Why I Stopped Uploading

[@wegztheking611]

glad yo see you back !

[@carl_busch]

Thank Yoo

[@loowaters]

I've enjoyed the content you've created and it's nice to see you coming forward with what's going on in your life and the struggles you're moving past. Even though it's only been one time we've met, you're an unforgettable player in how my life is going now...and it's all good. You never know who you've impacted and how, and I bet I'm not the only one whose chance meeting with you had a positive result. Appreciate you and wish you the best.

[@carl_busch]

I really appreciate that! Where did we meet? It's hard to know with peoples user names. LOL

[@loowaters]

@@carl_busch You were tending bar on quiet night at the Julien some time back when my girlfriend and I had our first date. You were great talking about tiki drinks and other mixological stuff.

[@carl_busch]

@@loowaters Right on. Glad you guys had a fun time. Also glad you guys are still together.

[@alstegman]

Carl, thank you so much for sharing this. You are so brave and you will help a lot of people. My husband and I met you at your “hotel job” last summer and you were so awesome to talk to and we have been following you ever since. Love your content but you and Riley take care of yourselves and each other!

[@carl_busch]

Thank for following and glad you enjoy what we do. Means a lot.

[@CoachVinoLLC]

Coincidentally, my #short today is about vulnerability and the importance of being comfortable with your truth. It isn’t easy but the freedom and growth that comes with it, is well worth the discomfort . I’m so happy you shared this video. It’s brave, it’s important and hopefully it’ll inspire others, especially us fellas. I’m so damn proud of you. I love you, brother. ♥️

[@carl_busch]

Thanks for all your help and words these past few months. I hope others can watch this and learn something. Love you too

[@christinecamley]

Beautiful message my friend! I agree that Carl is super brave. Women reach out for help more quickly and open up to friends easier to discuss difficulties and we all have to support the amazing guys we know so they feel safe opening up! It can be lifesaving to reach out for help. No one should ever feel a sense of stigma or feel they will be judged. To heck with anyone who doesn't understand! So many people experience depression and related conditions. You rock my friend! 🙂

[@MasterYourGlass]

Hi Carl. All the best to you and take your time to heal. Your community will be here patiently waiting.

[@carl_busch]

Much appreciated

[@CameronVail1]

I love you guys, keep your heads up!

[@carl_busch]

Love you too, Cameron.

[@philipheebsh4201]

Many of us have been in dark and lonely places. Good on you for getting help and leaning on your partner. I will be back in town after the first and looking forward to more of your creations.

[@carl_busch]

Help and Riley have been a great thing in my life. I am no longer at the Riverboat Lounge. Im the marketing manager at 7 Hills. You can DM ,e on our IG account and we can meet up.

[@christinecamley]

Carl I am sending huge care and please know it's such a big thing to share because it honestly makes it easier for people to be open when they hear others share their own difficulties. I am a psychologist and I work with many people struggling and I have had 2 serious bouts with clinical depression and anxiety. Medication and psychotherapy made a big difference for me. I know how horrific it feels. I had total burnout. Support from friends and family (sometimes friends are family!!) is critical. Hey I have a terrific ear so if you are ever having a rough moment or something bigger and just need to reach out you have a friend here. You both do!! If I say something I mean it! I admire you so much and trust me you are going to feel better. It will get better. In the worst of dark times it can feel like it won't. But it will! I promise! It's such a gift to be open and share and depression is no different than being diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease. It's an illness to take care of and you deserve terrific care. I am sending tons of healing vibes my friend and I support you both 100%!! Hugs to you and Riley!! Oh! Okay one more small thing. I kind of hesitated to add this in but I will. For myself I needed to give up alcohol for awhile when I was severely stressed/depressed and taking on a lot that was new. It is a depressant and it made me worse and it can really alter sleep and people need healthy sleep to recover. It's a totally individual choice and this is just a caring addition to hopefully help! The brain needs lots of care when someone is depressed. Depression hits 1 in 5 people so that's 20% at least and that's a lot of people. You have lots of us out here who care a lot Carl!! h and if you have any side effects from the AD medication, don't worry - dosage can be tinkered with and there are many ADs available to try! Wellbutrin is awesome - fewer side effects! It's all going to be okay!! Damn depression. You will be smiling a lot again before you know it!🙂

[@RileyTaylor26]

I also work in mental health! Thank you for backing up everything I've been saying for the past 10 years 😉.

