Originally aired in 2015, in this “Best Of” episode the 27 year-old Colombian native shares about his recent hospitalization for Bipolar I psychosis. His girlfriend Rama (who was on the following week) sits in to share what it was like for her, trying to support him. Check out Haydn’s music here This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. This episode is sponsored by Alma . Search their director...
May 08, 2026•2 hr 8 min
Forrest Lang is an author and CSA (child sex abuse) advocate. He shares the story of his own childhood abuse, growing up in the foster care system, the death of his best friend, and how the Navy saved him. Look for his memoir, Angel Blue: A Song Of Redemption . More about Forrest etc: https://www.instagram.com/forrestlangofficial?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063723156268&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr https://youtube.com/@forrest...
May 01, 2026•1 hr 1 min
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. More about Brian...
Apr 24, 2026•1 hr 32 min
The brilliantly dark, funny and sensitive 5x NY Times bestselling author and blogger(@TheBloggess) drops by for a mammoth and deep episode about her struggles with imposter syndrome, trichotillomania, dermatillomania, anxiety, including social anxiety, suicidal ideation and treatment-resistant depression. Her fabulous new book is called How To Be Okay When Nothing is Okay .\ More about Jenny: www.TheBloggess.com IG www.Instagram.com/TheBloggess Substack https://thebloggess.substack.com/ Her late...
Apr 17, 2026•1 hr 51 min
A Best Of ep originally aired in 2014. What happens when the Homecoming Queen takes off her popularity mask and deals with the pain of her co-dependent mom and the suicide of her gay father? The critically acclaimed author is one of the most compassionate and truth-seeking guests we’ve ever had. Some links for Laurenne: Check out her critically acclaimed books (especially her children’s books): https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B015AJ8S5O?ccs_id=8ad74b39-41be-42dc-9e0a-ea3ee5da39f5 Her websit...
Apr 10, 2026•2 hr 54 min
In this listener-favorite ep from 2013, the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed comedian talks about her lifelong battles with OCD, Unwanted Thoughts Syndrome, BiPolar II, and the recent hospitalization that probably saved her life. Sounds pretty hilarious huh? This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. This episode is sponsored by Alma . Search their directory of over 20,000 therapists wit...
Apr 03, 2026•1 hr 53 min
Andrea Leeb is a writer and advocate who opens up about her experience as an incest survivor and the betrayal of both her father, who abused her, and her mother, who turned the other way. She also shares her path to healing through it all. Look for her acclaimed new memoir, Such A Pretty Picture , out now. More about Andrea Leeb: Website and info about how to buy her book Such A Pretty Picture www.andrealeebauthor.com IG www.instagram.com/andrealisaleeb This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to w...
Mar 27, 2026•1 hr 38 min
Olga Khazan is an author and staff writer for The Atlantic. Today she talks about the experiments she undertook to change her own personality traits over the course of a year, which inspired her new book, Me, But Better. She also shares her good and bad experiences with anxiety--and why she has an attachment to the condition. More about Olga Khazan: Her Substack writing: https://olgakhazan.substack.com/ Her IG. www.Instagram.com/olganator Her book/website: www.OlgaKhazan.com This episode is spon...
Mar 20, 2026•1 hr 15 min
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. For more about Erin: www.erinvalentetherapy.com This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. This episode is spo...
Mar 13, 2026•1 hr 37 min
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 his father’s death helped him see. Look for his book, Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love, and his podcast of the same name. More about Mike de la Rocha: Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Lessons-Teaching-Father-Love/dp/B0D5WKQDSP IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrmikedelarocha/?hl=en Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/oursacredlessons/?hl=...
Mar 06, 2026•1 hr 37 min
Dr. Nicole McNichols is an internationally renowned human sexuality professor, author, and speaker whose college course, The Diversity of Human Sexuality, is the most popular in the history of the University of Washington. She and Paul discuss the importance of communication when it comes to sex and the imperative of tossing shame out the window when it comes to what turns you on. More about Dr Nicole McNichols Check out her new book You Could Be Having Better S-x (Simon Element, Feb. 3, 2026) C...
