Mental Illness Happy Hour

Paul's support group friend Meredith opens up about being raised by parents who lacked a sense of privacy or sexual boundaries; being sexualized by her father, mother (who has a long history of "accidentally" showing her vagina) and step-mother in covert but damaging ways, being comfortable giving help but not taking it or asking for it; being a perfectionist, self-harm, being attracted to emotionally unavailable men ( #loveaddiction ) and being on both ends of manipulative/coercive sexual experiences. She also talks about the ways that therapy, support groups and mindfulness have helped her with these issues. This ep is sponsored by BetterHelp online therapy. To try a week of counseling for free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental Must be 18 This ep is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/mental To buy tickets to LAPodfest Oct 6-8 (we're taping Oct 8th 4pm) at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown LA or to live stream it go to www.LAPodfest.com If you live in the Twin Cities come see a live taping of the podcast in the afternoon and a comedy show that night at Sisyphus Brewery (with Paul as the emcee) Sat Oct 14th. Click here for tix or info. To become a monthly donor (and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod To make a one-time donations via Paypal go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Help the podcast by shopping with our podcast's Amazon link (it doesn't make your product any more expensive - even bookmark it!) To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raised in financial privilege but emotional poverty, the actor/writer/standup reflects on her "don't give a fuck" eating disorder, drug and alcohol years trying to stuff the real feelings of abandonment, not being good enough, anxiety, anger and feeling invisible especially in comparison to her golden-child brother. She gets honest about the "self-centered demon inside me" that drove her actions until sobering up almost 20 years ago and learning to deal with her insecurities, fears and anger by connecting to trusted people in support groups and trying to be of service. Check out her great web series www.BitterHomesandGardens.com and her website www.FieldingEdlow.com This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post job ads for FREE go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/mental To take the survey Paul mentioned on the podcast (to help out a graduate student doing a thesis on how this podcast helps people) click here. To become a monthly donor (and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod For tix or info for the live podcast appearance Oct 14 in Minneapolis at Sisyphus Brewery click here Catch the podcast live at LAPodfest Oct 6-8. To learn more go to www.LAPodfest.com If you live in the Twin Cities come see a live taping of the podcast in the afternoon and a comedy show that night (with Paul as the emcee) Sat Oct 14th. More details to follow. To make a one-time donations via Paypal go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Help the podcast by shopping with our podcast's Amazon link (it doesn't make your product any more expensive - even bookmark it!) To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The actor/writer/comedian known for the Netflix show Love, the movie Inglourious Basterds and IFC's Comedy Bang! Bang! opens up about his battles with anxiety, OCD, taking on other people's emotions, people pleasing, wanting attention, shame, fear of letting people down and the role vulnerability and therapy have played in him finding emotional stability and peace. Follow Paul on Twitter @PaulRust Follow Paul on Instagram @PaulRust This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh. To get $30 off your first week of meals go to www.HelloFresh.com and use offer code MENTAL30 To take the survey Paul mentioned on the podcast (to help out a graduate student doing a thesis on how this podcast helps people) click here. To become a monthly donor (and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Catch the podcast live at LAPodfest Oct 6-8. To learn more go to www.LAPodfest.com If you live in the Twin Cities come see a live taping of the podcast in the afternoon and a comedy show that night (with Paul as the emcee) Sat Oct 14th. More details to follow. To make a one-time donations via Paypal go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Help the podcast by shopping with our podcast's Amazon link (it doesn't make your product any more expensive - even bookmark it!) To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The author (Every Moment of a Fall: Recovery Thru EMDR Therapy) opens up in front of a live audience in Oakland about the years she abused herself through bad relationships, booze and sex before therapy and EMDR helped her confront her true feelings about her predatory father, passive mother, abusive step-father and the plane crash she survived as a 16 year-old. Visit Carol's website www.Carol-E-Miller.com Buy her book Every Moment of a Fall: Recovery Thru EMDR Therapy This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 This episode is sponsored by Warby Parker Glasses. To try some on free at home go to www.WarbyParker.com/mental This episode is sponsored by the men's personal clothes styling service Bombfell To get $25 off your first purchase go to www.Bombfell.com/mental To become a monthly donor (and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Catch the podcast live at LAPodfest Oct 6-8. To learn more go to www.LAPodfest.com To make a one-time donations via Paypal go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Help the podcast by shopping with our podcast's Amazon link (it doesn't make your product any more expensive - even bookmark it!) To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul's support group friend shares about recovery and battles with binge-eating, shame, compulsive exercise, not knowing what he looks like, porn addiction, love addiction, fear of leaving relationships, feeling like he "is enough", growing up in a family where one sibling takes up all the parents' attention and energy, surviving the suicide of his brother and the huge impact learning to be vulnerable has had on his healing and life in general. Find out more about Matt at: Youtube: www.youtube.com/meetmattshepherd Instagram: www.instagram.com/meetmattshep Twitter: www.twitter.com/meetmattshep website: www.meetmattshep.com This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 To become a monthly donor (and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Catch the podcast live at LAPodfest Oct 6-8. To learn more go to www.LAPodfest.com To make a one-time donations via Paypal go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Help the podcast by shopping with our podcast's Amazon link (it doesn't make your product any more expensive - even bookmark it!) To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

