The Hilarious World of Depression

John Moe, a NPR host of several shows over the years, hosted a podcast by the same name as the title of his book for about four years until it ended in June of this year. He, himself has batted depression throughout his life, compounded by the suicide of his brother for which he blamed himself for many years. He has always been a humorist and several years ago he developed the idea for this podcast in which he holds frank conversations with top comedians who have dealt with clinical depression and more. This story resonated with me on so many levels. I got it after spotting the book in a B&N. The title is terrific. I, too, struggle with depression and bipolar 2 stemming from a traumatic childhood. And I, too, after almost 50 years of meds and talk therapy, can approach it with humor (at times) as well, having been in a good place for almost 10 years. I know a lot of that is due to finally opening up about it to friends and family. Opening up is part of Moe's message. So the book is a bio of Moe and his struggle in which I found so many similarities. His humor makes it a really good read and a primer for those who do not understand the disease. The book led me to his podcasts which will continue to be available in the media, even though the series has folded. I highly recommend them as an adjunct to the book. The book relates some of these interviews but listening to the show sometimes made me feel like it was me they were talking about. I am grateful to Moe for his transparency and obvious wish to help people like us and educate others.

For a book with the word hilarious in it, there are surprisingly few jokes. He talks a lot about making them irl though. On the flip side I also found his loving family, awesome job, and caring friends to not be the most relatable. But this coming from a saddie who got kicked out of her depression support group for being too much of a bummer soooo not surprised it resonated with other people. There is a lot of relevant stuff in here, just too memoir-y for my tastes.

I will always be grateful to John Moe for his “Hilarious World of Depression” podcast. There were so many validating interviews that spoke to me and helped me realize I wasn't alone in my feelings. I truly believe the podcast has changed and possibly saved lives.

Reading this book on the heels of recent news that the podcast has been canceled is bittersweet, but I'm glad there's a lasting, written record of his work. There's not too much in here that I didn't already know from his frank talk during the interviews (including his brother's shocking death by suicide, but readers unfamiliar with the podcast will find an honest, wry and (duh) occasionally hilarious memoir of John's life and various attempts at finding the right treatment for the depression that first manifested in junior high. Interspersed with the autobiographical chapters are excerpts from his THWoD interviews and gentle advice on how to live with/take control over your depression.

If I hadn't already listened to the podcast I guess this book could have been life-changing. As is, I am just once again thankful that John is choosing to tell his story and reminding us that's there's nothing shameful about depression and it's okay to talk about it. He doesn't like to use the phrase “reducing the stigma” but that's exactly what THWoD accomplished. I don't know what his next professional steps will be but frankly he could do nothing for the rest of his life and he'd still have earned a place in heaven for everything he accomplished through The Hilarious World of Depression.