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

Okay but better suited to podcast format

Depression isn’t funny - it ruins lives; however, levity is certainly a viable strategy to deal with it. The irreverent title and the tone are fine. And the book provides some salient insight and entertainment, but it also contains sections that I would have edited or not included. The author’s rambling and stream-of-consciousness style works for the podcast but less so for the book. That said, my opinion may have been different had I not been a podcast listener.

A headline for a great book

I was a listener of the podcast- I started listening after my grandpa died. It made me laugh and helped me process my grief. As the 3rd anniversary of his death approaches, I decided it was time to listen to the book. Once again, I laughed and cried (a LOT) and tried to process my grief and depression. This book felt like talking to an old friend about what they are dealing with while helping me figure out what I’m going through. Thank you for being a friend. I have recommended the podcast to literally any person who will listen and will gladly do so with this book.

Life saving book for the NPR tolerant reader...

Warning: this book contains frank and explicit description of Moe's struggle with suicide and the tragic, honest and moving telling of the experience of his older brother's suicide. Jumping off from his podcast by the same name, the author humbly acknowledges his growing awareness of his own privilege as a white, male, college... need I go on,,, and continues to carry on in the NPR tradition that brought us This American Life with Ira Glass. If you are struggling with suicide, depression or other mood disorder please reach out. There is a great list of 7 hotlines that exist by Jami Harrison. If you love someone in danger, these hotlines can help you as well. But back to the book review. No matter what your story holds, you likely find enlightenment and comfort here this. Stay strong ~ Mare

love his raw expression and vulnerability

As a long time fan of the podcast this was amazing for me - a touching and poignant semi autobiographical journey.

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.

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.

Not that funny

Too many foul words for my liking. It’s just not that funny. I just didn’t like it.

big fan

I was a big fan of the podcast, which is why I bought the book. given John moe feels a bit like a friend now, I needed the audio version, and I am glad I did.
I enjoyed the audio clips in lieu of John quoting people in some cases. I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles with, or knows anyone who struggles with, mental illness of any kind. in other words, everyone.

Must read!

This is a book for everyone because we all know someone who will understand it