TY HERNDON

HERNDON

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

IN 2014, TY HERNDON CAME OUT TO THE WORLD IN HIS PEOPLE MAGAZINE EXCLUSIVE, BECOMING THE FIRST MAJOR MALE COUNTRY ARTIST TO COME OUT AS GAY. In our current boom of celebrities coming out as LGBTQ, it is easy to forget just how terrifying it was and what a career killer it was for someone to come out, especially someone in the country music scene. Ty’s fans, who had helped him become a chart-topper since his solo debut in 1995, supported him and have followed him on his journey. Ty became a trailblazer for singers, especially country music singers, to come out in a safer space. Now, eight years later, Ty has come out again. Herndon, under the media’s eye, is sharing about his recent drug relapse and his diagnosis as bipolar. In a very real brush with death, he got back on track and is telling his story through the media, his music, and his new podcast, SOUNDBOARD, discussing mental health topics with celebrity guests. Starting the podcast was a major part of his healing. His voice now, is stronger than ever.

Through healing and trauma work, I discovered that recovery and mental health wellness is really the Magic Kingdom and I’m tall enough for all the rides. I’m prospering and am now able to get down to the bottom of my mental health - just finding out that at 59 years old I’m manic bipolar. It just never crossed my mind. Trauma in your mental health situation can be like tar and feathers - layers and layers of tar. It takes a lot of work to break that up, but there is freedom on the other side. I wanted to do SOUNDBOARD and talk to other artists who have been on journeys, maybe not exactly like mine, but just their own personal journeys of wellness and what they do to turn up the positive voices and keep those negative voices at bay.

Working through mental health has only in the last few years become a subject that has been brought into the spotlight. Whether it be cultural, generational, or even considered good manners, no one talked about their mental health. In today’s age of social media sharing, people have become more comfortable sharing their stories and seeking out help. Celebrities have been more open about their own struggles with depression, addiction, and bipolar disorder. Before, Ty’s headlines were talk of his sexuality, now there is an emphasis on his mental health and sobriety. Is that constant focus triggering for him?

I spent so many years not talking about it, that it’s a pleasure to open up. So quite honestly, I have a lot of pride. I want to change the whole face of the discussion – so it’s not that if you have some mental things going on, you’re broken, if you’re in treatment or been to treatment, or if you’re sober, you’re damaged.

Refusing to be seen as broken with his recent bipolar diagnosis, he did the work, and he knows what each day must look like incorporating his mental health with his sobriety and his career. He is making it a positive.

Anytime we get a diagnosis of something that is making our life bad, that’s a success story. You have to find your own mental health journey with it. Nobody’s story is the same and there are so many resources to help figure out how a medication is going to work, and how to find a balance. Especially for people in recovery, you must find a really good balance that works for you and will work in the long run. I was fortunate to have some great teachers and counselors that helped me with that.

Stripped of false confidence enabled by drugs or alcohol, Ty has returned with his first all-new material album since 2016. Perhaps his most intimate album to date, JACOB is a detail of his personal struggles and triumphs as he explores his past and how overcoming crystal meth, sexual trauma, mental illness, and hitting rock bottom has brought him back to salvation. Without addiction, his creative process has certainly changed. The theme for the album would come from Ty’s restart at recovery.

I always say that you just have to tear that town down because it’s not serving you. I can function better. I’m a better songwriter. I’m a better everything. And certainly, a better businessman. Get real with yourself. That’s the number one thing. I think being balanced you’ll learn new habits, because, for me, I was surprised after doing all this trauma work that it was very little about drugs and alcohol.

We spent close to a year on this music. When I went into treatment this time after my relapse, I pretty much had said, “I’ve got a legacy of music I’m kind of done, I’m gonna do something else.” On the third day, sitting down with my spiritual advisor, Clint at J. Flowers Institute, he asked, “Hey man, I know you’re spiritual. You’re a God guy, right?” I replied, “Yeah, yeah, pretty much.” He said, “You know the story about Jacob in Israel? That’s totally you, man. You’ve been

WELLNESS IS REALLY THE MAGIC KINGDOM AND I’M TALL ENOUGH FOR ALL THE RIDES.”

crippled. You got some scars. Now it’s time to go out and be a leader in your tribe.” And with those few words, it hit me like the old Pentecostal belt, my next record is going to be called Jacob and it is going to be about my scars, my failures, and my successes. The very thing that I’ve run from my whole life is sitting center stage and I never thought that would be possible, but through wellness it was. It’s the greatest music of my life. The fans are loving the new music and it’s the most authentic thing I’ve ever done.

