We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Gilmartin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I felt there was an absence of in-depth conversations around mental illness, trauma, addiction, negative thinking etc. This was back in 2011. Having dealt with (and still deal with) those topics myself, I felt comfortable talking about them. My ultimate goal was to help people who were suffering know they’re not alone. I had felt hopeless and suicidal and found hope. I thought it would be helpful and I could bring passion (and occasional humor). I never imagined I would eventually make my living doing it but by 2013 or so I was able to do that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel like my podcast is unique in the depth of the darkness it explores while also the dark humor it occasionally has. I wouldn’t say doing it has been difficult but sometimes the darkness takes a toll on me mentally so I have to limit the amount of mental health related things I take in. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that we all have our demons. Our lives may look externally very different but internally we’re all struggling with fear, shame and other universal emotions. I’ve learned that vulnerability, service and human connection are the keys to living a life of peace, meaning and acceptance. I guess I want the world to know that if they think they’re fucked up, give us a listen!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Gjusta in Venice CA. Hands down my favorite restaurant. I’d take them to M-Street coffee in Sherman Oaks. It’s a great place with amazing cappuccinos and foam you could float a quarter on. Even though it’s from Chicago, I’d take them to Gino’s East in Sherman Oaks. It’s the best Chicago deep dish pizza along with Masa in Echo Park which is owned by some Chicagoans who know what they’re doing. I’d take them to Guisado’s tacos for their quesadillas with chorizo and their fish tacos. If it was summer we’d probably go to Zuma beach and maybe eat at Malibu Seafood on the PCH.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The support groups that saved (and continue to save) my life. Kenneth Adams and his book Silently Seduced which helped me process childhood covert incest. My psychiatrist who refused to keep treating me unless I got help for my drug and alcoholism. The therapists who helped me process childhood trauma and validated the magnitude of it. My girlfriend Cristina who accepts and supports me, flaws and all. Eckhardt Tolle’s book A New Earth. The people who vulnerably shared their struggles both in my support groups and on my podcast. My higher power/the universe. The listeners who fill out our surveys and share the deepest, darkest secrets from their lives.

Website: https://www.mentalpod.com

Instagram: @Mentalpod

Twitter: @mentalpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentalpod

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thementalillnesshappyhour5293

Other: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.