#758 First Responders - Joe Smarro

#758 First Responders - Joe Smarro

Author: Paul Gilmartin July 25, 2025 Duration: 1:51:56
Joe Smarro is a Marine Corps combat veteran who trains first responders on how to properly manage and de-escalate mental health crises. He talks about the path that led him to this work, why the current system is so broken–for both civilians and first responders–and what can be done to fix it. For more about Joe: www.JoeSmarro.com www.Instagram.com/JoeSmarro 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.

Hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin, Mental Illness Happy Hour has become a unique and essential space for conversations many shy away from. This isn't a clinical program, but rather a series of raw, honest dialogues where Gilmartin and his guests share their personal experiences with mental health struggles, addiction, fear, and the lasting impacts of childhood trauma. The atmosphere is intentionally crafted to be a perversely safe place, a description noted by The New York Times, where vulnerability is met with compassion rather than judgment. Listeners will find a podcast that deliberately explores the grey areas of human experience, with Slate Magazine highlighting Gilmartin's conscious effort to share stories that aren't simply black and white. It’s this approach that has led publications like Psychology Today to call it "remarkable" and Esquire to deem it a vital gem addressing a deep need. Tuning in, you'll hear a blend of personal narrative, dark humor, and profound connection that has earned the show a global audience and recognition as a top health podcast. Each episode serves as a reminder that you're not alone in your struggles, creating a sense of community through shared, often unvarnished truth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Mental Illness Happy Hour
Podcast Episodes
#715 Dr Peter Levine - Inventor Of Somatic Experiencing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:15
Dr. Peter Levine is a psychologist and biophysicist and the developer of the therapeutic modality, Somatic Experiencing. He is also the author of the wildly popular book, Waking the Tiger and Founder and President of the…
#714 Surviving Sexual Assault - Mario Adrion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:52
Mario Adrion (@MarioAdrion) is a comedian and former model who aims to bring vulnerability to masculinity. He opens up about several instances of sexual assault that he suffered as a model traveling the world in the hope…
#713 Pregnancy & Mental Health - Dr. Kat Kaeni [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:50
Dr. Kat Kaeni is a perinatal psychologist and the host of the Mom and Mind podcast. She shares how she decided to focus on this under-resourced specialty and opens up about her own experiences with depression, anxiety, a…
#712 The Science of Goodness - Dr. Jamil Zaki [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:58
Dr. Jamil Zaki is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Stanford who studies cynicism and hope. He shares what he’s learned through his research, what drew him to study the brain in this way, and offers practical ways…
#711 Undifferentiated Schizophrenia - Kody Green [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:58
Kody Green is a speaker, podcast host, and peer support specialist. He is also living with Undifferentiated Schizophrenia. He talks about growing up with a mother who has schizophrenia, how he came to terms with having i…
#710 Bullying - Paul Scheer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:57:56
Paul Scheer (@PaulScheer) is a comedian, actor, podcaster–and now an author. He shares his story of living constantly on edge as a child and opens up about the physical and mental abuse he suffered. He also discusses how…
#709 Munchhausen Syndrome By Proxy - Andrea Dunlop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:13:35
Andrea Dunlop is a novelist and the host of the podcast Nobody Should Believe Me, a deep dive into the world of Munchausen and Munchausen by Proxy. She aims to shed light on this misunderstood condition and the tragedy t…
#708 Trauma In The Body - Dr Frank Anderson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:23
Dr. Frank Anderson is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist specializing in psychic pain and trauma. He is working to bring trauma therapies to a wider audience via his books and his various online trainings. He shares his…
#707 Listener Confessions 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:57
Back by popular demand Paul does a listener-survey-only episode. From bleak and dark to touching and funny, listeners share their best and worst moments in vulnerable detail. Plus two servings of Spam. If you’re interest…
#706 Gender Identity, Sexuality & Anxiety - DeAnne Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:51
Comedian and writer DeAnne Smith shares their story of dealing with gender identity, sexuality, and anxiety. Look for their stand-up featured in Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda on Netflix. For more about DeAnne: www.DeAnne…