YouTube personality Sarah Sterling is 26 and was obsessed with Harry Potter (and Disney) since day one. At a convention she met a singer who captivated her. He was 24 and she was 16. Looking back, she sees it as statutory rape and is processing that. What's possibly even harder to process for her is that she still hasn't told her overly-protective easily-overreactive mom. Sarah talks about how she has always felt the need to protect her mom from information that would set off her anxiety and the dynamics of having a parent that loves her but sometimes just doesn't understand her or accept her as an adult. For more about Sarah visit: Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/sarahsterling_ YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/sarahsterling Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/sarahgsterling This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 To become a monthly donor (and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Catch the podcast live at LAPodfest Oct 6-8. To learn more go to www.LAPodfest.com To make a one-time donations via Paypal go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Help the podcast by shopping with our podcast's Amazon link (it doesn't make your product any more expensive - even bookmark it!) To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Louise (a pseudonym) shares about the moment in her otherwise mostly happy childhood that things changed. She shares about the abuse at a posh Harry-Potteresque school when she was six by a headmaster who walked the dark halls with a torch; her mom's drinking, letting go of childhood shame, fear of conflict, how parents can support an abused child, when kids sexually abuse other kids, inner child work, Britain's NHS, and trying to cope with past trauma thru drugs and sex. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 This episode is sponsored by Casper Mattresses. To learn more go to www.Casper.com/mental Listeners can use offer code MENTAL To become a monthly donor (and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul like the upcoming raffle for a free hotel, lunch with Paul, weekend passes for two and front row seats for the MIHH taping at LAPodfest Oct 6-8) go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Monthly donors pick a number between 1 and 1000. The closest guess wins the hotel and weekend passes (does not include airfare). Contest ends Aug 16th. Monthly donors get 1 guess for each $5 amount they donate per month. So a 15/month donor would get 3 guesses etc. Patreon subscribers submit your guesses through the Patreon site, PayPal subscribers email Paul thru the mentalpod.com website. To learn more about LAPodfest go to www.LAPodfest.com To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland To make a one-time donations via Paypal go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Help the podcast by shopping with our podcast's Amazon link (it doesn't make your product any more expensive - even bookmark it!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do some people enjoy physical pain or become aroused by it? For Kal, the discovery came with a lot of complications; he was a young boy and it was at the hands of a powerful and sadistic pedophile Rabbi (Heshy Brier) who is now a fugitive living in Israel. Kal shares about his years of self-destruction and bottoming out before eventually getting sober and starting the process of healing and advocating for other survivors. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online therapy. To try a week for free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by BlueApron. To get your first 3 meals free with FREE delivery, go to www.BlueApron.com/mental To become a monthly donor (and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul like the upcoming raffle for a free hotel at LAPodfest Oct 6-8) go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod To learn more about LAPodfest go to www.LAPodfest.com To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland To make a one-time donations via Paypal go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Help the podcast by shopping with our podcast's Amazon link (it doesn't make your product any more expensive - even bookmark it!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Imagine getting gay hate mail from your own family. Or finding a letter where your parents talk about you in a way that confirms your worst fears. How does Bipolar 2 compare to having something like cancer? Comedian and author (How To Be Depressed: A Guide) Dana Eagle opens up about being a lonely kid in the 80s whose parents couldn't relate to her perhaps b/c her dad was alcoholic or her mom was thriving in her corporate job. Or is it genetic? Paul and Dana talk about art, comedy, shame, money, puberty, homophobia, abandonment, moving and apes! Buy Dana's book How To Be Depressed: A Guide Visit her websites www.DanaEagle.comhttp://howtobedepressed.comhttps://www.facebook.com/DanaEagleComedy/https://twitter.com/DanaEagleTweetshttps://www.instagram.com/danaeagle/ This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 This episode is sponsored by Bombas socks. For 20% off your first purchase go to www.Bombas.com/mental The podcast is doing live recordings Aug 2 & 3 in Oakland. For details and tickets go to www.eastbayexpress.com/mental To become a monthly donor (and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul like the upcoming raffle for a free hotel at LAPodfest Oct 6-8) go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod To learn more about LAPodfest go to www.LAPodfest.com To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland To make a one-time donations via Paypal go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Help the podcast by shopping with our podcast's Amazon link (it doesn't make your product any more expensive - even bookmark it!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He's authored Grammy-nominated hits for the biggest artists, put out his own albums, written best-selling books on baseball, and directed a documentary on the Beatles. And for as long as he can remember he has struggled with anxiety, panic attacks and feeling disconnected. What happens when you're achieving your dreams but you haven't dealt with the feelings underneath the drive to be recognized? Seth got his masters in clinical psychology. He opens up about his life and his approach to dealing with mental illness -especially depression and anxiety-, making art, raising kids and finding peace through a life lived with authenticity and meaning. For info on or to purchase his book 21 Ways to a Happier Depressionclick here. To see all the books, music, documentaries and art he's done visit Seth's personal website: Seth.com To learn more about him as therapist in Los Angeles visit Seththerapy.com This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 The podcast is doing live recordings Aug 2 & 3 in Oakland. For details and tickets go to www.eastbayexpress.com/mental To become a monthly donor (and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul like the upcoming raffle for a free hotel at LAPodfest Oct 6-8) go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod To learn more about LAPodfest go to www.LAPodfest.com To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland To make a one-time donations via Paypal go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Help the podcast by shopping with our podcast's Amazon link (it doesn't make your product any more expensive - even bookmark it!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fat-shamed as a child by her mother and classmates, writer-performer Chelsea Frank, now 24, opens up about the complex role food plays in her life. She talks about her struggles with weight, self-hatred, bingeing and restricting, going to "fat camps", life inside an eating disorder rehab and cutting contact with her abusive mother. Follow Chelsea on Twitter @ChelseaSFrank and on Instagram @ChelseaFrank This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 This episode is sponsored by BoredWalk. an artist-owned and operated graphic apparel company. To get 10% off your first purchase go to www.IloveBoredWalk.com and use offer code MENTAL To become a monthly donor and qualify for bonus content and goodies from Paul (including the upcoming raffle for a free hotel at LAPodfest Oct 6-8) go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod To learn more about LAPodfest go to www.LAPodfest.com To help fund Paul's next trip to record international guests, especially in Ireland, go to https://www.gofundme.com/pauls-trip-to-ireland For more ways to support the podcast go to www.mentalpod.