexible & Open
01:04:04 On Turning 30 Years Old
01:05:16 Collaborating With Up-and-coming Artists
1:06:49 Where Does Your Ego Block You?
01:11:39 The Inspiration Behind The Album SANTIAGO
1:15:30 What SANTIAGO Track Should You Go Stream Now?

Russ' fifth studio album SANTIAGO released on August 18th, 2023.

Episode Resources:
Russ |    / @russ  
Russ | www.instagram.com/russ/
Russ | www.facebook.com/russtheone/
Russ | www.tiktok.com/@russ
Russ | shop.russ.is/

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All Comments (21)
  • @JayShettyPodcast.
    Wow, what an episode! Russ’ self-awareness and willingness to talk about mental health made this conversation truly special. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d like to invite you to join this community and subscribe to the channel. By hitting the 'Subscribe' button, you're not just becoming a subscriber – you're choosing to make a positive difference in your life.
  • @lisawillis8044
    “Some women looking at you lesser if there’s tears on your cheek, But if that tear is tattooed that same woman is a freak, So they’re attracted to pain, Unless they hear that pain speak” goddamn
  • @omerbloch
    Russ is changing the music industry but more importantly he is changing how men think. That’s fucking incredible
  • @Jay-ev7cs
    “Do it like Russ do it” -Nipsey Hussle
  • "everyone is at a different place in their journey, and wherever you at is fine" Russ man, what a legend!
  • @ambition112
    0:00: 🎯 Even after achieving everything he thought he wanted, Russ still felt empty and realized he was chasing the wrong things. 6:53: 🗣 The conversation highlights the importance of men's mental health and the struggle to express emotions in today's society. 13:37: 🗣 Russ discusses the pressure of being a perfectionist and the need for men to seek help and express vulnerability. 20:23: 🎤 The artist sought validation and approval in the music industry but realized it didn't solve the void. 27:15: 🎯 Russ discusses the fleeting nature of external validation and the importance of self-validation. 33:45: 💡 The speaker reflects on the negative impact of critical and judgmental motivation and emphasizes the importance of internal dialogue and self-acceptance. 40:43: 🎤 The artist reflects on his journey of self-discovery and authenticity in the music industry. 47:53: 💪 The speaker reflects on their younger self and expresses the need for compassion and grace. 54:49: 🔄 Being open-minded and flexible in our beliefs and identities is essential for personal growth and learning. 1:02:09: 💡 The ego is a false self-defense mechanism that creates a sense of security; it can block acknowledging truth and taking responsibility. 1:12:06: ✨ Russ discusses his album inspired by The Alchemist and the concept of ego. 1:15:41: 🎵 Russ recommends his track 'I Love You Boy' as the one to stream after listening to the episode. Recap
  • @kimg8456
    If only every man reached this level of emotional and mental awareness unfortunately materials are all some people strive to reach for. Good for russ life is so much more deep
  • @earth2lana
    I’ve been following Russ’ journey and it is beyond incredible seeing him do his internal work and manifesting his dreams 💗
  • @joshuajames4203
    Russ you’re showing so much growth and I’m extremely proud of the man you’re becoming. Thank you for being a real man and letting other men know it’s okay to be vulnerable. 🤝🏾
  • @Its_RA-sha
    It's a therapy session when your favorite artist is on your favorite podcast ❤
  • @AbodyRulez
    Amazing interview. Russ is so articulate and self-aware 🙏🏼🫶🏼
  • @anggell34
    Russ helped me through my break up. Especially Losing Control.
  • @ACGR6442
    I admire the level of awareness, vulnerability, honesty, rawness, and humility of this podcast. I am grateful to witness how both of you faced your shadows and create room for these constructive conversations. Thank you!
  • @camilanavas9479
    Russ interviews in Jay’s podcast are always so eye opening. I love how self aware and open he is about every topic he touches on. God bless them both, they’re amazing!
  • @CeeJay190488
    I'm only 23 minutes into this & I just have to say this warms my heart. Hearing you both speak about society based expectations on men & the impact it has & how asking for help is not what men have been lead to believe is just beautiful! I wish these conversations were so openly discussed back in 2010 when my older brother's mental health wasn't good. If men’s mental health was spoken about more back then, he might be here today. Sadly depression took him from us but I'm so happy to see the shift in culture & the push to change societal expectations! It may save lives!❤
  • @FlackoTVnetwork
    Only half way through and had to pause and give a thumbs up & comment. Conversations like this are needed in today’s generational society. Salute to Russ for understanding his massive influence and using his life testimony to help guide his supporters from all age ranges and walks of life.
  • @sisonke.kalipa
    This is a REAL brother right here. I'm grateful for stumbling on your music in 2014, you're very relatable and inspiring.
  • @tinaherron6523
    Wow this interview was so refreshing to watch, and he’s just 30 years of age and is able to be fully transparent about himself. Great work