Christopher French, the acclaimed composer and husband of actress Ashley Tisdale French, is set to unveil his new podcast, *Recovering*, on September 30. The show promises to delve into significant topics such as mental health, addiction, trauma, grief, and personal growth. This venture reflects a personal journey for French, who has spent two decades maintaining his sobriety after overcoming addiction.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/christopher-french-092526-1-1f19e855edda45759aae035d3cfe9b24.jpg)
In an interview with *PEOPLE*, French candidly admitted his unease with self-promotion, stating that he typically prefers to express himself through music. “Talking openly about myself is absolutely terrifying,” he confessed, acknowledging that he has often hidden behind a guitar or within a band. However, he is now ready to embrace vulnerability and engage in discussions that hold value, both for himself and for his listeners.
*Recovering* will feature a variety of guests, including celebrity friends who will join French to share their insights and experiences regarding mental health and recovery. “I’ve been sober for almost 20 years, and yet the voices of self-doubt often linger,” he reflected. “Despite that, I felt a compelling desire to push through and reconnect with my identity and experiences.”
French’s battle with addiction began during his adolescent years, leading to substantial challenges. He was expelled from his home, dropped out of high school, and spent time in juvenile detention as well as a rehabilitation centre in Mexico. At his lowest point, he contemplated ending his life, only to discover that there might be hope for change. This realisation prompted him to seek help – a pivotal moment that he recounts as a defining aspect of his recovery journey.
The catalyst for launching *Recovering* came during a difficult period in French’s life, exacerbated by the pandemic and the Hollywood strikes that affected the industry. Observing his wife grapple with postpartum depression following the birth of their daughter, Jupiter, further motivated him to explore these challenging experiences. “I watched Ashley go through something profoundly tough,” he said, highlighting that these topics are often unspoken yet crucial to address.
In the inaugural episode, French and Tisdale French discuss the complexities of her postpartum experience. He openly shares the challenges he faced in supporting her through this life-altering transition. “There was no instruction manual for how to assist her through it,” French noted. He took initiative in practical areas, such as household chores, so she could process her feelings at her own pace.
French emphasises the importance of patience and understanding when supporting a partner facing postpartum depression, encouraging listeners to cultivate their own support systems during challenging times. “Being present and gracious is vital,” he articulated, stressing that it’s essential for a caregiver to navigate their own emotional health while providing support.
Reflecting on their conversation, French describes the experience as healing, noting how discussing Tisdale French’s struggles allowed him to develop his listening skills and learn to create a supportive environment for others navigating similar issues. This process aligns with the primary mission of the podcast – to foster a judgement-free space for open dialogue about difficult yet universal human experiences.
*Recovering* is part of a broader initiative by French, who is also developing a digital platform named Channel Zero. He envisions this platform as a space for multiple shows that explore fundamental questions about the human experience. The podcast will incorporate personal footage that he has recorded over the years, adding a layer of authenticity and rawness to the discussions, distancing it from the polished, expert-driven content that dominates much of the current media landscape.
While preparing to share his stories and insights, French humbly acknowledges his lack of expertise, aiming instead to create a shared experience where listeners feel connected and understood. “I’m not an expert, but I’m here to ensure others know they are not alone in their struggles,” he remarked, aspiring to reach out through the digital realm.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for the inaugural episode of *Recovering*. Christopher French’s journey from a troubled youth to a sober individual advocating for mental health awareness offers hope and encouragement, paving the way for honest conversations that contribute to healing within the community.