Listen via: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | More Platforms
On this episode of Going There with Dr. Mike, alternative pop sensation Bishop Briggs opens up about one of life’s most challenging experiences: loss. The singer-songwriter joins host Dr. Mike Friedman for a deeply personal conversation about grief, coping mechanisms, and the misconceptions surrounding how we’re ‘supposed’ to process trauma. Listen to Briggs share her story above or wherever you get your podcasts.
In this raw and honest discussion, Briggs challenges the common narrative that people simply bounce back to their old selves after experiencing profound loss. The conversation then delves into the different ways people cope with grief, as the artist reflects on her own journey and the pressure to grieve in socially acceptable ways. She discusses the dangerous misconception that avoiding substances inherently means grieving ‘correctly,’ revealing how there are many ways to numb oneself while dealing with trauma. It’s a theme underpinned by Bishop’s new album Tell My Therapist I’m Fine, which delves into the ways we cope with unimaginable loss and attempt to find new ways to live when everything has changed.
Briggs also addresses the isolation that comes with loss, explaining that “everyone has a different relationship with whoever they have lost, everyone has a different relation to grief. There’s no textbook describing what to do.” Along the way, she introduces the powerful analogy of grief as “glitter,” as in something that never truly goes away but remains a part of you forever. The episode then takes a particularly powerful turn when Briggs opens up about suicidal ideation and the importance of having trusted support systems.
Throughout their conversation, Dr. Mike and Bishop Briggs explore the complex relationship between high-functioning behavior and internal struggles, the pressure to perform normalcy while processing trauma, and the misconceptions about what healing actually looks like. The artist also touches on her experience with antidepressants and therapy, offering insight for those considering mental health treatment.
Listen to Bishop Briggs discuss her journey with grief, mental health, and finding meaning after loss above or via YouTube. Those in need of mental health assistance can also check out the Sound Mind Live resources page for a list of helplines, community programs, therapy links, and more.
Going There is created in partnership between the Consequence Podcast Network and Sound Mind Live. This season is brought to you by Johnson & Johnson, who believes that health is everything. Their strength in healthcare innovation empowers them to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through their expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, they are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com, on the @JanssenUS and @JNJInnovMed on X.
Note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and self-harm. If you are struggling or thinking about harming yourself, please seek help by contacting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. For help with substance abuse and mental health, please call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
