Brick by Brick

Your path to hardcore humanism

Depression
Jaret Reddick and the Power of “Almost”

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on July 1, 2026

Bowling for Soup founding member Jaret Reddick shares his struggle with physical and mental health and how the song "Almost" may have evolved in its meaning over time.

Bowling for Soup founding member Jaret Reddick shares his struggle with physical and mental health and how the song "Almost" may have evolved in its meaning over time.

Authenticity
How Bill Huard Found His Greater Purpose

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on August 6, 2025

"I was a young kid in Canada, I wanted to play hockey. I wanted to be the goal scorer. Nobody starts wanting to be the fighter. I had to be somebody different.”

"I was a young kid in Canada, I wanted to play hockey. I wanted to be the goal scorer. Nobody starts wanting to be the fighter. I had to be somebody different.”

Career
Don Felder and the Spirit Inside the Eggshell

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on May 26, 2025

I spoke with four-time Grammy Award Winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician and songwriter Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, about how he self-actualized in his music career.

I spoke with four-time Grammy Award Winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician and songwriter Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, about how he self-actualized in his music career.

Authenticity
Facing Existential Dread With Randy Blythe

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on February 27, 2025

Existential dread can be understood as intense feelings of anxiety, depression, or loneliness that arise from contemplating mortality. We can cope with a strong sense of purpose.

Existential dread can be understood as intense feelings of anxiety, depression, or loneliness that arise from contemplating mortality. We can cope with a strong sense of purpose.

Creativity
The Magic of the Band Plain White T’s

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on November 30, 2023

Tom Higgenson shares how he identifies, curates, and appreciates "magical" moments in life, including when writing songs like "Hey There Delilah."

Tom Higgenson shares how he identifies, curates, and appreciates "magical" moments in life, including when writing songs like "Hey There Delilah."

Self-Talk
What We Can Learn From Echosmith About Feeling “Cracked”

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on August 1, 2023

Many of us have had the feeling that we are “cracked,” in which we judge ourselves as different from others. The feeling can be part of a dynamic process of growth and change.

Many of us have had the feeling that we are “cracked,” in which we judge ourselves as different from others. The feeling can be part of a dynamic process of growth and change.

Emotion Regulation
How Shaun Morgan Empties His Jar

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on April 1, 2023

"Every time I allowed myself to be vulnerable, I was let down again. And then it became a shame. I felt ashamed that I had allowed myself to be fooled again and again and again."

"Every time I allowed myself to be vulnerable, I was let down again. And then it became a shame. I felt ashamed that I had allowed myself to be fooled again and again and again."

Identity
Heavy Metal GWAR and the Power of Identity

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on August 11, 2022

"It was a matter of personal economics. It just started costing me more to do it than I was taking away from it. And so I had to stop.”

"It was a matter of personal economics. It just started costing me more to do it than I was taking away from it. And so I had to stop.”

Environment
Why We Feel Empty

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on July 7, 2022

When feeling empty and disconnected, instead of filling the void with unhealthy habits, here are steps we can take to understand and embrace our emptiness to achieve fulfillment.

When feeling empty and disconnected, instead of filling the void with unhealthy habits, here are steps we can take to understand and embrace our emptiness to achieve fulfillment.

Career
The Evolution of Iggor Cavalera

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on May 27, 2022

Achieving the fame and success you dreamed of as an artist may have unintended consequences. Musician Iggor Cavalera discusses how he finds balance.

Achieving the fame and success you dreamed of as an artist may have unintended consequences. Musician Iggor Cavalera discusses how he finds balance.

Relationships
How to Cope When People Let You Down

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on May 20, 2022

How do we cope when we feel let down by someone we trust? Here are a few suggestions as inspired by Dr. Mike's conversation with the artist Jewel.

How do we cope when we feel let down by someone we trust? Here are a few suggestions as inspired by Dr. Mike's conversation with the artist Jewel.

Addiction
How Ann Wilson Groks the Abyss

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on May 11, 2022

Ann Wilson of the band Heart talks about coping with feelings of emptiness and loneliness by embracing the pain through music.

Ann Wilson of the band Heart talks about coping with feelings of emptiness and loneliness by embracing the pain through music.

Anxiety
Why Jewel Knows That We Are Never Broken

Michael Friedman Ph.D. on April 22, 2022

While negative emotions and anxiety may make us feel "broken," the artist, Jewel, shares how viewing them as our allies can show just how whole we are.

While negative emotions and anxiety may make us feel "broken," the artist, Jewel, shares how viewing them as our allies can show just how whole we are.

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Magazine
May 2026 magazine cover
May 2026
The Best Ways to Begin Again

The best way to begin something new—in love, work, and life.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes