Harder to Breathe

”““When we first got together and played music, it was one of the best times of my life. In his words, I can practically see and feel those moments again. So, I hope you have fun while reading this—but I also hope you walk away with inspiration from what Ryan has accomplished and achieved.””
—Adam Levine

““I didn’t know there was so much I didn’t know about my friend Ryan … He shares about his pain and discovery with such vulnerability and honesty and wit, and I’m inspired by his transformation. His willingness to invite others towards themselves through his own story, is undoubtedly going to help a lot of people.””
—Sara Bareilles

““Ryan captures youth and success in all their contradictions; the delirious joy, the heady sense of discovery, the searing bliss, the heartbreak, the confusion, the pain and disappointment. The real beauty of his story, however, lies in what comes later: finding balance, peace, and meaning as the light and noise of youth and fame dim … His story resonates with universal truths far deeper than the particulars of his path.””
—Mickey Madden

“”Harder to Breathe is not only a detailed chronicle of the early days of the band, but an inspiring story of redemption. Ryan’s personal journey is inspiring and will remind those in need of help that change is possible.“”
—James Valentine

““Ryan had to face a devastating loss and step away from the group just as our childhood dreams were coming true. How he navigated his way through such a difficult life experience is admirable and inspiring., and now here is this book for you to read.””
—Jesse Carmichael “

Ryan Dusick is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist with an MA in Clinical Psychology and the founding drummer of Maroon 5.

As a boy, he dreamt of pitching for the Dodgers and writing adventure novels. Arm injuries sidelined his burgeoning baseball career, just as rock music became his new passion and purpose. Founding Kara’s Flowers in 1994 with Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden, and Adam Levine, Ryan worked tirelessly through his college years at UCLA before the band changed its name to Maroon 5 and had its first hit record, Songs About Jane. Multiple hit songs, two Grammy Awards, and 20 million albums sold later, Ryan found himself suffering and without direction as his career as a performer came to an end, just as it was taking off.

Struggling with physical and mental health challenges, Ryan overcame his struggles in 2016, when he began his journey of recovery, culminating in a new life path full of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Now working as a mental health professional at The Missing Peace Center for Anxiety in Agoura Hills, CA, Ryan is spreading the message that recovery is possible, and some astounding things can come with it.

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