Wavy Hair and Coleman Ranahan

Last year I did a post about the five best podcasts I was listening to (I actually listed six and didn’t realize it, doh). This year I want to highlight one podcast in particular.

This podcast is called The Mental Illness Happy Hour with host comedian Paul Gilmartin. Each week on the podcast Paul will have a guest whether it be someone in the entertainment industry, someone with a background in psychology, or even criminals, Paul audaciously interviews each guest to try and get to the bottom of what makes them tick. It can be normal and casual, it can be heavy and emotional, or it can be a logical discussion.

(Paul Gilmartin - Pictured above)

Paul isn’t there to be a doctor and diagnose people, so remember that. It’s more about trying to openly explain what it’s like to deal with these problems so that other people with similar problems can feel like they’re not alone. Topics include things like anxiety, depression, mania, suicide, panic attacks (see anxiety), relationships, drugs, violence, etc. Paul has managed to cover a great deal in so little time.

One of my favorite segments on the show actually is the Fear Off. Paul (or the listening podcast audience now) and the guest go back and forth and say out loud a fear that they both have, it’s a simple easy way to convey to people that a lot of people have issues and that you’re not alone in them. Some of the fears are mighty interesting, which makes you go, “Well I never would have thought that about that person.”

I’ve got a lot of life to live, I know it’s going to be a crazy life, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. Thanks Paul for just some simple realizations that this podcast has made for me.

Here is a list of some of the best episodes I’ve heard so far.

Greg Behrendt - Also one of my favorite comedians, if I recall correctly he talks about what the book he co-wrote ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ did to his career, Walking the Room (which everyone should listen to because it’s fucking insane), and other fears he has.

Doug Benson - This one is more logical, less emotional but still a great discussion about relationships.

Jimmy Pardo - My favorite comedian spills the beans about his anxiety, growing up in Chicago and more.

Teresa Strasser - My favorite ep, this one made me cry. Lot of emotion in this one. She talks about suicide, anxiety, not feeling worthy. It’s a huge emotional depth to go into, so tread lightly if you feel it’s too heavy a subject for you.

Paul F. Tompkins - I had a huge revelation from this episode about one of my relationships with someone.