Feb 27, 2026•2 hr 9 min
Marilyn is a support group friend who opens up about her journey to discovering her sexuality and her tendency toward love addiction. She talks about how she’s processing her trauma and what it meant to come out to herself and her community. This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. This episode is sponsored by Alma . Search their directory of over 20,000 therapists with different specialities...
Feb 20, 2026•2 hr 11 min
Dr. Guy Winch is a psychologist and bestselling author who advocates for integrating the science of emotional health into our daily lives. He and Paul talk about the science of burnout and offer insights and practical tips for managing burnout--and avoiding it altogether. For more, look for his new book Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life More about Guy: His new book: Mind Over Grind https://www.guywinch.com/books/mind-over-grind/ Guy’s website: www.GuyWinch.com Facebo...
Feb 13, 2026•1 hr 34 min
Lane Falcon is a podcast listener who discusses one of her Mental Illness Happy Hour survey responses and opens up about her struggles with bipolar disorder, trauma, and codependency. More about Lane www.LaneFalcon.com This episode is sponsored by Greenleaf Book Club. Pick up your copy of Mountains to Cross wherever books are sold! This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. If you’re interested...
Feb 06, 2026•1 hr 56 min
Marriage Therapist Zach Brittle talks with Paul about things that can kill marriages, his own struggles with coping with his feelings -especially anger- and how to truly work as a team in relationships. More about Zach: www.marriagetherapyradio.com www.ZachBrittle.com IG @marriagetherapyradio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@marriagetherapyradio Read Zach’s books This episode is sponsored by Greenleaf Book Club. Pick up your copy of Mountains to Cross wherever books are sold! This episode is spo...
Jan 30, 2026•1 hr 29 min
Writer/Journalist Sophia Laurenzi @Sophia_Laurenzi shares about the family secrets that were kept from her for years, her father coming out of the closet and his battles with mental health, her struggles with codependency and using work as a tool to cope with her feelings. She also shares some personal experiences she had working on behalf of inmates on Death Row. More about Sophia: Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophia_laurenzi/ Subscribe to her newsletter: https://sophialau...
Jan 23, 2026•2 hr 16 min
Jennifer Westcott is a therapist and regular guest on the pod. This week, she and Paul discuss the complexity of reconciling good memories with abusive memories and the pain of missing family members after choosing to go no-contact. More about Jennifer: https://youtube.com/@therapistsanctuary?si=LXxyNlcClD00m-Qz https://www.holistichealingcounselling.com/therapist-sanctuary https://insta.openinapp.co/7s936 This episode is sponsored by Greenleaf Book Club. Pick up your copy of Mountains to Cross ...
Jan 16, 2026•1 hr 38 min
Kyle Kittleson is a YouTube host and a mental health and animal advocate. He shares his experience with losing his mother as a child, how it affects his adult relationships, and the importance of building empathy and resilience, particularly in children. More about Kyle Look for his videos on MedCircle.com and BabaBlast.com This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. This episode is sponsored by...
Jan 09, 2026•1 hr 11 min
Sarah Haufrect is a returning guest and long-time listener who shares her experience with loss, grief, and the parent-child relationship. She opens up about processing her mother’s borderline personality disorder (BPD) after her death and the transformative moments spent with her father while he was dying. Look for her podcast, Brain Stories, which shares personal stories about mental health Brain Stories Website: https://brainstoriesproductions.com/ Podcasts Platform Episode Links to Gwen's Sto...
Jan 02, 2026•1 hr 37 min
The very first MIHH ep ever which originally aired in March of 2011.. Paul interviews his Dinner and a Movie co-host Janet Varney (@theJVClub) about her battles with anxiety, depression food and panic attacks. Listen as one people-pleaser interviews another! Enjoy Janet parrying a compliment coming her way! En grade! More about Janet www.JanetVarney.com IG and Threads @TheJVClub TikTok @Janet.Varney Sketchfest https://sfsketchfest2026.sched.com/ This episode is sponsored by Alma Visit helloalma....
Dec 26, 2025•59 min
This ep was one of our first ever, recorded in 2011. Comedic actress / improvisor / writer / podcaster Jamie Denbo aka @JamieDenbo talks about being an only child, born to Jewish parents whose lives, culture and ancestors she feels are informed by fear. She talks about growing up in Massachusetts and feeling guilty for not having more obvious reason to explain her sadness, panic and anger, and how motherhood is helping her to recognize the familial and cultural cycles she would like to break. Sh...
