Be yourself, it takes a lifetime: Gary Gulman

Be yourself, it takes a lifetime: Gary Gulman

Author: Charts & Leisure October 8, 2025 Duration: 39:05

In this very special episode, Kurt sits down with comedian Gary Gulman to talk about recovery from serious mental health problems, depression, getting treatment and his journey of becoming such a powerful advocate on behalf of mental health. From childhood struggles to finding a way to be oneself, they find humor and hope in the exploration of some of life's darkest moments.

Gary has several comedy specials including notably The Great Depresh (on HBO) which combines comedy show and documentary... As well as a equally comedic and poignant memoir of his childhood from Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade, Misfit. We strongly encourage you to check these out! 

We also encourage folks to check out Sherwin Nuland's TED talk about ECT treatment, which is referenced in the episode.

Special thanks to Brattleboro Literary Festival for facilitating the connection that made this possible, and to Latchis Theatre for being host to the event that accompanied this interview! 


There’s a thread that connects our inner lives to the culture we live in, and Unravelling pulls on it to see what emerges. This isn’t a lecture series, but a conversation guided by therapist Kurt White and journalist Mary Wilson, who bring their distinct perspectives to every discussion. They explore how mental health is woven into everything from our daily fitness routines and societal pressures to the art we consume and the relationships we keep. In each episode, you’ll hear from experts who study the mind alongside individuals sharing their personal, lived experiences, creating a dialogue that feels both intellectually rigorous and deeply human. The aim is to move beyond simple definitions, examining how anxiety, resilience, joy, and struggle shape our collective reality. Produced by Charts & Leisure, this podcast provides a space for nuance, challenging the idea that our psychological worlds exist in a vacuum. It’s for anyone who has ever felt the tension between their private thoughts and the public world, offering not easy answers but a more textured understanding. By listening, you become part of a broader exploration into how compassion, for ourselves and our society, can actually be built from a place of genuine curiosity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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