“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

  • 4/25/2025The “Hard To Talk About” – Dr Jessica ZuckerEpisode: 745
    Dr. Jessica Zucker returns to the podcast for her 4th visit, focusing on the importance of talking about hard things: Cancer, miscarriages, perimenopause, and more. Watch for her new book, Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Lives.  
    Play
  • The “Hard To Talk About” – Dr Jessica Zucker

    Dr. Jessica Zucker returns to the podcast for her 4th visit, focusing on the importance of talking about hard things: Cancer, miscarriages, perimenopa...

  • Loss (Career & Familial) – Mark M

    Mark M is Paul’s friend from a support group. He visits the podcast to share his story of addiction, growing up entrenched in deception, and how he ...

  • Sex Addiction Therapy – Gary Katz

    Gary Katz is a sex addiction therapist and the founder of the Center for Intimacy Recovery. He talks about the trauma of intimate betrayal, and the im...

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