#774 Hitting A Therapy Wall - Anna Runkle aka The Crappy Childhood Fairy

#774 Hitting A Therapy Wall - Anna Runkle aka The Crappy Childhood Fairy

Author: Paul Gilmartin November 14, 2025 Duration: 1:37:46
Anna Runkle, aka @CrappyChildhoodFairy, joins Paul to share her experience of growing up in a commune, living with CPTSD, and finding new ways to heal when talk therapy wasn’t working. Look for her new book Connectability: Heal the Hidden Ways You Isolate, Find Your People and Feel (At Last) Like You Belong. For more about Anna:   https://crappychildhoodfairy.com   https://www.youtube.com/@crappychildhoodfairy   https://www.instagram.com/crappychildhoodfairy/   https://www.facebook.com/CrappyChildhoodFairy/   https://twitter.com/cchildhoodfairy   https://www.hayhouse.com/shop-by-topic/relationships/parenting/connectability-hardcover?srsltid=AfmBOop3l4ofaw9DeUdvL23mV2AhKbiznZ3InNUl4I6eKHklyLKNMhAQ   https://www.hayhouse.com/re-regulated-hardcover?srsltid=AfmBOoqaOonBYV6agjPSXfIEftToqSPXLocThpF0OcqUmEBB25om6bHH Paul mentioned a book that a listener recommended called A World Made By Hand by James Howard Kuntsler. Paul also mentioned a new podcast called Brain Stories. You can find it at www.BrainStoriesProductions.com 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.

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
#767 Self-Harm - Matthew Broussard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:02
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 sp…
#766 Navigating Sex After An Assault - Katie Simon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:28
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, l…
#765 Ali Siddiq - Grief, Incarceration & Friendship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:05:54
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…
#764 Social Anxiety & Perfectionism - Dr. Ellen Hendriksen Returns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:28
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 shar…
#763 Listener Secrets With Jen Westcott [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:16
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 Comm…
#762 - Raised Mormon With An Unstable Mother - Tina Kaye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:43
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 w…
#761 Validation & Belonging - Dr. Caroline Fleck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:52:20
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…
#760 Escaping The Mormon Church [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:01
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 Sabr…
#759 Why No Episode This Week? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:32
I'll tell you why. Oh, and would love it if you would take an anonymous audience survey for potential advertisers. We did some a while back but they need a new one. You can take it at Gum.Fm/mental. It would really help!…
#758 First Responders - Joe Smarro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 brok…