Mental Illness Happy Hour

The writer/performer (winner of The Moth GrandSlam) opens up about the family secret that harmed his ability to trust and the eventual airing of it that improved his relationship with them. He also shares about his struggles to feel validated, included, respected and seen. More info about Sam and his podcast Family Ghosts Family Ghosts Apple Podcasts link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-ghosts/id1217657323 Family Ghosts Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZRMeBKDrifipZBfO4Ma4A?si=G3IFjq_2SCOSibhy30swBw,  Family Ghosts Stitcher link: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=134368 @samdingman on Twitter @dingmania on Instagram @famghoshow on Twitter @famghoshow on Instagram Support Our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling.  To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental  Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by  EarlyBirdCBD products.  For 20% off your first order (and free shipping) go to www.EarlyBirdCBD.com/mental and use offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by Ettitude Bamboo sheets.  For 20% off your sheet set (and free shipping) text MENTAL to 64000.  Message and data rates may apply. WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. 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  or Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services --------------------------------------------------- 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.

Fallon talks about her life as a trans woman; her desire to be "passable", how she feels about her voice, her experiences pre-op and post-op, the fetishizing of trans women, having bottom surgery and the bathroom dilemma. More about Fallon: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ , (they deal with lgbtq youth - they have a suicide hotline).   Her Instagram is @fallonchavezhair and her work website is tonichavez.com Support Our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling.  To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental  Must be 18. WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. 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  or Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services --------------------------------------------------- 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.

Tom Voss, an Iraq War veteran and author of *Where War Ends*, dives deep into his harrowing journey through PTSD and moral injury. He shares how meditation became a transformative tool in healing, offering insights on the struggles veterans face upon returning home. Topics include survivor's guilt, spiritual crises, and the stark realities of combat. Voss explains the difference between traditional therapies and meditation, revealing its profound impact on his life. His mission now focuses on helping fellow veterans find peace through mindfulness.

Therapist Katie Vernoy returns to answer listener questions about therapist/patient boundaries, when to report a client (in response to a very dark survey), what therapists get wrong and how to know when we're overwhelmed. More About Katie: website: katievernoy.com social: FB: https://www.facebook.com/KatieVernoyManagementConsultant/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/katievernoy Support Our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling.  To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental  Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by Ettitude Bamboo sheets.  For 20% off your sheet set and free shipping text MENTAL to 64000 Books Mentioned: Healing The Shame That Binds by John Bradshaw and Silently Seduced by Dr. Kenneth Adams. WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. 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  or Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services --------------------------------------------------- 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.

Al has always been a comedian's comedian, but mainstream success has always eluded him. Raised by a smothering anxious mother, fear and lack of independence have stunted his emotional growth. He talks about the fear of independence, sense of entitlement and narcissism that hinder his growth. More About Our Guest  For more about Al go to www.AlLubel.com Support Our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling.  To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental  Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by  EarlyBird CBD.  For 20% off your first order go to www.EarlyBirdCBD.com/mental and use the offer code MENTAL This episode is sponsored by IQ bars.  Get 3 bars for free (plus $3.95 shipping) by texting MENTAL to 29071. WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. 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  or Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services --------------------------------------------------- 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.

Despite her traumatic upbringing and becoming the woman (her mom) she swore she'd never be, Wendy went from an alcoholic PTA mother shooting at her husbands mistress to jail to getting sober and finding her life's purpose helping others and halting the cycle of intergenerational abuse.  She is an author and certified drug and alcohol counselor. More About Our Guest  Her new book is Mother Load: A Memoir of Addiction, Gun Violence & Finding a Life of Purpose. Visit her website https://wendyadamson.com Visit the shoe donation charity she talked about  https://havasole.com Support Our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling.  To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental  Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by EarlyBird CBD.  For 20% off your first order (and free shipping) go to www.EarlyBirdCBD/mental and use the offer code mental Other Links Mentioned Paul mentioned the new book The Truth That No One Tells Teenagers: Ten Facts Every Teen Victim Has The Right To Know by former guest and advocate Dr. Matthew McVarish.   WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. 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  or Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services --------------------------------------------------- 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.

Karolyn suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disease that affects her joints and internal organs as well as being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She rarely goes more than two weeks without a visit to the hospital.  She's the creator of #HospitalGlam, a movement that utilizes photography and fashion to create awareness of invisible injuries and help empower patients. Topics discussed are PTSD, sexism, the difficulties of dealing with chronic pain and unresponsive doctors, finding a community online of "engaged patients" with the same diagnosis, and self-care. More About Our Guest  Follow her on Instagram @KarolynPRG Her website is www.KarolynGehrig.com The archived Tumblr site referred to is still at www.hospitalglam.com Support Our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling.  To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental  Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by  SquareSpace.  Go to www.SquareSpace.com/mental for a free trial.  When you're ready to launch use the offer code mental for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Paul's SquareSpace site is www.paul-gilmartin.squarespace.com This episode is sponsored by Roman.  To get started go to www.GetRoman.com/mental for a free online visit and free two-day shipping. WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. 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  or Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services --------------------------------------------------- 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.

Ellen (a pseudonym) shares about shares about discrimination, growing up poor, living on a reservation, riding the line between native culture and "white people things" and tells her story of grooming and sexual abuse from her father, being "trapped" in her own bedroom for years to avoid him, and how getting sober herself was the catalyst for healing and forgiveness. She speaks about the open wounds that remain from generations of government mistreatment towards Native Americans and the stories of abuse, addiction, and violence that exist on native reservations today; and the need for healing and reconciliation for the trauma of the past.  Support Our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling.  To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental  Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by  EarlyBird CBD Products.  For 20% off your first purchase go to www.EarlyBirdCBD.com/mental and use offer code mental. WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. 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  or Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services --------------------------------------------------- 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.

Prostitution, alcoholism, fetishes, swinging, abandonment and being stabbed by a bayonet.  Handyman Hank Adams has experienced them all.  Paul’s friend has to literally pause to count how many stepdads he has had.  This episode originally aired in 2011. Support Our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling.  To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental  Must be 18. WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. 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  or Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services --------------------------------------------------- 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 standup comic (Lights Out) (aka @BSComedian) and Iraq War vet opens up about his unstable childhood - being lied to and moved from foster home to foster home - and how it has affected him, what he learned about white people while serving in the Marines, battling Major Depressive Disorder and his thoughts on cultural appropriation. Follow Brian on social media @BSComedian Check out his FB page www.Facebook.com/BSComedian Support Our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online counseling.  To get a free week go to www.BetterHelp.com/mental  Must be 18. This episode is sponsored by RemRise.  Get your first week free (just pay shipping) at www.GetRemRise.com/mental WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST ______________________ Subscribe via iTunes and leave a review.  It costs nothing. 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  or Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services --------------------------------------------------- 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.