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Creative and sensitive, born and raised in 1980's communist East Germany by a dysfunctional family, Anne's abuse was not dramatic, more like death by 1000 cuts. Bearing the brunt of being a first child and resented for her intelligence, she developed BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) but has always turned the anger inwards, rarely if ever lashing out. She talks about the benefits of learning DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) as well as her struggles with anorexia, bingeing, cutting and being passive aggressive as well as the greater context of her personal battles taking place alongside her country's people fighting for freedom and independence from a regime that shot its own citizens for trying to leave the country. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To experience a week for free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire This episode is sponsored by BlueApron. To get your first 3 meals free with free shipping go to www.BlueApron.com/mental This episode is sponsored by Bombas socks. To get 20% off go to www.Bombas.com/mental To help finance Paul's next trip to record international guests consider contributing to its GoFundMe page. Consider becoming a monthly donor to the podcast (and get occasional bonus content from Paul) www.Patreon.com/mentalpod To make a one-time PayPal donation go to www.mentalpod.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What goes on in someone when they're jealous, possessive, obsessive or need to create drama? Mila was born into a family where her parents "couldn't live with/couldn't live without each other" and she found herself as an adult becoming like them, She also began snooping on her partners and engaging in online and in-person affairs despite knowing better and wanting to stop but unable to leave her cold and uninterested husband. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a week for free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by Audible's Binge Listening Event which lasts until June 28. Get $50 off the price of an annual membership as well. www.Audible.com/binge Help Paul keep this podcast going. It's not possible without donations and help from listeners like you. You can help by: Becoming a one-time (PayPal) or monthly (Patreon) donor for as little as $1/month and qualify for bonus content and personalized stuff from Paul. www.mentalpod.com/donate You can help the podcast by using our Amazon link. Bookmark it. It helps us and doesn't make your items any more expensive. You can also help the podcast by going to our Itunes page and giving us a nice rating. It boosts our visibility. And you can help by spreading the word about the podcast through social media. Every little bit helps he needs it! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 year-old JT shares about the crippling anxiety, panic attacks and fear of abandonment he tried to alleviate for years through being hostile and controlling (of course it backfired) before finally deciding to get help. He shares with Paul the painful working-class childhood he had including the death of his parents when he was 8 and embracing his sexuality at 16. He talks about the importance mindfulness has played in helping him find the peace that has allowed him to deal with his anxiety. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To see if it's right for you go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental , fill out a questionnaire and try a free week. Must be 18 This episode is sponsored by ZipRecuiter. To post jobs and find the right person to hire fast, and for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first To support the podcast through donations of money (one-time or recurring monthly for as little as $1) or frequent flyer miles, go to www.mentalpod.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christina L (a pseudonym) shares about learning to stand up for herself after an abusive rehab therapist preyed on her as she was getting sober and the confusion of not knowing what he was doing was wrong. She shares about her dysfunctional family, being bullied by boys in middle school, binge eating, and always being the "good child" by never making waves (unlike her sister who got most of the attention through speaking up or getting in trouble) but also never learning how to talk to her parents about her struggles for fear of bringing more chaos into an already unstable home. She also talks about the difficulties in getting mental health treatment in her country, England. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a week for free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by Casper Mattresses. Help the podcast by checking out their highly rated products and to let them know you found out about them from the show go to www.Casper.com/mental and use the code MENTAL at checkout. This episode is sponsored by Audible's Where Should We Begin? Go to www.Audible.com/Esther If you'd like to help out the podcast go to www.mentalpod.com/donate Every little bit helps, whether it's money or frequent flyer miles. Also when you shop through our Amazon page they donate money to our podcast but your product isn't any more expensive. You can also help by going to Itunes and giving us a good rating. It helps bring more people to the show. Also spreading the word through social media helps! Here is our Facebook page and our Twitter Page @mentalpod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LMFT therapist Katie Vernoy and Paul respond to listener questions around the topics of 1) How childhood sexual abuse affects the survivors when they become adults and 2) How can people avoid job or helping burnout. They talk about the specifics of self-care and coping tips, acceptance vs approval, forgiveness, anger, misguided generosity, overprotective parents, people who can't say no and is it possible for a younger child to sexually abuse an older child? Katie's website: www.evolvetothriveconsulting.com Katie's Facebook group for helpers to combat Sacrificial Helping, called The Helping Collaborative: https://www.facebook.com/groups/helpingcollaborative/ Katie's Facebook: Evolve to Thrive by Katie Vernoy Katie's Twitter: Katie Vernoy This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online therapy, to experience a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental This episode is sponsored by Bombas socks. For 20% off your 1st purchase go to www.Bombas.com/mental This episode is sponsored by BlueApron. To get your first 3 meals free (with free shipping) go to www.BlueApron.com/mental This episode is sponsored by the Scott Alan Turner Show. To learn how to better your finances go to www.ScottAlanTurner.com/happy To help out our podcast thru one-time or recurring monthly donations, or donating Frequent Flyer miles go to www.mentalpod.