“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

  • 10/9/2026Incest & Recovery – Alle HallEpisode: 821
    Alle Hall (@AlleC.Hall) is the author of the book As Far As You Can Go Before You Have To Come Back, a novel that unpacks the challenges of being an incest survivor. She discusses her own journey of facing what happened to her and breaking the unhealthy patterns that followed.  
    Play
  • Incest & Recovery – Alle Hall

    Alle Hall (@AlleC.Hall) is the author of the book As Far As You Can Go Before You Have To Come Back, a novel that unpacks the challenges of being an i...

  • Why Did I Cheat? – Chloe Radcliffe

    Chloe Radcliffe @ChloeBadcliffe is an actor, writer, and stand-up comedian who shares her story of habitual cheating in relationships and the work she...

  • Prison, Abandonment & The Power of “No” – Wallo

    @Wallo267 aka Wallace Peeples is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, podcaster, and advocate. He shares his experience of being abandoned by his father ...

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