Mental Illness Happy Hour

Latest Episodes:

#769 Darkest Listener Confessions 2 Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Our second installment of the darkest surveys filled out anonymously by listeners.

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. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/mentalpod

If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com

WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts (or whatever player you use). It costs nothing. It’s extremely helpful to have your subscription set to download all episodes automatically. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2

Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.

Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod

Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod

Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donate

You can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)

To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#768 The Difficulties (And Gifts) Of Bipolar - Rick Cleveland Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

Rick Cleveland is a playwright and television writer (The West Wing, Six Feet Under) who shares the difficulties--and the gifts--of living with Bipolar disorder.

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. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/mentalpod

If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com

WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST

Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.

Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod

Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod

Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donate

You can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)

To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#767 Self-Harm - Matthew Broussard Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

Matthew Broussard is a comedian (Hyperbolic) who shares his struggles with mental health and opens up, for the first time, about his experience with self-harm.

For more about Matthew, including his most recent standup special. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UECGG-CD88

The New York Times called it a "pleasingly punchy debut hour" and said "His precisely timed and rarefied jokes are polished to a sheen. These are comedy-nerd bits about subjects you don’t tend to hear comics at clubs ranting about."

This episode is sponsored by NOCD. If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/mentalpod

If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com

WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST

Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.

Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod

Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod

Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donate

You can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)

To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#766 Navigating Sex After An Assault - Katie Simon Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Katie Simon is a journalist and sexual assault survivor. They talk about the impact that sexual assault can have on your sex life and share resources for how to manage and discuss this complex situation. For more info, look for their new book, Tell Me What You Like: An Honest Discussion of Sex and Intimacy After Sexual Assault.

This episode is sponsored by NOCD. If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/mentalpod

Buy Katie Simon’s book here: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806542782/tell-me-what-you-like/

Katie’s List of Resources:

National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/ Dial 1-800-799-HOPE

Women’s Law: https://www.womenslaw.org/

Veterans Affairs: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

National Sexual Violence Resource Center https://www.nsvrc.org/

Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

1in6: https://1in6.org/

Kinsey Institute: https://kinseyinstitute.org/

OMGYES: https://www.omgyes.com/

Google “sexual assault help + [name of nearest city]” for more local options

If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com

WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST

Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.

Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod

Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod

Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donate

You can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)

To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#765 Ali Siddiq - Grief, Incarceration & Friendship Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Ali Siddiq is a comedian and writer who shares his stories of abuse, incarceration, grief, and the importance of friendship. Find all of his powerful stand-up specials, including the newly released standup special Rugged (on YouTube).

This episode is sponsored by NOCD. If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/mentalpod

If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com

WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST

Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.

Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod

Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod

Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donate

You can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)

To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#764 Social Anxiety & Perfectionism - Dr. Ellen Hendriksen Returns Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Ellen Hendriksen is a clinical psychologist at Boston University who specializes in perfectionism and anxiety, with a particular focus on social anxiety. She returns to the podcast to talk about her research and share tools for managing these issues. Watch for her new book, How to Be Enough.

More about Dr. Ellen Hendriksen:

Her website (with links to buy her books) https://www.ellenhendriksen.com/

Twitter @EllenHendriksen

Her podcast is called Savvy Psychologist and can be found wherever folks like to get their podcasts

This episode is sponsored by NOCD. If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/mentalpod

BIG FAVOR ASK FROM PAUL: It would help the show if you took a really quick (2 min) survey for potential advertisers. We did one in the past but they need a new one. You can take it at Gum.FM/Mental.

If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com

WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST

Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.

Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod

Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod

Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donate

You can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)

To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#763 Listener Secrets With Jen Westcott Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Fellow survivor, recovering addict and therapist Jen Westcott joins Paul again to read some Shame And Secrets Surveys filled out anonymously by listeners.

For More About Jen:

Therapist Sanctuary Clinical Supervision Community

https://youtube.com/@therapistsanctuary?si=LXxyNlcClD00m-Qz

https://www.holistichealingcounselling.com/therapist-sanctuary

https://insta.openinapp.co/7s936

BIG FAVOR ASK FROM PAUL: It would help the show if you took a really quick (2 min) survey for potential advertisers. We did one in the past but they need a new one. You can take it at Gum.FM/Mental.

If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com

WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST

Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.

Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod

Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod

Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donate

You can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)

To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#762 - Raised Mormon With An Unstable Mother - Tina Kaye Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

Tina Kaye, a friend from Paul’s support group, shares her story of growing up with an unstable mother, being raised Mormon, and all of the rage and resentment that she’s had to work through.

BIG FAVOR ASK FROM PAUL: It would help the show if you took a really quick (2 min) survey for potential advertisers. We did one in the past but they need a new one. You can take it at Gum.FM/Mental.

If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com

WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST

Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.

Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod

Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod

Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donate

You can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)

To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#761 Validation & Belonging - Dr. Caroline Fleck Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Caroline Fleck is a cognitive behavioral psychologist, an author, and an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at Stanford. She joins Paul to discuss validation and the importance of belonging. She also provides useful tips on how to support yourself and others with acceptance. Look for her new book, Validation: How the Skill Set That Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life

More about Dr. Fleck

https://www.instagram.com/stories/carolinefleckphd/

https://www.tiktok.com/@drcarolinefleck

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinefleck/

www.drcarolinefleck.com

BIG FAVOR ASK FROM PAUL: It would help the show if you took a really quick (2 min) survey for potential advertisers. We did one in the past but they need a new one. You can take it at Gum.FM/Mental.

If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com

WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST

Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.

Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod

Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod

Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donate

You can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)

To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#760 Escaping The Mormon Church Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

Sabrina Capper grew up in the Mormon Church. She shares her story of manipulation, generational abuse, and how she finally escaped. Look for her new book, Licking the Knife, to learn more about her story.

More about Sabrina:

Licking the Knife: A memoir, available at B&N and Amazon

BEASTS: A story of a girl in a beastly world (illustrated children's book), available at B&N and Amazon

www.sabrinacapper.com

BIG FAVOR ASK FROM PAUL: It would help the show if you took a really quick (2 min) survey for potential advertisers. We did one in the past but they need a new one. You can take it at Gum.FM/Mental.

If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.com

WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST

Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.

Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod

Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod

Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donate

You can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)

To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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