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Australian professional trombonist shares about the mental, emotional and logistical rigors of making a living as a classical musician and some insights into what drove him (and his peers) to such obsessive lengths. We get a peek behind the curtain into the dysfunction and sickness that can fester in such a high-pressure workplace and the poor coping mechanisms used by people who were raised to stuff emotions and just achieve to receive love. We touch on depression, anxiety, therapy, people pleasing, perfectionism, numbness and difficulty with intimacy. Turns out Mozart in the Jungle and Whiplash are not that far off. Check out Ben's podcast Double Depresso https://omny.fm/shows/double-depresso-podcast Ben's Twitter handle is @DepressoPodcast This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To experience a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 This episode is sponsored by the Scott Alan Turner podcast. For a free audiobook and to hear the strategies he used to achieve financial independence and how he learned to handle and save money, go to www.ScottAlanTurner.com/happy This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter To post jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first To become a monthly donor (for as little as $1/month) and get free bonus content from Paul go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rhonda says "It took me 20 years to get thru that day" as she opens up about the event that changed her life forever when she was 14 years old. She talks about how it changed her view of God, herself and the world around her, sending her on a path or self-destruction she barely survived until finally dealing with the pain and anger, eventually healing and finding her life's purpose. Follow Rhonda on twitter @RhondaBritten Check out her websites for the course she mentioned www.fearlessliving.org/risk www.LifeCoachCertificationProgram.com and her books https://fearlessliving.org/books/ This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental This episode is sponsored by Audible and their new audio program Where Should We Begin? To check it out go to www.Audible.com/esther (Audible & Amazon Prime members listen for free) This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first To become a recurring monthly donor to the podcast (and get free things from Paul like Paul's video Tribute to Herbert go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod and sign up for as little as $1/month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Feinblatt shares her experience as a therapist in working with co-dependent clients; how is co-dependency defined, what are some characteristics and how can it be treated or managed? She also shares about the importance of codependents learning about setting, enforcing and respecting boundaries. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To experience a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental In addition to her private practice Dr. Feinblatt also works at Westside Treatment, an intensive outpatient program for addiction & mental illness. Dr Feinblatt (who is also a BetterHelp therapist) can be reached at: www.drnataliefeinblatt.comhttps://www.instagram.com/drnatalief/https://twitter.com/DrNatalieFhttps://www.facebook.com/drnataliefhttps://www.betterhelp.com/natalie-feinblatt/ Consider helping out the show by making a donation. Either one-time, recurring monthly (you get freebies from Paul) or by donating frequent flyer miles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rarely do we talk about the spouse of someone battling a serious mental illness. Mark and Giulia had never heard of Bipolar I with psychosis until she broke from reality well into their marriage. Taped in front of an audience in Oakland, they bare their souls about the pain and confusion of her treatment and Mark realizing how much help spouses also need. Check out Mark's new book My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward Visit his website www.MarkLukach.com This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron. To get your first 3 meals free with free delivery go to www.BlueApron.com/mental This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To experience a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental Consider donating to the podcast with either a one-time donation, a recurring monthly donation (with free rewards) or donating frequent flyer miles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul's support group friend has led an astoundingly painful life especially in regard to his mother (schizophrenia, depression), father (workaholic, hoarder), and sister (drug addict). He describes his descent into drugs (crack), emotionally damaged women and violence before finding the key to understanding his behavior. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. To see if online counseling is right for you go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and experience a free week. Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post jobs for free to go www.ZipRecruiter.com/first This episode is sponsored by Audible. To start a free trial or just see their catalog of audiobooks go to www.Audible.com/mental Support the podcast by becoming a one-time donor, a monthly donor or use when shopping at Amazon, enter using our Amazon link so they give us some money (at no cost to you). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The comedian/storyteller (The Moth) shares about her whirlwind 86 day romance that led to a Vegas wedding to a man who soon turned into a man she didn't recognize, leaving her in fear for her life. Jenna talks about her experience escaping from domestic violence and stalking, especially how family and friends reacted in terms of supporting her (or not). She also shares about having to cut her mercurial, often emotionally abusive mother out of her life and the freedom she feels in learning how to stick up for herself even if it means disappointing someone. Links for Jenna: instagram: jennatullsbrister twitter: @jennabrister website: www.jennabrister.com This episodes is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To see if it's right for you and to experience a week free, go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental This episode is sponsored by Adam and Eve. To get 50% off an item, free shipping plus some free gifts go to www.AdamandEve.com and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by StampsDotCom. For a 4 week trial including a digital scale and stamps go to www.Stamps.com, click on the radio mic at the top of the page and enter offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post your jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first To become a monthly donor for as little as $1/month go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod and qualify for free stuff from Paul including bonus episodes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The comedic writer/performer and mental health advocate who started www.projecturok.org shares about the tremendous support she received from her family when depression anxiety and OCD had her close to suicide by age 10, and even more despondent from 15-17. Her story is a great example of parental support, the power of coping skills, and proof that even people from safe supportive homes with no trauma in their lives can suffer from mental illness because the issue is often one of chemical imbalance. Follow Jenny on Twitter @JennyJaffe and @JennyJaffe on Instagram Check out her Facebook page www.facebook.com/jennyjaffe Visit her website www.theJennyJaffe.com And of course check out www.ProjectUROK.org This ep is sponsored by BetterHelp online therapy. To try it and get a week for free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental To support the podcast consider becoming a one-time or recurring monthly donor or donating frequent flyer miles. It can be done at www.mentalpod.com/donate Monthly donors using Patreon can begin for as little as $1/month and qualify for occasional free stuff from Paul, like mini-episodes and more. To sign up go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Another way to support the show is to give it a nice review and rating at iTunes or spread the word through social media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For most of his life Mike has been wracked with shame and