A chilling track from JACOB is “God or the Gun” which candidly talks about his brush with his suicide. Ty credits his survival to his guardian angel and a phone call with a friend, with a fistful of Ambien. Though he started singing in church choirs as a young boy, his relationship with God is fluid and exists outside of a building.

I don’t do religion anymore. I think it’s silly. When I counsel with kids today, I’m like, look, God’s a cool guy. What he, they, them, whatever your higher power, your spirituality is in you, you will find it in this life, I promise you that. God should be mad at us for what we’ve done with religion because the love and all the wonderful stuff has been replaced by some bad teachings. I sit on the tailgate in my truck and talk to God. I call it God, it’s a good energy. I also walk barefoot through the grass every morning and feel the Earth’s energy and what kind of goodness it has for me to help me through the day. I think one of the worst things is that in the LGBTQ community, kids think they’re broken and worthless, and they think that something happened that made them bad. That had nothing to do with God and it had everything to do with some broken families. So, one thing I love about us in the gay community, we can build our own families and I love spreading that gospel.

Looking back at his career, his highs and lows, his multiple chart-topping singles and albums, it is his coming out is still very fresh in his mind.

I spent a year just putting my mental health together, and Chely Wright is the only person I talked to. She’s in country music and she was really the first and so brave. She’s been my friend for years and helped make it better for me, and I lift her up for that. I hear people say, oh man, why do you have to come out? I’m like, well, it’s like air to me, it’s the truth. You have to know the truth. I have to be authentic. And I’ve never been afforded that quality. I came out and that was a piece of the pie for me.

There were too many secrets. There were too many relationships that had to stay hidden and that alone is trauma. I could not live in a career anymore where my blood and bones did not feel welcome in my own body. I think a lot of people feel that way when they feel the need to come out because they’re living a lie. You finally get to a place where you’re brave enough to say, okay, I look around me, I’ve got plenty of friends that are not going to leave me. If I lose a family member then I’m gonna lose ‘em, maybe they’ll come back. Am I gonna lose my job? So, there’s a lot that goes into it that people don’t realize. To me, it’s a celebration and it’s also a huge risk, but I think in anything that you do, if you’re gonna take a risk, then educate yourself in what the risk is and make a decision.

The visibility of the LGBTQ community in country music is because of the courage of Ty and of other musicians like Chely Wright. The change may be slow, but it is happening.

I am seeing artists like Lily Rose, who just had her second number one, and I heard on WSM Radio that they’re talking about her wedding coming up. They were talking about how she’s marrying her longtime girlfriend. It was one of the five times in my life I had to pull my truck over. I just cried. It was a happy cry, but I’m like, would you listen to that? I got to live to see the day when they talked about a gay wedding on country radio.

Even with these advancements, situations still happen. The media grabbed hold of transphobic tweets made by country music singer Jason Aldean’s wife which resulted in the couple’s long-time PR company dropping them. Social media split

I GOT TO LIVE TO SEE THE DAY WHEN THEY TALKED ABOUT A GAY WEDDING ON COUNTRY RADIO.”

between support of her transphobic comments as well as those applauding the PR firm.

I think it’s definitely our job to say something. I think if an injustice towards some precious thing is happening, then you have a responsibility, especially if you have a platform. But I think there’s a way to say it. I think there’s a kindness. Be educated in your words, think about something before you speak. Don’t speak out of heat or anger, just come from the facts and you know, we’ll let Maren Morris do the rest. [Laughs]

Ty’s premier podcast episode features LeAnn Rimes sharing her best practices for mental fitness. The debut season continues with a who’s who of the music industry in a way that you’ve never heard them before. Totally candid, totally open, and totally focused on mental health.

I want people on that really have a story. Crystal Lewis got to talk about some very difficult things, and she did it so beautifully because she’d never had the chance to talk about them before. I always tell people to go listen to the podcast to get the whole story. It’s the first time I’ve been able to talk about my story with my words, to own my shit, and to set the record straight. We all need that, especially if you’re living your life under a microscope.

