“Normalizes what so many others feel but have been too fearful or ashamed to express… remarkable.” -Psychology Today

“A perversely safe place in which [Paul] and his guests talk about their fears, addictions and traumatic childhoods.” -The New York Times

Podcast “Best Of” list at: NY Times, Slate, Esquire & Apple Podcasts

The Mental Illness Happy Hour is a weekly online podcast that interviews comedians, artists, friends, and the occasional doctor. Each episode explores mental illness, trauma, addiction and negative thinking.

Latest episodes

  • 4/26/2024Chronic Pain – Erin WilliamsEpisode: 693
    Erin Williams is an author, illustrator, and healthcare researcher who joins Paul to discuss chronic pain and how her own struggles with it have served her art. Look for her new book What's Wrong?: Personal Histories of Chronic Pain and Bad Medicine  
    Play
  • Chronic Pain – Erin Williams

    Erin Williams is an author, illustrator, and healthcare researcher who joins Paul to discuss chronic pain and how her own struggles with it have serve...

  • Foster Parenting – Michael Laurie

    Michael Laurie is an actor, a small group facilitator, and a parent. He talks with Paul about his road to recovery and shares his unusual story of bec...

  • Nature & The Brain – Dr. Jeff Karp

    Dr. Jeff Karp is a Harvard Medical School professor and bioengineer. He works in the fields of drug delivery, medical devices, stem cell therapeutics,...

About the Show

Comedian Paul Gilmartin hosts a weekly, hour-long audio podcast consisting of interviews with artists, friends and the occasional doctor.

The show is geared towards anyone interested in or affected by depression, addiction and other mental challenges which are so prevalent in the creative arts.

Paul’s hope is that the show and this website will give people a place to connect, smile and feel the return of hope. The biggest myth about mental illness is that you are alone and there is no help.

DISCLAIMER:

The Mental Illness Happy Hour is NOT a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.
For information on treatment please visit HelpGuide.org