Entercom will broadcast its fourth annual “I’m Listening,” a live national program that brings together artists, athletes and medical specialists to raise awareness and end the stigma of talking about mental health. The two-hour special will air nationwide and, for the first time, in primetime on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:00 pm local time across more than 230 Entercom stations and RADIO.COM livestream.
This year’s “I’m Listening” program will address mental health through the lens of the global pandemic and the fight for racial equality, among other issues facing the country today. Co-hosted by BJ Shea, morning show host for 99.9 KISW/Seattle and Dr. Chris Donaghue, international lecturer, therapist, educator and CHANNEL Q on-air host, the show will highlight shared mental health stories and experiences while also acting as a resource for those simply looking to connect, heal and share. Listeners are encouraged to call in for advice or to share a story.
Jon Bon Jovi, DJ Khaled, Guns ‘N Roses‘ Duff McKagan, Cage the Elephant‘s Brad Shultz, TLC‘s Chilli, Thomas Rhett, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, G-Eazy, Luke Combs, deadmau5, Waka Flocka Flame, Alanis Morissette, Lewis Capaldi, Julia Michaels, Jewel, Mötley Crüe‘s Nikki Sixx, Ava Max, Judah and the Lion‘s Judah Akers, X Ambassadors‘ Sam Nelson Harris and former Chicago Blackhawk Daniel Carcillo and Philadelphia Eagle Brandon Brooks are among those participating.
Guests will also include Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Moutier from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and Dr. Michael A. Lindsey, Executive Director of the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University (NYU), the Constance and Martin Silver Professor of Poverty Studies at NYU Silver School of Social Work, and Aspen Health Institute Innovators Fellow. The program will also feature Talinda Bennington, wife of late Chester Bennington and founding partner of mental health advocacy foundation 320 Changes Direction and Lily Cornell-Silver, daughter of late Chris Cornell and host of mental health-focused Instagram Live TV series “Mind Wide Open.”
“Conversations have the power to save lives and in this time of heightened unrest, human connection and sharing experiences have never been more powerful,” said Pat Paxton, Chief Programming Officer for Entercom. “Like millions of others, my family has been impacted by mental health issues and the effects it has on families and friends. ‘I’m Listening’ is part of our year-round mental health initiative that is integral to not only who we are as a company, but who we are as people. We’re committed to continuing to leverage our national platform to engage in these crucial and healing conversations.”
“It’s very important during these times that we look to things that inspire us to be great…to be excellent,” said DJ Khaled. “Keeping a positive mindset is the key to mental health. Always remember we have life…embrace it.”
