It’s a little hard to describe Paul Gilmartin.
He’s worked as a stand-up comic. He makes furniture. And he’s a maternal abuse survivor.
To add to that, he was one of the first hosts of the TBS show Dinner and A Movie. In fact, he hosted that show for years – and people still recognize him when he’s out and about!
But his life has moved in many directions.
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Paul Gilmartin: Host of The Mental Illness Happy Hour
Since 2011 however, he’s been the host of the Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast – where he interviews all kinds of people – occasionally a mental health professional. And he encourages folks on the podcast to be as honest as they’re ready to be – about things that many have a struggle with revealing.
I was honored to be on his podcast a few months ago. Paul’s demeanor is such that you find yourself talking to him like no one’s listening… which of course they will eventually be doing just that. He creates a safe space to do that within – and I found it quite a forgiving and emotionally supportive space. Something that makes his podcast unique is that he encourages his listeners to fill out anonymous surveys so he knows what exactly they’re going through – and no holes are barred as far as subject matter. And that’s where his conversations go – into territory that holds shame or fear for many.
You can perhaps tell I’m a huge advocate for his work.
Paul Gilmartin Tells the Story of His Sexual Abuse…
I was delighted and honored he wanted to be a SelfWork guest. And you’ll hear in this interview… he’s exactly the way he encourages others to be. Very honest about his struggles and his own abuse as a child which translated into addictions of all kinds as an adult. I’ll let him explain that for you.
Today he talks graphically but factually about that abuse – so please listen carefully if you have abuse in your own history or anything that would make that triggering for you. That abuse was at the base of what turned into multiple addictive behaviors, which he’s battled one by one. And he’s now set a permanent boundary between him and his abuser – his mom – which is what he had to do to care for himself.
Paul Gilmartin… the Creator…
He’s created music. He’s been the architect of many comedy sketches. But where he’s found incredible peace is as a furniture maker.
His pieces can be found in his studio Shaped Furniture – and it’s beautiful.
So I’m thrilled that for the 500th episode of SelfWork – I can either introduce you to the being that is Paul Gilmartin – or reintroduce you to his work.
500th Episode of SelfWork!
John Crowley of Loudmouth Studio and Christine Mathias are both producers of Self Work and there’s absolutely no way that I could’ve accomplished this feat without them. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for hanging in there with me all these years!
And of course I have to thank those of you who’ve listened to, commented on, and shared SelfWork episode! Please let your friends and colleagues know we’re going strong… and plan to continue with great guests and contemporary topics that are important for you to understand.
By the way…
Send me a message about what your own mom was like!! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You’ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you’re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!
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