“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

  • 3/13/2026Couple Issues – Erin ValenteEpisode: 791

    Erin Valente is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) who gives practical advice for managing issues in your marriage, including moving through divorce. She also opens up about her abusive childhood and the work she’s done to heal, as well as the process of her own divorce.

    Play
  • Couple Issues – Erin Valente

    Erin Valente is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) who gives practical advice for managing issues in your marriage, including moving th...

  • Fathers, Sons & Vulnerability – Mike de la Rocha

    Mike de la Rocha is a musician, author, and social justice advocate who joins Paul to discuss why vulnerability is so important for men– something h...

  • Sexual Shame – Dr. Nicole McNichols

    Dr. Nicole McNichols is an internationally renowned human sexuality professor, author, and speaker whose college course, The Diversity of Human Sexual...

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