On a lighter note, Ty is heading back into the dating scene. With clarity and a new voice, romance looks a bit different. How is it going?

Very poorly. My sponsor is actually making me go on a safe date - just go to a movie with somebody. One thing I learned about getting healthy, is to be okay with just me. I’ve been in a relationship since I was 18 years old, in and out, because I had to have that. I don’t have to have it anymore, but it’d be nice. So, it will look different this time. If it’s moving towards me, I’m just gonna let it. Always in the Herndon household, it shows up when it walks in. Hey, if you’re out there and you like country music and you got all your

teeth, hit me up. ■

Check out Ty’s podcast SOUNDBOARD wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out everything else Ty at www.TyHerndon.com

INDULGE IN GROOMING THIS AUTUMN

BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES

CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY THIS YEAR WHEN THE DASHING SKINCARE GURU CHRIS SALGARDO RELEASED THE NEWS HE LAUNCHED ATWATER, A NEW PREMIUM SKINCARE BRAND. To say that we couldn’t order the full line fast enough would be an understatement. Salgardo is the former President of Kiehl’s Since 1851 and author of the extraordinary book Manmade: The Essential Skincare and Grooming Reference for Every Man, which was the first grooming and skincare guide created with a 21stcentury man in mind. Checking out the new ATWATER line reminded us that fall is the best season to clear the cobwebs out of your medicine cabinet. We recommend going through your bathroom shelves carefully and tossing anything that might be outdated or old. In addition to ATWATER there are several new and interesting products that have come out recently that we recommend checking out including products by Borghese, Eighth Day, Exuviance, and more. The season is changing, so out with the old and in with the new!

Chris Salgardo

ATWATER

www.atwaterskin.com

The ATWATER name pays homage to Mr. Salgardo’s father’s, Atwater, CA. The brand was inspired by Chris Salgardo’s love of great grooming, adventure, sport, bright and healthy skin. About the launch, Salgardo states, “As a consumer myself and after working in the beauty industry for over 30 years, I was on a mission to launch a brand that offered high-quality products that would simplify a man’s daily regimen, something he would stick to for life.” The ATWATER line features a series of collections centered around skin-type and regimen. “It’s not about reversing the clock, but looking your best as you move through life,” notes Salgardo. The line includes Skin Armor, Heavy Armor, Oil Regulator, Smooth Target, and Clean Impact: Facial Moisturizer ($35), Eye Moisturizer ($29), Face Scrub ($25), Lip Moisturizer ($12), Facial Cleansing Bar ($18), Shaving Cream ($18) and Body Cleansing Scrub Bar ($17). Standout products from the line include the Skin Armor Face Scrub, which was developed with all skin types in mind. Ingredients include jojoba beads, salicylic acid, and chlorophyllin copper complex to waken dull, tired skin while exfoliating and preventing clogged pores. The Smooth Target Shaving Cream, also built for all skin types both conditions the face for pre-shave while providing a close, comfortable shave that prevents razor burn. Rose gallica flower extract works with macadamia nut oil and chamomile flower extract to allow you to do the good deed of shaving without leaving your face a mess. The products are high quality to offer you healthier skin without breaking the bank. Stock up on ATWATER, currently available exclusively at Nordstrom and the brand’s website, www.atwaterskin.com.

BORGHESE

www.borghese.com

Need a little eye lift? Borghese’s Occhi Ristorativo Eye Crème ($58) is an effective, weightless, cream-gel formula that both comforts and nourishes the eye area. Borghese Roma is known to deliver self-care and exceptional treatments wrapped in indulgent experiences, driven by modern-day science. The brand has a legacy rooted in Italian beauty, inspired by the powerful rejuvenating properties of Tuscany’s mineral-rich thermal springs. We first heard about Borghese with their Fango Active Mud Mask that came out in the ‘80s. The Advanced Fango Active Purifying Mud Mask ($50), helps to clarify, purify, and purge pores. Their Occhi Ristorativo Eye Crème ($58) is great to use both in the morning and at night. Minimize those fine lines and wrinkles in the most delicate parts of your face and bask in the new radiance of your skin. Need a moisturizer? Borghese’s Equilibrio Daily Moisturizer ($50) will hydrate using witch hazel and white birch with a hint of rosemary to curb inflammation. Leaves the skin with a velvety matte finish.

