Mental Health Today #86 Frank King - Laughing Through Darkness: A Comedian's Journey in Mental Health
In episode #86 of the "Mental Health Today" podcast, host Ken Stearns interviews Frank King, a comedian and speaker specializing in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. The interview takes place in Durango, Colorado, and covers various aspects of Frank King's journey and expertise. Here's a long summary of the conversation:
The podcast starts with Ken Stearns introducing himself and discussing his previous interviews with interesting guests on mental health topics. He expresses his excitement about having Frank King as a guest and how he reached out to Frank with the hope of having him on the show.
Frank King joins the conversation, explaining that he doesn't have his own podcast because he's a comedian and prefers to leave the heavy lifting to others like Ken. He thanks Ken for the opportunity to share his life experiences.
Ken and Frank discuss the unique intersection of comedy and mental health advocacy. Frank specializes in comedy related to suicide prevention, which he describes as a sharp-edged field, but also incredibly important. They talk about their current locations, with Ken being in Durango and Frank planning to head to New Mexico.
Frank mentions that he has delivered 11 TEDx talks, with 10 already completed and one scheduled for October. He fondly recalls his first TEDx talk in Durango, which received a standing ovation but was not posted on YouTube due to its humorous title, "Mental Health and the Orgasm: Treat Your Depression Single-Handedly."
The conversation shifts towards Frank's background and motivation for entering the field of mental health advocacy. Frank initially pursued a career in comedy to make a living and a difference. He struggled to find a meaningful topic to teach until the recession in 2008 hit, and his comedy bookings dropped significantly. Frank and his wife experienced financial hardships, leading him to contemplate suicide.
Frank reveals his personal history of mental health issues, including a family history of depression and suicide. His grandmother and great aunt both died by suicide, and he lived with major depressive disorder and chronic suicidal ideation. Frank decided to undergo training and certifications to become a suicide prevention advocate.
Ken asks about the challenges Frank faced when transitioning from a comedian to a speaker on serious topics like suicide prevention. Frank explains that he had to overcome skepticism about his ability to address such issues. He credits his wife for suggesting he do a TEDx talk to gain credibility in the field.
Frank shares how he successfully transitioned into being a mental health advocate while still incorporating humor into his presentations. He believes that sharing lived experiences and using tasteful humor can effectively convey important messages about mental health and suicide prevention.
The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as they discuss comedy and how sensitive people have become in recent years. Frank acknowledges that people sometimes take offense on behalf of others and reflects on the changing landscape of comedy in today's society.
Ken asks about the criteria companies use when hiring speakers like Frank. Frank emphasizes the importance of picking a niche and solving a specific problem. He chose to focus on suicide prevention in industries with high suicide rates, such as construction, mining, and agriculture. By specializing in this area, he attracts clients who are already aware of the problem and willing to address it.
Frank highlights that his lived experience and expertise in suicide prevention make him a valuable speaker. He provides training and educates various industries on mental health issues, ensuring that his talks are tailored to the specific needs of his audience.
The interview concludes with a discussion of the benefits of being a specialist in one field, as it simplifies SEO and marketing efforts. Frank shares that he charges $7,500 for a 45-minute presentation, which reflects his expertise and experience in the niche of suicide prevention.
Overall, the interview with Frank King highlights his unique journey from comedy to mental health advocacy and how he has effectively used humor to address serious issues like suicide prevention. His story serves as an inspiration to those looking to make a difference in the world of mental health and public speaking.
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Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.