[@christinecamley]

@@RileyTaylor26 Hey that's so awesome Riley!! I love this field and while it can be very stressful it also brings huge rewards! I can totally see you working in mental health! I'm super glad I backed up what you have been speaking about!! I remember a psychiatrist told me when I was experiencing a tough depression that alcohol essentially wipes out the benefits of any antidepressant. It's kind of safer to give it a bit of a break for awhile! Wellbutrin is a great antidepressant and has left side effects. That's so great because people tend to stay on meds better and take them as prescribed if they have fewer side effects! Be well!! Much care! 🙂

[@carl_busch]

Thank you so much for all the kind words. I have learned a lot these past 4 months about mental health, meds, and everything else. Thank you so much for your support.

[@christinecamley]

@@carl_busch Carl you always have a friend here! I sure understand! Be good to yourself! I hope you and Riley can have a lovely weekend. I am sending care. 🙂

[@rasmusforstberg]

Mental health always comes first! All the best to you two!❤

[@carl_busch]

Thank you, same to you.

[@tammyjohns1157]

Thank you both for sharing! Much love and positive vibes to you all. Come back when you are ready, we'll all be here 💜

[@carl_busch]

Thank you! Will do!

[@ChefGracesPlace]

I appreciate this video a lot ❤ thanks for posting

[@carl_busch]

You're so welcome!

[@RobBalazs]

Glad that you are doing better, and thanks for sharing an important message.

[@carl_busch]

Thank you for taking the time to watch.

[@ysteinrantrud8101]

Hi Carl! Thanks for sharing, and for having the courage to share difficult stuff! Wishing you all the best and glad you have good people around you.

[@carl_busch]

Thanks so much! I'm glad I do too.

[@TheHomeBartenderwithAnn]

I completely & totally understand, relate and have been through most things you addressed. I enjoy the filming as well. I still think when I have a great cocktail that I want to share it with all of our viewers. I have a therapist now, I am at an age where my health is changing and extremely challenging. I stopped the channel this summer and have felt relief just from that. Plus the drinking so much helped. It was not good for my health either. I totally disconnected from all socials and don’t really miss it much. But I did miss and didn’t know that you had stopped uploading. Sounds like you are on a better path to healing and we applaud you for that. Kiddos to Riley for her support. Without Greg, I don’t know how I could get through. One day at a time, great things to come. Be well and focus on you. Know that you are cared for even w/o KZbin! Cheers and be well! ❣️

[@carl_busch]

Thanks Ann. Having someone/partner in our life makes a huge difference. She doesn't know how much she means to me. Glad to hear you are doing well.

[@timgrimes4147]

Much love Carl!! Brave, honest and real!! ❤️🥃 Thanks for the update, had been wondering wondering and very glad to see your faces again. Wishing you happiness my friend🙏😊

[@carl_busch]

Much appreciated

[@Arminian100]

The two of you were so gracious and wonderful when you came into my bar in San Diego. You're wonderful. Mental health is a really big deal. Take care of yourself. I've been seeing a therapist this year as well. It's not just okay, it's awesome and a sign of strength 💪. Take the time you need. Content can wait. You don't owe anyone an apology, but I'm so glad people have cared to check in on you.

[@carl_busch]

We hope to make it back out to SD soon. We both loved it out there. Agreed and I think the hardest part is asking for help.

[@RobsHomeBar]

Thanks for sharing Carl, it's not an easy thing to do! your online cocktail community family is here for you! Glad to see you guys posting again! Cheers!

[@carl_busch]

Much appreciated Rob. Such a great community.

