The Hilarious World of Depression

By: John Moe

Narrated by: John Moe

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

"Inspired by his podcast of the same name, this combination memoir and informational text is narrated by its author with sincere emotional investment and subtle humor." (AudioFile Magazine)

A moving portrait of depression, from the host of the podcast The Hilarious World of Depression

"This book is an excellent life raft for those of us who are so sure that we are alone in our struggles. You should read it." (Jenny Lawson)

"A funny, honest book about depression, and what you can do despite it." (Neil Gaiman)

This program is read by the author, with original audio from the podcast.

For years John Moe, critically acclaimed public radio personality and host of The Hilarious World of Depression podcast, struggled with depression; it plagued his family and claimed the life of his brother in 2007. As Moe came to terms with his own illness, he began to see similar patterns of behavior and coping mechanisms surfacing in conversations with others, including high-profile comedians who’d struggled with the disease. Moe saw that there was tremendous comfort and community in open dialogue about these shared experiences and that humor had a unique power. Thus was born the podcast The Hilarious World of Depression.

Inspired by the immediate success of the podcast, Moe has written a remarkable investigation of the disease, part memoir of his own journey, part treasure trove of laugh-out-loud stories and insights drawn from years of interviews with some of the most brilliant minds facing similar challenges. Throughout the course of this powerful narrative, depression’s universal themes come to light, among them, struggles with identity, lack of understanding of the symptoms, the challenges of work-life, self-medicating, the fallout of the disease in the lives of our loved ones, the tragedy of suicide, and the hereditary aspects of the disease.

The Hilarious World of Depression illuminates depression in an entirely fresh and inspiring way.

This program features podcast interviews with Maria Bamford, Guy Branum, Neal Brennan, Dick Cavett, Margaret Cho, Ana Marie Cox, Whitney Cummings, Mike Drucker, Solomon Georgio, Chris Gethard, John Green, Gary Gulman, Hannah Hart, Jenny Jaffe, Jen Kirkman, Jenny Lawson, Aimee Mann, Rhett Miller, Reggie Osse, Kryssy Pease, Andy Richter, Peter Sagal, Scott Thompson, Paul F. Tompkins, Jeff Tweedy, Baron Vaughn, Wil Wheaton and Mara Wilson.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

©2020 John Moe (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Funny and emotionally heavy: book title checks out

I've been a very loyal listener to THWoD since the first episode, so I was very happy to learn that John Moe would put himself in the guest's seat for once. I was not disappointed in the slightest. There were moments where I laughed, others when I cried, and an entire chapter that resulted in me Tweeting to John Moe letting him know I felt personally attacked which he promptly responded to. Hearing these stories in his own voice was meaningful, for as a THWoDball, hearing him read it is like hanging out with a friend. This isn't a self help book, but more of a self hope book.

Best depression book ever written by John Moe!

A fantastic life tale about depression and living with it. There is no better book to read if you might be depressed. If you believe so, fight me! Okay, let's just agree to disagree. Show me your favorite depression book. This is mine.

very good.

I have struggled most of my life with depression, Lotta therapy starting at 17 some meds. This book spoke to me. It was difficult for me in spots because of personal trauma but I highly recommend it.

Great

This is the first book I have listen to. I always read. I recommend this book to everyone, saying I learned so much in spite of the fact that I have much training in mental illness. I loved John’s conversational tone and his ability to convey difficult things through humor. I wish more people knew of this book and that his show would’ve gone on and on and on.

Made me feel less alone

As a chronic saddie currently suffering from a relapse of depression at the moment, I needed this book. I was already a fan of the podcast, and it was comforting to hear John’s voice again reminding me I’m not alone. While John’s story is very different from my own, the book touches on some universal truths about depression that resonated deeply with me.

Listened in one sitting

I've listened to the podcast from the beginning and have been waiting for the book since it was announced. This book is so very good, thank you John.

John Moe's Honesty is Refreshing

It was great. He talks about a lot of internal struggles that I relate to but also mentions some struggles of others that are also very relevant. It made me both laugh and cry.
His podcast has really helped me out through these past couple of years. I really suggest that you also check that out

Changed my lifelong relationship with depression

I've had depression since I was in my teens (now mid 50s) and have followed much of the trajectory of John Moe. Thinking I was weak and just needed to get over it, how broken I was and unable to get help, self destructive behaviors in an effort to cope, and fits and starts on the road to "better" and finding whatever "normal" people experience.

His humorous approach to depression, got me to laugh at my own mental stories, to see that I am not alone in this, work on some of the stigma of being "medicated", and to change my perspective that suicide was an "option". In short his story and how he told it materially made a difference in my experience and perspective of depression and how I go through my day to day life.

I highly recommend that anyone suffering from depression, or having someone dear in their lives that's suffering from depression to give this book a listen.

If you are considering buying this, do it.

I bought this book awhile ago and listened to a bit, but I guess it just wasn't the right time for me. I am so glad I came back for another try. I laughed, I cried, I felt seen. The narration is perfection, as you would expect from a podcaster. I will be buying this one for friends.

great

I will be listening to the podcast now. He dis a great job describing the indescribable