Mental Illness Happy Hour

This “Best Of” episode originally aired in 2013 and was voted a listener favorite. David Hiroshima is a 3rd generation Japanese-American psychologist. He shares his experience and observations counseling sexual predators (rapists and child molesters) at Coalinga, a lockdown mental hospital in central California and how he used Buddhism to help him cope.If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture to its new handle @ShapedFurniture  WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe 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=2Spread 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/donateYou 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.

Allen Strickland Williams is a standup comedian who shares his struggles with the stress of perfectionism and ADHD tendencies. He also opens up about the trauma of surviving a random shooting. Check out his comedy special, Ran Through, and his podcast, Finding My Audience.More about Allenwww.AllenStricklandWilliams.comIf you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture to its new handle @ShapedFurniture  WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe 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=2Spread 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/donateYou 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.

Abby Reyes, an author, lawyer, and climate justice leader, discusses her poignant journey of activism and healing after the tragic loss of her partner. She shares how mindfulness techniques help her navigate grief amidst her fight for climate justice, linking personal loss to broader systemic issues. Abby delves into the emotional complexities of writing as a coping mechanism and emphasizes the power of storytelling in fostering resilience. Prepare for a heartfelt exploration of grief, activism, and the healing potential of sharing our stories.

Rachel Kaplan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author, dives into the world of emotional resilience and the healing that comes from facing difficult emotions. She shares her personal journey through trauma, emphasizing the power of emotional 'potty training' for growth. The conversation touches on the complexities of humor in mental health, the importance of community support, and how nature can aid in emotional processing. Kaplan also highlights the significance of self-awareness in personal and professional fulfillment.

Bo V, a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, shares their journey navigating self-judgment and shame while embracing their non-binary identity. They discuss their search for a supportive church community after leaving Catholicism and the healing power of love and companionship. The conversation delves into the challenges of people-pleasing, personal trauma, and the importance of authenticity in mental health. Bo reflects on the complex dynamics with family and how these experiences shape their self-acceptance and identity.

Rich Forer, a Jewish-American author and activist, shares his journey from being a member of AIPAC to witnessing a profound shift in his views on Palestine. He discusses the complexities of Jewish identity amidst anti-Zionism, confronting personal biases while exploring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Forer reveals how empathy towards Palestinian struggles led to a transformative awakening, emphasizing the importance of understanding shared humanity beyond cultural constructs. He urges listeners to address historical injustices and promote compassion in healing.

Dr. Jessica Zucker returns to the podcast for her 4th visit, focusing on the importance of talking about hard things: Cancer, miscarriages, perimenopause, and more. Watch for her new book, Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Lives.More about Jessica:Where to buy her book:AmazonBookshopInstagram: @ihadamiscarriageWebsite: drjessicazucker.comIf you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture to its new handle @ShapedFurniture  WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe via iTunes. 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=2Spread 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/donateYou 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.

Mark M, a friend of Paul from a support group, shares his compelling story of addiction and deception. He reflects on his complicated family life and the losses he has endured, particularly around the tragic death of his brother due to alcoholism. Mark discusses navigating emotional vulnerability in relationships and the importance of support and communication in his recovery journey. He also touches on balancing personal responsibilities with professional duties, emphasizing the power of community in healing from grief and addiction.

Jennifer Westcott is a therapist who has shared her story of sexual abuse at the hands of her mother. She returns for her second visit on the pod and opens up about the emotional hangover she had after recording her first episode. In this episode, she digs into her healing journey and the immense progress she’s made.More about Jennifer:https://youtube.com/@therapistsanctuary?si=LXxyNlcClD00m-Qzhttps://www.holistichealingcounselling.com/therapist-sanctuaryhttps://insta.openinapp.co/7s936If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture to its new handle @ShapedFurniture  WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe via iTunes. 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=2Spread 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/donateYou 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.