EIGHTH DAY

www.eighthdayskin.com

Dr. Antony Nakhla is the mastermind behind Eight Day, his formulations include a host of carefully selected ingredients vital to skin health. Through Eight Day, Dr. Nakhla sets out to speak the language of the skin by establishing a direct line of communication with skin cells in order to send signals. In a blog post on the Eighth Day website, he notes, “Skin cells communicate with each other in a specific code, their own language.” Their latest product, The Resurfacing Tonic ($125), was formulated in a clinical setting. It features a proprietary blend of high potency, exfoliative ingredients featuring lactic and glycolic acid, professionally balanced at clinical strength levels. Use the Resurfacing Tonic to welcome the fall season by resurfacing the skin’s outer layer, remove those cells damaged by the harsh late summer sun, and balance your pH level to promote healthy, glowing skin. Is this tonic a chemical peel in a bottle? See for yourself. If you want the full Eighth Day immersion, go for The Regenerative Collection ($660), which includes The Regenerative Serum, The Reparative Moisturizer, and The Eye Renewal Cream. People might begin to wonder if you’ve begun to age in reverse.

EMINENCE ORGANIC SKINCARE

www.eminenceorganics.com

Eminence Organic Skincare has been around since 1958 and we’ve always loved their green practices and use of high quality natural, organic products like their award-winning Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser ($48), Clear Skin Probiotic Masque ($62), and Stone Crop Serum ($55). We were over the moon to hear about their brand new Kombucha Microbiome Collection, formulated with kombucha, gentle botanicals, and pre, pro, and postbiotics. The Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser ($46) is a liquid to foam cleanser with kombucha, ginger, white tea, and jasmine that gently removes impurities without over-stripping the skin. The Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence ($46) restores the skin’s balance while enhancing luminosity. Kombucha Microbiome Luminosity Serum ($110) is a gentle serum that tones and boosts. Looking for that special “glow” look? Look no further. Lastly, the new Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque ($70) is a rich, slow-absorbing masque that brings comfort and serenity to dull, dry skin. Let the hydration last all day long with Eminence.

www.exuviance.com

We found out about Exuviance during this year’s Pride season as their Deep Clean AHA Cleanser ($12) kept us refreshed and nourished after the parade. This foaming cleansing gel is designed to do the heavy lifting with a deep clean while removing makeup, surface oils, and impurities. The AHA/PHA formula with glycolic acid and gluconolactone targets a clarified skin texture and natural feeling pH balance. It deeply cleans and removes impurities and makes your skin feel smooth and rejuvenated. The brand Exuviance has a goal to elevate the daily skin routine into a self-care ritual to help address age-related concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, post-acne marks, skin sagging, and dark spots from sun damage. A few of their newest products include Gentle Daily Exfoliating Pads ($45) and their Clarifying & Renewing Serum ($53.50).

FIELDTRIP

www.fieldtripskin.com

Want to go on a field trip around the world without leaving your home? The new gender fluid, clean brand Fieldtrip launched this past year, and we couldn’t be more excited. Produced by the makers of Jack Black skincare, Fieldtrip aims to bring consumers in a deeply sensorial skincare experience from head to toe. Their products are clean, cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated with a minimalist ingredient list. The first phase of their products included Fresh Start Purifying Face Cleanser ($13) Into the Blue Stress Less Moisturizer ($18), Trail Blazer Anywhere Shave Lotion ($13), C The World Brightening Serum ($21), Eyeland Retreat Cooling Eye Gel ($15), Wanderlust Hydrating Facial Spray ($16), and the Overnight Trip Hydrating Lip Mask ($13). Of the new line our favorites included the Lip Hydrating Mask and the Eye Gel. Fieldtrip Overnight Trip Hydrating Lip Mask features moringa butter, cupuacu butter, and castor seed oil. Moringa butter is extracted from the moringa tree, native to the Himalayan foothills, and known as the miracle tree because all parts of the tree have been used in folk remedies for centuries. Though the packaging says, “Overnight Trip,” we’ve been starting and ending the day with this little lip treat since we first tried it this summer. Fieldtrip Eyeland Retreat Cooling Eye Gel is a lightweight eye treatment that feels extra special because of its cooling metal tip. In the product, red maple bark works in harmony with ash bark niacinamide, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid to relieve puffy eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles. We know what we’re packing for our next field trip.