Dec 19, 2025•1 hr 31 min
Laura Moran is a television writer. She talks about a lifelong battle with depression, self-harm and the suicide attempt that helped her realize she needed help resulting in a stay in a psychiatric facility which helped turn her life around. More about Laura: website: https://lauramoran.com/ IG: @LauraPotatoes TikTok: Laurampotatoes This episode is sponsored by Alma Visit helloalma.com/happyhour to schedule a free therapy consultation today. This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.co...
Dec 12, 2025•1 hr 46 min
Jesse Perez is a friend of Paul’s, a cancer survivor, a podcaster, and a Latino man navigating life under the current administration. Look for his podcast, Equanimity, which focuses on this experience. Check out an episode of Jesse’s podcast Equanimity : A Father and Son Journey Through the Process This episode is sponsored by Alma Visit helloalma.com/happyhour to schedule a free therapy consultation today. This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your ...
Dec 05, 2025•1 hr 20 min
Chris Grace (@ChrisGraceComedy) is a comedian and actor who shares his stories of love, tragic loss, and growing up as the child of an immigrant. He discusses grief and racial dynamics in both comedy and the gay community. Follow Chris on IG and TikTok @ChrisGraceComedy Website www.ChrisGrace.com This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. This episode is sponsored by NOCD . If you're struggling...
Nov 28, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Nate Berkus (@NateBerkus) is an interior designer and a NYT best-selling author (look for his new book, Foundations: Timeless Design That Feels Personal) who joins Paul to share his story of growing up, his challenges with authenticity, and the trauma he endured while being stuck in the middle of a natural disaster, where he witnessed death on a massive scale, including that of his own partner. For more about Nate: www.nateberkus.com www.instagram.com/nateberkus www.facebook.com/nateberkus www.t...
Nov 21, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Anna Runkle, aka @CrappyChildhoodFairy, joins Paul to share her experience of growing up in a commune, living with CPTSD, and finding new ways to heal when talk therapy wasn’t working. Look for her new book Connectability: Heal the Hidden Ways You Isolate, Find Your People and Feel (At Last) Like You Belong. For more about Anna: https://crappychildhoodfairy.com https://www.youtube.com/@crappychildhoodfairy https://www.instagram.com/crappychildhoodfairy/ https://www.facebook.com/CrappyChildhoodFa...
Nov 14, 2025•1 hr 38 min
Fellow support group member Derek shares about growing up in extreme poverty and isolation. Recently he has been learning how to connect and practice boundaries but is still struggling with being attracted to women who treat him badly. This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. This episode is sponsored by NOCD . If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Bo...
Nov 07, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Tyler Smith was paralyzed from the neck down after contracting the West Nile virus. He and his wife, Jenny, join Paul for the second time to open up about the rage, shock, and loneliness of having become paralyzed as well as the stress and emotional toll it takes on Jenny to caretake someone with Tyler’s condition. Tyler & Jenny’s GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-tyler-smith-year-two Follow Tyler on X @morelessons Check out his movie talk website www.morethanonelesson.com This...
Oct 31, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Amanda Uhle is a journalist and nonfiction writer who shares her story of a loving but turbulent childhood and what it was like to grow up in a house of hoarders. Look for her new memoir, Destroy This House. For more about Amanda: https://www.amandauhle.com/ https://www.instagram.com/amanda.uhle/?hl=en This episode is sponsored Quince . Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. This episode is sponsored by NOCD . If you're stru...
Oct 24, 2025•1 hr 43 min
Robert Suttle joins Paul to share his experience with the criminalization of HIV. He talks about the unexpected arrest related to his diagnosis, his experience in prison, and living with HIV in the modern day. Links/Resources that Robert mentioned: Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation site: https://elizabethtayloraidsfoundation.org/ Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation's HIV is Not a Crime initiative site: https://www.hivisnotacrime-etaf.org/ Robert Suttle's site: https://www.robertsuttle.com/ ETAF HIV ...
Oct 17, 2025•1 hr 30 min
