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Sometimes the biggest obstacles we face are the ones we create for ourselves. On this compelling episode of Going There with Dr. Mike, musician Petey USA opens up about battling “the yips.” More specifically, he shares his journey through depression and self-doubt, revealing how he discovered that many of his perceived limitations were actually self-constructed barriers designed to keep him “safe” in his comfort zone.
Petey introduces the concept of “the yips” — a term borrowed from golf that describes when something you’ve always been able to do suddenly stops working, and also the name used for his new album. “It’s just a moment where cognitively, something you’ve been able to do your entire life just stops clicking and you just lose it,” he explains. “I think it’s the definition of getting in your own way, and your brain is the thing that is causing you to struggle.”
The musician candidly discusses how he spent years in what he calls “constructed barriers,” telling himself he wasn’t capable of traditional adult responsibilities like maintaining a career or providing for a family. “I would kind of be like, ‘This is my place, this is where I am. I’m not going to evolve beyond this because I can’t, and that’s impossible,'” Petey recalls of his self-limiting mindset.
His breakthrough came during a moment of what he describes as “rock bottom” — when he made the conscious decision to spend $300 he couldn’t afford, going directly against his programming. Interestingly, COVID-19 also provided unexpected clarity for Petey, who found relief in the simplified world it created. “The lack of noise. The lack of periphery,” he explains. “It’s just like, ‘Oh wow, the chatter has shut down. The world has shut down.’ The playing field has been leveled… I can deal with that. I can actually thrive in that.”
Listen to Petey USA discuss his journey from self-imposed limitations to authentic living on Going There with Dr. Mike above, and watch a clip from the episode below (or via YouTube). You can also catch Petey USA on tour this fall with Alex Cameron (plus an August 30th show opening for Zach Bryan!) by getting tickets here.
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.
English (US) · 