RAW SUGAR

www.rawsugarliving.com

The lifestyle brand Raw Sugar Living was founded in 2014, in sunny Southern California. Co-founders Ronnie Shugar and Donda Mullis are committed to providing the highest quality earth-friendly hair and personal care products at a price that is accessible to all. Part of what makes them earth-friendly is their commitment to using plant-derived ingredients that are free of parabens, sulfates, & phthalates. Their men’s collection includes Men’s 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner ($11.99) featuring a blend of tea tree, coconut, & aloe; Men’s Body Wash ($9.99) comes in various varieties, including Eucalyptus + Cedar Leaf, Charcoal + Bamboo, Citrus + Blue Agave, and Black Coconut + Sea Salt. Their body bar soaps ($5.99) come as a duo, because who wants just one? Two soaps that are worth checking out are the Black Coconut + Sea Salt and Eucalyptus + Cedar Leaf. These lush, lathering bar soaps moisturize as they clean. One side has gentle nubs to help massage the skin. Something we love about Raw Sugar is their “Sugar Notes,” personal messages from Ronnie and Donda on every product. “Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Mind, body, and soul.”

www.skinmedica.com

SkinMedica® was founded by pioneers in the science of skin rejuvenation in 1999 with a vision to help slow the aging process. We fell in love with their Essential Defense Everyday Clear SPF 47 ($40) earlier this summer and it quickly became a go-to for beach and pool days. Their full Everyday Essentials System ($495) is the perfect introduction to this line, good for all skin types. This professional-grade, comprehensive collection of daily must-haves includes TNS® Advanced+ Serum, HA⁵® Rejuvenating Hydrator, Retinol Complex 0.25, and the Essential Defense Mineral Shield™ Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen. Each product should hold prominent court in your medicine cabinet, but the Retinol Complex 0.25, which should be applied in the evening after cleansing and toning, is truly a standout. This product, which normally retails at $64 is excellent for renewing the skin and diminishing the appearance of fine lines. Apply to the entire face and be sure to use a daily sun protection with SPF 30 or higher when using this product. The HA⁵® Rejuvenating Hydrator ($184) is a high-end hydrator that provides immediate soothing including softening fine lines and wrinkles while retaining moisture. This hydrator features a special mix of five types of HA and Polysaccharides from French Polynesia to smooth the skin. The Neck Correct Cream for Neck and Décolleté ($135), not included in the Everyday Essentials System, but a good find, is a powerful serum designed to prevent and address the visible signs of neck aging. Key ingredients, like green microalgae extract, shiitake mushroom extract, lemon balm extract, paracress extract, and knotgrass extract help support dermal thickness, skin elasticity, while preventing free radical damage and reducing the appearance of the platysmal bands.

URBAN SKIN RX

www.urbanskinrx.com

Urban Skin Rx, a collection of clinical skincare products for diverse skin tones, was first created by Rachel Roff in 2010. Their mission is “To recognize, represent and advocate for accessible clinical skincare for diverse skin tones with the greater goal to create a world in which we can all feel beautiful, confident and empowered by the skin we’re in.” In 2018 the brand launched in Target stores, and they’ve since emerged in a variety of stores all over the world. Their Men Collection which just launched this past September and includes a four-step regimen of Exfoliating Face Wash + Scrub ($11.99), Dark Spot + Oil Control Pore Refining Pads ($12.99), Razor Bump + Dark Spot Treatment ($12.99) and Even Tone Soothing Moisturizer ($11.99). This collection aims to deliver affordable products that cleanse, hydrate, soothe irritated skin. They additionally clarify clogged pores and fade discoloration razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

WHISH

www.whishbody.com

Whish is well aware that “many men skip over skin care - an essential part of maintaining (your) appearance and revitalizing skin.” They recently leaned into the men’s grooming market with their men’s skincare, emphasizing the best parts of skin care in the most basic forms. Wish Men has three different scents: Golf Club, Yacht Club, and Fight Club. Wish Men Aftershave Gel ($28) is an alcoholfree formula that helps to reduce the appearance of irritation without leaving skin with a tight, dry feeling. We especially like this gel because of its non-comedogenic complex that ensures pores don’t get clogged (who needs ingrown hair?)