self-hatred, convinced he was the worst person ever and fantasizing about suicide when he was hospitalized at 15. He and Paul talk about where his self-hate may come from as well as his ADHD, emotionally sterile and achievement-focused childhood, body dysmorphia, cross-dressing, kink as a submissive male, and how he finally summoned the courage and self-love to end an abusive friendship. Mike is a great example of someone learning to embrace his uniqueness instead of hating and shaming himself for it. Follow Mike on Twitter/Instagram: @bizmichael Check out his books: At Least You're Not These Monsters and All The Feelings This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp To try a week of counseling for free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire so you can be paired with a licensed counselor. This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post your jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first To support the podcast consider becoming a monthly donor via Patreon for as little as $1/month (and get rewards for free like donor-only mini eps where Paul reads responses from the donor-only survey) Go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod A great way to help the podcast is to donate frequent flyer miles. For details on how to do it go to. www.Mentalpod.com/donate and scroll down to the Frequent Flyer Miles section. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It wasn't until she began to literally pull chunks of her hair out she knew she might be battling something out of her control; postpartum depression. She talks about her battles with cyclical depression starting at an early age, being an only child with depressed, anxious and angry parents, not feeling seen or heard and being a high-bottom alcoholic who finally sobered up instead of self-medicating. She also touches on her body issues and how it was exacerbated during her few years as a model. Thanks to Accurate Secretarial & @WebCaptioning 4 donating their transcribing services. They're so dependable! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. To see if online counseling is right for you, and to get your first week free, go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. Must be 18 or older. This episode is sponsored by BlueApron. To get your first 3 meals free with free shipping go to www.BlueApron.com/mental Support the podcast and get free, donor-only stuff from Paul by becoming a monthly donor -starting for as little as $1 a month- go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod It really helps! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does a family deal with its secrets? The PhD opens up about the inter-generational rage brewing beneath the surface of her extended family and the difficulty in trying to cope when favorites are played, a mother feels jealous of her daughter, trauma isn't discussed, emotions are stuffed and through depression a smile is mustered for the unsuspecting outside world. Patricia can be reached at her website www.PatriciaMcKee.com and on Twitter @Patricia_McKee This episode is sponsored by Stamps.com For a free 4 week trial including postage and a digital scale, go to www.Stamps.com, click on the Radio Microphone at the top of the homepage and type in offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by Young Health's probiotic Probimune. For your 1st bottle free go to www.Probimune.com and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by Audible audiobooks. For a free trial go to www.Audible.com/mental This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To get your first week free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental Must be over 18. To get rewards from Paul, like donor-only mini-episodes or personal videos & pictures support the podcast with a recurring monthly donation starting for as little as $1/month, go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 29 year-old trans woman dispels myths about what it means to be trans, including those she used to believe. She shares about hormone therapy, gender reassignment surgery, the prejudice and stigma of "passing", feeling dysphoric growing up, coming out in her Indiana hometown and her upbringing by an overprotective mother, an absent father, an alcoholic and emotionally abusive stepfather. Follow Olivia on Twitter @hitherehaidar Follow her on Instagram @ohaidarling Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ohaidarling This episode is sponsored by Young Health's probiotic Probimune. To get your first bottle free (plus $6.75 shipping) go to www.probimune.com and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To get your first week free, go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental Must be 18 or older. This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first Support the podcast by becoming a monthly donor for as little as $1 a month. Get free rewards from Paul. www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Check out Earbuds, the great documentary about the power of podcasting featuring podcasters like Paul and many of his former guests/friends/fellow podcasters. Stream or buy DVD at www.comedyfilmnerds.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laura J. shares about contracting herpes by being date-raped and how she has navigated managing it logistically, sexually and emotionally with partners, including her husband. She was raised in an emotionally cold home by a psychiatrist father and image-obsessed mother. Her mother's response when Laura would say "I love you" has only ever been "thank you". Laura shares about having Bipolar 2, codependency, fear of intimacy, occasional paranoia, an eating disorder (compulsive eating), multiple stays in psych hospitals, an abortion and always being in the shadow of her high-maintenance and unstable sister. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To get your first week free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental Must be 18 or over. This episode is sponsored by Young Health's probiotic Probimune. To get your first bottle free (plus $6.75 shipping) go to www.probimune.com and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul's fellow support group friend shares about the huge role fantasy has played in her struggle to accept life; especially her love addiction. She talks about being unable to watch lesbian films in moderation (she is a lesbian) and how the CPTSD from her physical (and emotional) trauma at birth and being raised in an emotionally stifled home (where success was the only thing that mattered) have made intimacy and trust difficult especially with her struggles with low self-esteem. Inspired to help others as she has healed Maia now facilitates workshops and speaks publicly to help others who are also struggling. Check out Maia's website http://www.maiaakiva.com/ Maia's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maiaakiva/ Maia's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/maiaakiva2 Maia's Twitter https://twitter.com/maiaakiva This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. To get your 1st week of online counseling free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental Must 18 or over. This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron. To see this week's menu or to get your first 3 meals free (with free delivery) go to www.BlueApron.com/mental This episode is sponsored by Young Health's probiotic Probimune To get your first bottle of Probimune free (plus $6.75 shipping) go to www.Probimune.com and use offer code MENTAL at checkout. