Audacy’s Mission: Listen To ‘I’m Listening’
• Audacy’s mental health initiative, I’m Listening, will continue to deliver engaging conversations to listeners nationwide through its annual broadcast special, which returns on Wednesday, Sept. 20. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the special 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.
The special will be hosted once again by Carson Daly, radio personality and co-host of NBC’s Today and host of The Voice, who will be joined by 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. Guests for this year’s broadcast include Selena Gomez, Adam Lambert, Anitta, Chance the Rapper, Dan + Shay, Ed Sheeran, Audacy Launch artist Jelly Roll, Jessica Alba, Kelly Clarkson, Lewis Capaldi, Paramore, SZA, Happier podcast host Gretchen Rubin, and former NFL player Richard Sherman. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, AFSP’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Christine Moutier, and Vice President of Health Equity and Engagement, Victor Armstrong, will also participate.
“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, Audacy Senior Vice President of Programming. “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,” said Robert Gebbia, CEO, AFSP. “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. 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.”
The two-hour special will air nationwide on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 7-9pm local time across more than 220 Audacy stations and will be live-streamed via its digital app and website. For more information about the campaign, please visit ImListening.org.