[@daneflanigan]

Cheers! Wishing you the best. 🙏🏾

[@carl_busch]

Thank you! You too!

[@jondotdrinks6952]

Take all the time you need friend! 100's here supporting you in anyway we can!

[@carl_busch]

I appreciate that!

[@CocktailUnderground]

Thank you for talking about such a sensitive topic. I'm sure that it will help someone out there. I've always liked your videos and looked up to both you and Riley (great drinks and production value!) I always admired your work ethic, but know what it's like to burn out, so I'm very glad you realized you should take a step back. I've experienced that and have tried to slow down lately as well. Looking forward to seeing videos from you again!

[@carl_busch]

Thank you so much! This is a crazy world (KZbin creating). We can't let it control our lives.

[@CocktailUnderground]

@@carl_busch yes! I started my channel just for a fun escape from other responsibilities, and to develop some skills in areas where I'm lacking (public speaking, editing, etc.) but as you know, we can't help but try to push ourselves to grow our channels.

[@mikepatterson4202]

Appreciate your openness and courage. Not easy to talk about this. Prayers for both of you.

[@carl_busch]

Appreciate you.

[@kristinespiller8361]

You both are amazing people! This is a topic that definitely hits home and needs to becone more normalized. Thank you for sharing and being open to finding help to feel better. No one should feel ashamed for not feeling okay mentally.

[@carl_busch]

That's the hardest part is asking for help.

[@GrahamBandage]

Good for you, sir. You look after yourselves.

[@carl_busch]

Yes, thank you

[@stephane.foisy.186]

Not always the easiest thing to admit when something is beyond ones control. To have the will and courage to reflect and reflect on the next step and the ask for help. Carl you are great to share your story which is a strength! And Riley it seems you an anchor and that brings its own challenges. You two will figure out what works for you. We are here even if the direction is different.

[@carl_busch]

Well said! and thank you.

[@trybeforeidie]

Thank you for sharing your truth

[@carl_busch]

Thanks for listening

[@MrMoney331]

I'm really sorry that you are going through these hard mental struggles, I really apricate you speaking up about it on your platform. It 100% needs to be something that we as a society talk more about and make it common that everyone is going to have hard times. Especially as a man, like you guys said society and media have really beaten into us that we need to "walk it off" or whatever. Really glad to see you are feeling better and want to make content again, don't let this stupid social media engine burn you out if it is something you enjoy. It is very good at that.

[@carl_busch]

Hope to raise any awareness about men's mental health. Thank you so much for the support.

[@OldFashionedWays]

Wow thanks for sharing. Definitely something super hard to share and talk about. Very brave and by doing this you may be able to help others. You can tell this was hard on both of you, glad you seek help and have grown closer and communicate better. Things will get better. Looking forward to seeing you guys more. God bless

[@carl_busch]

Thank you so much!

[@unorthodoxromance254]

I’m a paralegal who has started a new, busier role and I’m far too aware of the mental health issues and burnout in my industry. I love my new position but I have to watch myself to avoid overworking and putting too much pressure on myself. I also struggle with an anxiety disorder and OCD, gauche makes it complicated. Luckily I have a great psychologist who is helping me. You are 100% correct - you’re never alone, and you can get the help you need. You always have to take care of yourself first. Mental health comes first. Thanks for sharing this important video to raise awareness and I hope you get well soon . Great to hear you’re getting help.

[@carl_busch]

Totally have to be better at balance and that is what I'm working on. Thanks for all your support.

[@g0mikese]

Take time off if and when you need it. Don't feel guilty about taking care of yourself, ever. Cheers and I look forward to your future videos, whenever they come.

[@carl_busch]

Really appreciate it.

[@aginsfbayarea7350]

Carl! Thank you for being strong enough and caring enough to share with us what you're working through. I am so proud of both of you! Communicating with one another is so important and powerful and so often it just doesn't happen. So, it's great that you both recognize the value of openness and sharing - good times and bad times - and work together as a loving, supportive team to get through the dark times together. Take the time you need, and I'll be waiting for you. We're not going anywhere! Love to you both.