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The co-host of YouTube's Pauly & Monks show shares about feeling unlovable, not being a good enough partner, trying to always "fix" other people, having to be an adult in his family at nine, learning to equate money with love and being rejected by relatives for being gay. Oh and his Bruce Willis-admiring grandfather shooting his grandmother. Follow Pauly on Twitter @PaulyDavid and Instagram @PaulyDavid1 Check out the Pauly & Monks show on YouTube and on Twitter @PaulyandMonks Visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PaulyandMonks/ Check out Pauly's personal YouTube page http://YouTube.com/user/VapidDual This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.com to try a week of online counseling for free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental You must be over 18. This episode is sponsored by Young Health's Probimune. To get your first bottle free (plus $6.75 shipping) go to www.probimune.com and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by Stamps.com For a special 4 week trial go to www.stamps.com be sure to click on the microphone icon at the top of the page then enter offer code MENTAL Please take this anonymous survey so potential advertisers will see our demographic. Plus you could win a $100 Amazon card. www.podsurvey.com/mentalpod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Moth Grand Slam winner, standup and podcaster (Hopefully We Don't Break Up) shares about being raised by Italian immigrant parents who worried a lot and her "high school brain" that still worries about being left out or gossiped about. Follow Giulia on Twitter @GiuliaRozzi Visit her website www.GiuliaRozzi.com Check out her podcast www.HopefullyWeDontBreakup.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/grozzi This episode is sponsored by Young Health's Probimune. Sign up for automated delivery and get your first bottle free (plus $6.75 shipping). Go to www.Probimune.com and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. For a free week of online counseling go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental This episode is sponsored by MadisonReed. For 10% off your first color kit plus free shipping, go to www.Madison-Reed.com and use offer code HAPPY This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post your job ads free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first This episode is sponsored by Zola wedding registry. Receive $50 when you register and use Zola. Go to www.Zola.com/mental For info or tix to the live recording of the podcast in Oakland on Feb 22 & 23 (Wed & Thurs) go to www.EastBayExpress.com/mental Support the podcast by becoming a monthly donor via Patreon (and get free rewards from Paul) www.Patreon.com/mentalpod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

35 year-old barista (and listener) Charlynn Schmiedt shares about having misophonia which is a "fight or flight" physical response to certain everyday sounds, such as gum chewing, throat clearing etc. and the complications and misunderstanding that arise out of having to interact with people who don't think it is a "real thing". Charlynn also shares about having an eating disorder in her 20s as well as depression and anxiety. Her husband Patrick sits in to also share what it is like to live with someone with misophonia. Follow Charlynn on Twitter at @OhTheProfanity For tix or info on Paul's Feb 22 & 23 appearances in Oakland go to www.eastbayexpress.com/mental This ep is sponsored by the online counseling provider BetterHelp. To try a week free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire to be matched with a counselor. This ep is sponsored by MadisonReed. For 10% off your first hair color kit and free shipping go to www.Madison-Reed.com and use offer code HAPPY This ep is sponsored by BlueApron. Check out this week's menu and get your first 3 meals free (with free shipping) by going to www.BlueApron.com/mental This ep is sponsored by Casper Mattresses. For $50 towards the purchase of any mattress go to www.CasperMattress.com/mental and use offer code MENTAL Support the podcast by becoming a monthly donor at Patreon (and get free rewards from Paul) www.Patreon.com/mentalpod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The podcaster (RISK!) and sketch actor (The State) talks about learning to "own his weirdness". From being a gay kid in a conservative town to being the black sheep in The State he has battled the paralysis and fear of not being perfect or even good enough. He shares about his attempt at being a prostitute, the 12 year gap between The State ending and him starting Risk! and how he learned to find his authentic voice when he was at his lowest and how he still struggles to act and feel like a grown-up. Follow Kevin on Twitter @TheKevinAllison Check out RISK! at www.risk-show.com or follow on Twitter @RISKshow Check out his classes www.thestorystudio.org For info on Paul's upcoming live podcasts in Oakland Feb 22-23 go to www.eastbayexpress.com/mental To become a monthly supporter of The Mental Illness Happy Hour go to www.patreon.com/mentalpod This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling. To try a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental (you must be at least 18) This episode is sponsored by MadisonReed hair color kits. For 10% off your first kit and free shipping go to www.Madison-Reed.com and use offer code HAPPY This episode is sponsored by MVMT Watches. For 15% off plus free shipping and free returns go to www.MVMTWatches.com/mental This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The anxious only child of a drunk/rager mom and a passive dad shares about her family's combination of material wealth and emotional ignorance/poverty. She talks about her fear of "just being" instead of always "doing", including triathlons & rock climbing, her ongoing battles with disordered eating -especially binging- , her all-or-nothing thinking and struggles with intimacy while being married and having a family. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online therapy. To learn more (and get your first week free) go to www.betterhelp.com/mental This episode is sponsored by MadisonReed. For 10% your first hair color kit plus free shipping go to www.Madison-Reed.com and use offer code HAPPY This episode is sponsored by Movement Watches. Get 15% off today (with free shipping and free returns) by going to www.MVMTWatches.com/mental This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first Support the podcast by becoming a monthly donor (for as little as $1/month and get rewards from Paul) at Patreon. www.patreon.com/mentalpod For info on Paul's upcoming live podcast shows in the Bay Area Feb 22 & Feb 23 go to www.eastbayexpress.com/mental See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 40 year-old public administrator talks about "losing her humanity" being assigned to work on a criminal defense unit on behalf of sexually violent predators and the anxiety, panic and breakdowns that followed. She also talks about her chaotic and abusive upbringing which included her father molesting her brother, domestic violence and her coping by becoming a rescuer. This episode is sponsored by the online therapy provider BetterHelp.com To try out a week of counseling for free go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental, fill out the questionnaire and get matched with a counselor, to see if it's right for you. This episode is sponsored by the one-stop wedding registry Zola. Receive $50 when you register and use Zola. Go to www.Zola.com/mental for details. This episode is sponsored by MadisonReed. For 10% off your first hair color kit (plus free shipping) go to www.Madison-Reed.com and use offer code HAPPY Consider becoming a recurring monthly donor to the podcast (and receive free rewards from Paul) go to www.Patreon.com/mentapod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The