Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien Opens Up About Depression, Fatigue & Childhood Trauma

Rich Roll

Jun 22, 2026

Episode description

Ed O'Brien is a member of Radiohead and the artist behind his new solo album "Blue Morpho." We discuss healing from depression, childhood trauma, the creative process, embracing uncertainty, the future of music, and more. READ MORE👉🏼http://bit.ly/richroll996
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CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Start
00:01:35 Body Intelligence
00:03:10 Universe Is Knocking
00:05:59 Dark Night Of The Soul
00:09:31 Healing Modalities
00:11:50 Childhood Trauma
00:16:44 Burden Of Dissatisfaction
00:18:50 AD BREAK 1
00:19:46 Life In Radiohead
00:25:50 Self Worth And Hiding
00:27:35 Spirit And Nature
00:34:14 Embracing Uncertainty
00:39:15 Songwriting Process
00:41:50 AD BREAK 2
00:42:08 AI And Music
00:48:09 Making Blue Morpho
00:51:12 Film Composition
00:55:02 Healing Lessons
00:57:15 Advice For Hard Times
00:59:15 California Influence
01:03:50 Advice For Artists
01:06:09 Radiohead Today

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Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist. But mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, visit my website or check out these two the NY Times articles:
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Mindsip insights from this episode:

Break free from the 'could do better' mindset for satisfaction

The simple phrase "could do better" from childhood school reports can become a relentless, exhausting, and unsustainable internal driver that prevents you from ever feeling satisfied.

#fulfillment

#mindset

Address childhood trauma to heal adult ailments

Gabor Maté's book "When the Body Says No" can help you understand that the source of many adult ailments, like autoimmune diseases and addictions, lies in unaddressed childhood trauma.

#autoimmunity

#trauma

Stop listening to music and embrace nature sounds for healing

During a deep depression, it can be healing to stop listening to familiar music and instead tune into the sounds of nature, like birdsong, to reset your system.

#healing

#music

Embrace uncertainty to foster transformation

Embracing uncertainty is crucial for transformation because it is a place free of past conditioning where your mind's learned experiences disappear.

#personal-growth

Reject AI music for authentic artistry

Great music requires a soul, which AI cannot possess, meaning AI-generated music will likely dominate "plastic pop" but fail to create true artistry.

#AI

#music

Explore Five Elements acupuncture for spiritual healing

Five Elements acupuncture is an old, pre-Maoist form of acupuncture that is philosophical and spiritual, focusing on the destiny of an individual.

#acupuncture

#spirituality

Foster deep connection through the Continuum Concept in parenting

The Continuum Concept, which involves practices like co-sleeping and extended rest for the mother post-birth, can foster a deep sense of purpose and connection.