[@carl_busch]

Thank you for the kinds words and support. We appreciate it.

[@Ajayvens]

Love you brotha! You’re a talent that folks are lucky to have an opportunity to experience. Health first. Content second. Cheers!

[@carl_busch]

Love ya too AJ

[@gregsoucie]

Really glad to hear you're getting help and taking care of yourself. Loved the videos, but your health has to be the priority. All the best to you both. Hang in. Things do get better. ❤

[@carl_busch]

Thank you, appreciate the kind words

[@ericmcatee1231]

Carl, this was a heavy video. My hats off to you for being so open. I'm very happy you found the help you need.

[@carl_busch]

Wasn't the easiest to make but it needed to be done.,

[@WubWub808]

I love you, Carl.

[@carl_busch]

Love you too, Ted

[@johnk6256]

Carl, you are one strong dude and Riley you are one hell of a support system. I admire you both for what you have done, and what you are doing now.

[@carl_busch]

Thank you so much for the kind words.

[@kawonewilliams1949]

This video is awesome. I love the idea that people can accept the fact that men have feelings. I think we know we have feelings, but we aren't in environments where it's ok to be vulnerable and express their feelings. Too often, men speak their feelings and are ignored.

[@RileyTaylor26]

And, too often men are told that the only appropriate emotions to show are anger and happiness. So, sometimes there's a communication barrier when someone is showing anger as a way to express any number of other feelings. Anger is a secondary emotion molded by other feelings

[@kawonewilliams1949]

@RileyTaylor26 so true. Someone's anger can simply be their sadness being presented because they feel ignored. Emotions are hard for humans. We could all do well to give each other a bit more grace and truly listen to each other.

[@als.2983]

I'm inspired by the resilience in each of you. Carl and Riley, your content is appreciated. I make better drinks because of your work. I enjoys drinks more because of your creativity. A video per week. A video every few weeks. A video when you have something to share. Ignore the algorithm grind and make content when it feels right. I hope you find a content cadence that keeps it fun for you both. We'll make delicious cocktails at home whenever you share your next tasty drink.

[@carl_busch]

Really appreciate hearing the kind words. Agree to stop worrying about the algorithm and do what's best for us. Thanks for your support.

[@chrischesham5035]

Keep on going! It's a process and I think we all look forward to having you feel better. Plus content is always nice. But people before videos!

[@carl_busch]

Absolutely agree and glad to be making content again.

[@Lui_Fern]

Brave of you to post this and to talk so openly about it. Its something people don't see and its rough. Not easy trying to grow a platform and work full time and especially in this niche. Happy to see you back and happy you put your health first.

[@carl_busch]

Thanks Lui. It's harder than I thought but now have a better grasp.

[@bob___]

You guys are great, and I appreciate the expertise behind the bar. Have you considered doing your videos in one take, without significant editing, and making whatever flaws there may be simply a part of the brand? (Just a thought)

[@carl_busch]

Great suggestion! Might have to think how to execute better with it. Maybe Shorts??

[@bob___]

​@@carl_buschWhatever works for you

[@JSOS]

Take time and look after yourself. I had almost two years of fighting and trying to put my life together since my dad passed away in 2021, and this brought lots of struggle with life, family and work. I know how hard it is to come on the other side of this, but I am sure you will be even stronger. Your priority is you and the people around you. Everything else can wait. Keep up, and much love from me. Reach anytime you need my friend. 🧡

[@carl_busch]

Sorry to hear about your dad. Appreciate the kind words and availability.

[@boozeontherocks]

Hi Carl. I want you to look after you. Come back when you're good and ready. We'll be here.

[@carl_busch]

I appreciate that

[@therustybartender]

This hits home. It's not easy coming up with content , filming and then dealing with your own family too. Great to shine the spotlight on it . Stay strong man.

[@carl_busch]

Thanks Ben, appreciate it.