writer and director of Inside Amy Schumer, co-creator of Chapelle's Show and standup comic (3 Mics coming soon on Netflix) talks about being one of ten kids raised by a violent alcoholic father and his struggles today with trusting his feelings and needs and dealing with his anger especially with partners. He also talks about his relationship with Dave Chapelle and the conflicts and emotions he experienced when Dave decided to stop doing the show. Neal's standup special 3 Mics debuts Jan 17th on Netflix Follow Neal on Twitter @NealBrennan This episode is sponsored by the online therapy service BetterHelp For a free week of counseling go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental and fill out a questionnaire. This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter To post jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first This episode is sponsored by Madison-Reed For 10% off your first hair color kit (and free shipping) go to www.Madison-Reed.com and use offer code HAPPY This episode is sponsored by BlueApron. To get your first 3 meals free (with free shipping) go to www.BlueApron.com/mental See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 30 year-old freelance journalist and Pilates teacher doesn't have anything dramatic to point to in her life, yet she has struggled to find her voice in life with bad relationships, eating disorders, depression, body dysmorphia, and intense fears of rejection and feeling excluded. Paul and Amanda peel back the layers to try to find out what's underneath. To learn more about Amanda, go to www.AmandaBloom.com Follow her on Twitter @AmandaJBloom This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter.com Listeners can post jobs for free by going to www.ziprecruiter.com/first To become a monthly donor to the podcast (and get the occasional reward from Paul) go to www.Patreon.com/mentalpod To donate Frequent Flyer miles to the podcast go to http://mentalpod.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At 16 he was playing drums at CBGB and Max's Kansas City as the punk scene exploded. After destroying his career (Pianosaurus, King Missile) he got sober. The PsyD & MFT explains his extensive work with treating trauma victims (especially those with addictions) by using EMDR. He talks about the difficulty people have in calling what happened to them "trauma" and why the label isn't important. He shares his personal experiences and insights about bullying, Buddhism, self-sabotage, spirituality, depression and what being a "good person" means to him. Dr. Dansiger can be found at www.drdansiger.com Check out this new book Clinical Dharma Follow him on Twitter @DrDansiger This episode is sponsored by the magazine app Texture. For a 14 day free trail go to www.texture.com/mental This episode is sponsored by TalkSpace. For $30 off your first month of online therapy go to www.TalkSpace.com/mihh and use offer code MIHH For info on how to donate frequent flyer miles to the podcast go to http://mentalpod.com/archives/4307 To support the podcast as a monthly donor (and get rewards from Paul) go to www.patreon.com/mental See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 31 year-old ex-model (Vogue, Vanity Fair) discusses surviving incest by her mother (who was also an alcoholic with BiPolar and DID aka Multiple Personality Disorder) and a lifetime of battling eating disorders (binging, bulimia, anorexia), psychosis, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, depression, anxiety, alcoholism and drug and sex addiction. She reflects on the physical and emotional bottom that finally made her walk away from modeling and seek help, ironically as her emaciated body was more desirable than ever in the industry. Follow Nikki on Twitter @TheNikkiDubose Buy her new book Washed Away: From Darkness to Light Buy it also on Kindle Washed Away: From Darkness to Light - Kindle Version See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato have produced and/or directed some of Paul's favorite documentaries, including Mapplethorpe: Look At The Pictures, 101 Rent Boys and Monica in Black & White. They sit down with Paul to talk about their newest film, Every Brilliant Thing which debuts on HBO Dec 26th and tackles the subject of finding joy in life's little things when we're surrounded by darkness. Paul also talks to them about their days as struggling artists in the East Village during the beginning of the AIDS crisis and what draws them to subjects who have been vilified or marginalized by society. Fenton and Randy also produce Ru Paul's Drag Race and talk about why they love drag queens. Follow Randy on Twitter @RandyBarbato Follow Fenton on Twitter @FBailey For info on Every Brilliant Thing click here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 19 year-old college sophomore opens with a letter she wrote to her 16 year-old self who was so tired of the years of depression, anxiety self-hate, bullying, co-dependence, perfectionism, Crohn's Disease and feeling like a burden that she was on the verge of taking her life. Her dad, Alan sits in on the session to occasionally share his perspective on her struggles, their family dynamics and what he might have done differently. This episode is sponsored by American Public Media's podcast The Hilarious World of Depression with host John Moe This episode is sponsored by TalkSpace online therapy. To sign up or to learn more, go to www.Talkspace.com/mihh and, as a special offer for our listeners, you can use coupon code MIHH to get $30 off your first month. Follow Katie on Twitter at @Rosearium The podcast is now accepting monthly donations via Patreon. Go to www.patreon.com/mentalpod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 25 year-old professional basketball player opens up to a live audience about mental health issues not only in his life (OCD, panic attacks and anxiety) but societally, especially in the NBA where he played, and in the relationships between POC and police officers. Royce shares about being raised by a single mom in a culturally diverse extended family. Check out Royce's mental health foundation www.anxiousminds.org Follow him on Twitter @Highway_30 This episode is sponsored by http://www.treatmentplacementspecialists.com/ This episode is sponsored by TalkSpace. For $30 off your first month of online therapy go to www.talkspace.com/mihh and use offer code MIHH This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first This episode is sponsored by the magazine app Texture. For a FREE 14 day trial go to www.texture.com/mental This episode is sponsored by Spring of Life's Daily Energy. Save 30% when you purchase online at www.getdailyenergy.com/mental The podcast still needs monthly donors. We now accept via Patreon and donors qualify for rewards from Paul. Go to www.patreon.com/mentalpod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author/life-coach April Adams clarifies what an "energy healer" actually does despite it sounding like new-age b.s. She talks about techniques she has used to deal with her childhood trauma and heal others. She opens up about her experiences with swinging, sexual fluidity, embracing her attraction to women fairly late in life and possible love addiction/fear of intimacy in her same-sex marriage. April's book is Essence: Ending Emptiness, Finding Fulfillment Her websites are www.AprilAdams.org and www.FillingYourCup.com This episode is sponsored by TommyJohn. For 20% off your first order go to www.TommyJohn.com and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by TalkSpace. For $30 off your first month of online therapy go to www.TalkSpace.com/mihh and use offer code MIHH To support the podcast (and get rewards from Paul) become a monthly donor via Patreon www.patreon.com/mentalpod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 34 year-old British writer/comedian/performer shares about the pain of her parents' nasty divorce when she was a kid, especially her father using her as a pawn and poisoning her mind about her mother. She also shares about her depression and only being turned on by men who treat her badly or are in some way unavailable. She talks about her struggle to not equate her self-worth with her career ups and downs and overcome her fear of not being enough. This episode is sponsored by MVMT watches. Get 15% off today with FREE shipping and FREE returns by going to www.mvmtwatches.com/mental This episode is sponsored by the magazine app Texture. For a 14 day FREE trial go to www.texture.com/mental To become a monthly donor to the podcast (and get rewards by Paul) sign up at www.patreon.com/mentalpod Follow Luisa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/luisaomielan Check out her website www.ILoveLuisa.