“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

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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

  • 4/24/2026Brianne Davis Helps A Struggling PaulEpisode: 797
    Paul’s trusted support group friend Brianne Davis comes to lend him emotional support around his current mental/emotional struggles and to talk about her own experience with the challenge of mean self-talk and working towards having nonjudgemental self-compassion. A great conversation for anyone who is curious about how vulnerability, honesty and sitting with agonizing feelings can be discussed between trusted friends in support groups, especially when one of them is struggling.  
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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