Crazy! Right? With Dave Asher

11. Addicted To The Like

Noelle Hoffman is a Chicago-based comedian who has struggled with an eating disorder as well as depression. She speaks about addictions to smartphones and social media, and the power that these have over our mental health, as well as how we discuss it. Finally, she reveals “the most important relationship” that we have.

10. Two Editors On A Page Together

Beth Chrome is a Chicago-based editor and improviser who has a bipolar diagnosis. She speaks about her recollections of being manic and her experience with the subsequent depressions. She describes her current life of maintaining her health, and moving to a lower-stress job that doesn’t pay the bills but keeps her going.

9. Swimming Naked Through Lava

“Orphan Schlitz” is a low-fi punk noise musician based in Chicago. He struggles with mental health, but has never sought diagnosis beyond his own description as a maniac. He relies on family and the government for assistance, and takes pride in being a menace to society. He speaks about music, recognition, existentialism, and alternate dimensions.

8. A Secret Memory From Their Past

“Dee” is a transgender computer programmer who struggles with depression and food addiction. During the interview, she drops hints at something having happened to her in the past. As the interview continues, Dave persuades Dee to improvise on a harmonica, and then Dee shares a secret from her past.

7. Like 40 Little Kids Are Yellin’ At Ya

Bailey is a 27-year-old special education assistant who has struggled with panic disorder, ADHD, and depression. She shares her experiences connecting with a special needs child to adjust better in school and make more friends. She offers that things would improve, if it were easier for people to open up about their mental health.

6. Will You Jam With Me?

Bryan Kuhn, a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, opens up about his experience with music, overcoming addiction, and battling depression. He performs a live version of one of his songs and improvises a new one. He has found a new mission with his music—to heal himself and others.

5. A Bottle of Pink Moscato

Timothy Swaim, a Chicago-based performer, decided to quit using alcohol just a few weeks ago. He reveals that he has attempted to quit before in the past, and conveys his struggle with addiction and depression. He says he always wants to be seen as “someone who is always going to be fine” and begins to reconcile this with the need to ask for help.

4. A Revolution Through Support

Alexandria Springer is a support group facilitator with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) who has rebounded from depression in the past. She speaks about the value of emotional vulnerability in making connections, and how she can leverage her past experiences to empathize with the newer members of the group.

3. Airplane Klonopin

Mandy Miller, a musical comedian in Chicago, is very open about her illness, and how people respond when she tells them about her panic disorder and anxiety. She sings an improvised song about “Airplane Klonopin,” and gives a vivid description of what a panic attack feels like.

2. Blue Is More Than A Color

Tyler Pistorius, a Chicago-based filmmaker, reveals his experience with suicidal ideation, self-harm, self-doubt, and PTSD brought on by a mass shooting on his former college campus. He says, “There are people out there who love you. Who want to see you succeed. People who are going to need your help.” He concludes: “Suicide can not be an option for you.”