Maurice Benard, (Sonny Corinthos) on General Hospital tried hard to get up to 200K followers on State of Mind on YouTube, but hasn’t gotten there yet. Perhaps that was one motivating reason why he confessed that he’s moving his podcast to a paid subscription service. Read on for details about the rather disappointing news.
The News Came On A Solo Podcast
On Sunday this week, Maurice did another solo State of Mind podcast on YouTube. Actually, he’s recently been doing a bit of that. Anyway, it was a long podcast and he went into a lot about why he felt motivated to move to a subscription service, although he considered it in the past but didn’t like the idea.
After five years and “500 interviews,” the GH star revealed he’s moving the show to a subscription model on Patreon. Justifying it, he told his followers that he has a big workload, which includes his day job on the soap, and booking new guests became unsustainable. “I don’t want to give up,” he said, But then he explained, “in order to keep going in everything that we do, this is becoming a bit of a… it’s tough.”
When Does The New Mode Start?
Starting soon, possibly on November 1, full episodes become available for a “$4.99” monthly subscription on Patreon. However, the real-life Sonny Corinthos also reassured his ABC fans that the audio version remains free on platforms like “Apple Podcasts” and “Spotify.” He clarified, “If you want to listen to it audio, it’s free.”
As far as he’s concerned, Maurice Benard sees the change as a new beginning that allows him to expand the show’s reach and deepen its community. “This will mean that it’s just going to continue even better,” Benard said. “The community we’re going to form… it’s going to be tighter.”
More BTS Content
Judging by what Maurice said, the new model probably fuels more ambitious projects. He promised subscribers exclusive behind-the-scenes content and more interactive live streams. Additionally, it also paves the way for him to take his mental health advocacy to the next level.
Remember, he once talked about finding his calling by speaking with homeless people about mental health. And, he believes that a move to Patreon supports his grassroots efforts.
Admitting Fans Might Be Unhappy
Admittedly, Maurice Benard knows that some fans may be disappointed, but he stands by his decision after half a decade of free content. “I don’t feel like I’m asking a lot,” he shared, noting his frustration by saying, “I’ve been working my ass off.”
At the end of his long story, the daytime drama actor spoke about continuing his mission to help others, and he appreciates his supporters. He said, “I love you guys,” And, he added, “I’m glad you followed me for my whole career and especially with State of Mind the last five years. I’ll see you on the next level.”
ABC Fans React
Few followers seemed too disappointed, but a subscription service clearly did worry some folks. One follower intimated that by writing, “I will keep watching you on General Hospital!!!”
Others thought it didn’t matter as long as he keeps on helping others. Here are a few mixed responses from the discussion area:
- I could cry. I must go. I’m 72 and…….on SSI. $6 per month is a lot for me. Best wishes. Life has been a tough journey. Adios amigo. And keep up the good fight!
- I’m on ssi can’t afford Patreon but do whatever you have to do. Been here since 100 subscribers.
- I don’t know what Patreon is, but I’m willing to give it a go. I’ll certainly miss you on YT, but hey, it is what it is. I believe the content you put out there has blessed a lot of people, and I appreciate it!
- Thank you, Maurice. I enjoy your Sunday videos. I’m not sure about Patreon. I have some anxiety. I recently had something happen and was having an anxiety and I watch your videos and listen to music and that seems to call me. Thank you for helping others and continue to help others.
What are your thoughts? Are you sad to hear that Maurice Benard is going behind a paid subscription with his mental health podcast? Will you still tune in on audio to listen to him? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your General Hospital cast news and updates. Remember, you can also find us on Reddit.
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