The Hilarious World of Depression

Miz Cracker Looks in the Mirror

Max Heller’s life was falling apart. He was drinking heavily, using every kind of pill he could get his hands on, and isolating from society. He was swimming in New York’s East River, walking through subway tunnels, and hooking up with whomever he could find. Then he met Bob the Drag Queen who, after weeks of cajoling, gave Max a complete drag makeover. Thus was born Miz Cracker, a confident and healthier self who looked beautiful in the mirror and who would rise to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race. We hear about her struggles with depression and her struggles with keeping up on her self-care. This episode contains loads of laughs and passing references to Brecht and Sartre. You can pre-order John's book at <a href="http://bit.ly/HilariousWorldBook">bit.ly/HilariousWorldBook</a>. Follow us on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/thwofd">@THWofD</a>. Like us on Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/thwod">facebook.com/thwod</a>. Support our show today: <a href="http://hilariousworld.org/donate">hilariousworld.org/donate</a> Check out our sponsors this week: DoorDash - Download the app and use promo code WORLD Native - <a href="http://nativedeodorant.com/">nativedeodorant.com</a> with code WORLD Calm - <a href="http://calm.com/WORLD">calm.com/WORLD</a> Stitch Fix - <a href="http://stitchfix.com/hilarious">stitchfix.com/hilarious</a> Quip Oral Care - <a href="http://getquip.com/HILARIOUS">getquip.com/HILARIOUS</a> Bark Box - <a href="http://barkbox.com/WORLD">barkbox.com/WORLD</a>

A show about clinical depression...with laughs? Well, yeah. Depression is an incredibly common and isolating disease experienced by millions, yet often stigmatized by society. The Hilarious World of Depression is a series of frank, moving, and, yes, funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with this disease, hosted by veteran humorist and public radio host John Moe. Join guests such as Maria Bamford, Paul F. Tompkins, Andy Richter, and Jen Kirkman to learn how they’ve dealt with depression and managed to laugh along the way. If you have not met the disease personally, it’s almost certain that someone you know has, whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbor. Depression is a vicious cycle of solitude and stigma that leaves people miserable and sometimes dead. Frankly, we’re not going to put up with that anymore. The Hilarious World of Depression is not medical treatment and should not be seen as a substitute for therapy or medication. But it is a chance to gain some insight, have a few laughs, and realize that people with depression are not alone and that together, we can all feel a bit better. American Public Media and HealthPartners’ Make It Okay campaign are committed to breaking the stigma around mental health.