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The actor/comedian (@Midnight) opens up about his recent suicide attempt, psych ward stay and how it is motivating him to seek help and try to be a better husband, father and friend. He shares about trying to break the cycle of bad parenting and untreated addiction/mental illness in his family and learn how to identify and express his emotions instead of coping with his anxiety and depression by getting high. He also expresses his regret in being a bad parent to his 2 daughters, a bad husband to his first wife and his treatment and attitude towards women. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.com To try a week of online counseling for free, go to www.betterhelp.com/mental This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. To post jobs for free go to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first This episode is sponsored by MadisonReed. For 10% off your first color kit and free shipping go to www.Madison-Reed.com and use offer code HAPPY To support the podcast's new donation option Patreon (with level-based rewards for donors!) go to www.patreon.com/mentalpod To check out more about Paul Goebel: his twitter is https://twitter.com/PaulGoebelShow his website http://thekingoftv.com/ a roast that they threw for him on the blog section of his website https://youtu.be/wzmZbA3fKeE And be on the lookout for his new podcast Paul Goebel & Friends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Only hugged once in her life by her mother, 25 year-old Yohana is the daughter of conservative East African war refugees from Ethiopia & Eritrea. All her life she has buried her rage by wearing the "good girl" mask to try to placate her narcissistic mother and having to be someone else to survive as a kid growing up in Oakland where there were some fixed ideas of what makes someone an "authentic African-American". She shares about living with a learning disability, having physically disabled siblings(and a mother who is ashamed of them) and a passive father. She talks about her battles with body shame, emotional eating, anxiety and depression. This episode is sponsored by MadisonReed. For 10% off your first hair color kit (and free shipping) go to www.Madison-Reed.com and use offer code HAPPY Follow Yohana on Twitter @Yohnkid For info and tickets to the upcoming live MIHH event at the In This Together Festival in Los Angeles go to www.ITTFest.com It's Sunday Nov 13th and starts at 4pm. Paul will be interviewing former NBA player and mental health advocate Royce White. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 31 year-old writer discusses feminism, sexual violence and misogyny in the context of partisan politics, and her personal life. She shares about the complexities of marrying a Muslim, growing up being told "you're too sensitive", avoiding her emotions by achieving, hating her body, fighting the drill sergeant in her head and learning the power of being vulnerable and letting go of shame. Jamie's links Facebook: facebook.com/jamievaron Twitter: twitter.com/jamievaron Instagram: instagram.com/jamievaron All my published writing: jamievaron.com/writing Writing workshops: http://workshops.jamievaron.com This episode is sponsored by Madison Reed. For 10% off your first color kit (and free shipping go to www.Madison-Reed.com and use the offer code HAPPY This episode is sponsored by Young Health's Probimune. To get your first bottle free (plus $6.75 shipping) go to www.probimune.com and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. Listeners can post jobs free by going to www.ZipRecruiter.com/first For information about the In This Together Festival in LA on Nov 13th, go to www.ITTFest.com Paul will be interviewing former NBA player Royce White. Books mentioned by Jamie are: A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson, Ask and It is Given by Esther Hicks, and When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeff is Paul's friend of 28 years and the son of former guest and Holocaust survivor Kristine Keese. He shares about her recent passing, their deep but complicated relationship, how he made peace with her being "a terrible mom but a great friend" and the book she wrote Shadows of Survival: A Child's Memoir of the Warsaw Ghetto. Buy Kristine's book here. Follow Jeff on Twitter @Jeff_Rosie Visit Jeff's Facebook page This episode is sponsored by Meundies. For 20% off your first order go to www.meundies.com/mental This episode is sponsored by Young Health's Probimune. For a free bottle go to www.probimune.com and use offer code MENTAL when you sign up for automated delivery. This episode is sponsored by MVMT watches. For 15% off today with free shipping and free returns go to www.mvmtwatches.com/mental For tix or info on the In This Together Festival Nov 13th in Los Angeles at the Avalon go to www.ITTFest.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The writer/improviser shares about the mental/emotional breakdown her freshman year of college at NYU that left her living in her car and squatting in empty buildings in New York City. She looks back on her childhood and the familial love that was so often conditional, based on her weight and appearance. She opens up about the body shaming women in her family unconsciously modeled for her, her relationship with food, difficulty setting boundaries with toxic people and finding out what she really wants instead of living to meet other people's expectations of her. This episode is sponsored by Young Health's Probimune. For your first bottle free (plus $6.75 shipping) go to www.probimune.com and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by Casper mattresses. Go to www.casper.com/mental This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter.com Listeners can post jobs for free by going to www.ziprecruiter.com/first See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 33 year-old listener was the woman who comforted Murray Valeriano during our live episode last week. From a blended family with every kind of abuse imaginable, including her church elder step-grandfather who molested her, her descent into meth and drinking, finding sobriety, and getting therapy for her traumas. This episode is sponsored by Casper Mattresses. Visit www.casper.com/mental This episode is sponsored by Criquet Shirts. For 20% off your first purchase visit www.criquetshirts.com/mental and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by New Health's Probimune. By signing up for automated delivery you'll get your first bottle free (plus $6.75 shipping and handling) Go to www.probimune.com and use offer code MENTAL at checkout. Click for free tickets to the UC Berkley panel Paul is participating in on OCT 17th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.