[@ABarry3711]

I suffer with depression too, sometimes you just need to take a knee. I love you content but we like you more! Stay well , stay strong and blessed.❤🥰🙏🏾

[@carl_busch]

Appreciate the kind words. Hope you are doing well.

[@halflitcocktails6964]

Take care of yourself. You have a huge community here that supports you! Take it one day at a time.

[@carl_busch]

Thank you, I will. Thanks for the support.

[@trevorrose1]

❤

[@carl_busch]

Appreciate you Trevor

[@TheWhiskeyNerd]

So important to talk about these things, "man flu" is what happens when we ignore a cold and end up getting ourselves even more sick, and while mental health issues are easier to hide, ignoring them always makes it worse. I won't say "stay strong", as it's ok to not be ok, it's ok not to always be strong, and but by opening yourself up to help, I hope you will recover your strength and tackle the challenges you face.

[@carl_busch]

Thank you so much. 1 day at a time.

[@Decommissioning-this-channel]

Hey guys, I totally get your position, I was in that position not long ago where I blew up at my own wife over a KZbin channel, and ignored my girl, it was the worst feeling I could ever put myself through, even worse for my family, so I stepped away from my channel and started focusing on myself and my family to get the positivity back and to answer my daughter’s questions and wow does she have a lot of them. I still feel I’m very isolated as I’m still in China and with all the friends I’ve made having moved back to their home countries, I had no one to talk to during my dark days, lucky I had my wife and daughter to get me through those horrible times and now I feel better than ever, but things could’ve gotten much worse! Take care guys and let’s chin up for a better future, cheers 🥃

[@carl_busch]

Glad to hear you are doing better Damos. IT can be hard without friends happy that your wife and daughter are there for you.

[@ellyam991]

A huge huge hug to you guys, and know that this makes you incredibly strong Carl ♥! Mental health is one of the most crucial pillars of life, and with therapy and antidepressants you're on great track to continue accomplishing great things. Also, as advice from someone who also takes antidepressants, make sure you take them precisely as your doctor said to, and depending on the type of medication it is, it can have nasty interactions with alcohol so be careful! - I take SSRIs and at worst they worsen the depressive feelings, so even if it's not a health risk it's still bad. The biggest piece of advice though is to take advantage of therapy as much as possible. It's kinda like a gym in a way, in that you can progress as long as you're taking an active role to apply the tools from therapy to your life. Like the gym as well, is not always a linear path to success, so don't feel bad if some weeks or months you feel like you're not having any progress. Lots of love and if you ever need someone to talk to, or if I can ever help out in any way LMK!

[@carl_busch]

Appreciate all of that. My Drs know what I do for a living and have helped understanding the meds and betters to manage. Thanks so much.

[@icemancantcook]

You always remind me of my closest friends, if they appreciated a decent cocktail... Similar personality, that rock lifestyle, and being an asshole (which I consider myself to be as a term of endearment)... I'm glad you were able to seek help from yourself and those closest to you... I've selfishly backed away from some of my friends because they just were not receptive to admitting there were issues and it was hurting me too much... I tell a lot of people about the oxygen mask on an airplane... In an emergency, you have to put your mask on before you can help anyone else... You're useless if you don't do that... I'm glad you found your oxygen mask and now have started bringing awareness and are helping others...

[@carl_busch]

For sure, that's a great way of putting it. I can't help anyone if I am broken,.

[@AlfonsoVallarta]

You and your health (mental or otherwise) are the first priority, mate. Just lost a dear friend to depression and hope this men's health awareness month brings the importance of self-care to the forefront.

[@carl_busch]

Sorry to hear about your lost. I am learning its my number thing, my mental health.

[@AlfonsoVallarta]

@@carl_busch wish you the best throughout the process. Good to see you've a strong support network around you.

[@timgrimes4147]

Much love Carl!! Brave, honest and real!! ❤️🥃 Thanks for the update, had been wondering wondering and very glad to see your faces again. Wishing you happiness my friend🙏😊

[@carl_busch]

Much appreciated