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Men experience depression differently. Al Levin interviews men who have suffered from depression, educating those who may know little about mental illnesses while giving hope to those who may be suffering. After three years of compiling and sharing stories, Al now includes interviews of experts on various topics around mental health.
Episodes
Sunday May 20, 2018
Sunday May 20, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Loren Olson, a psychiatrist and published author (recorded 2-13-18). Dr. Olson shares about his own challenges of depression and the depression that ran in his family. This included his grandfather, who tragically took his own life while living with Dr. Olson when Dr. Olson was only about six years old. Dr. Olson also speaks of the challenges of making the difficult choice of leaving his wife and kids at age forty to declare that he was gay.
Dr. Olson is the author of Finally Out: Letting Go of Living Straight. In this book, Dr. Olson tells the inspiring story of his evolving sexuality, into which he intelligently weaves psychological concepts and gay history. Find out more about Dr. Olson, including his upcoming public speaking engagements, by visiting his website.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button NOW!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday May 06, 2018
Sunday May 06, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Erez Shek, mental health advocate and vlogger (recorded 3-19-18). In this very candid interview, Erez opens up to the challenges he has had living with Bipolar Disorder; from receiving his Bipolar diagnosis on the phone, to seeing a doctor who disregarded his Bipolar diagnosis when prescribing medication to him, and to going to rehab for an addiction to Ambien. In addition, Erez tries to help us understand what it's like to be in the midst of a mania.
Known for his "Shek Check" vlogs, Erez is a staunch advocate for mental health with a focus on Bipolar Disorder. Erez now uses his experiences to further his advocacy work. He utilizes his theatre background and humor to create incredibly creative, inspirational videos. Learn more about Erez, and check out his videos, by visiting his website.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button NOW!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Apr 22, 2018
Sunday Apr 22, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Patrick Donnelly, editor and freelance writer (recorded 2-20-17). One of Al's very first interviews, he met Patrick for the first time in his basement to record the show. Patrick describes the overwhelming feelings of being a new father while starting a new job. Finally, after a lifelong battle with anxiety and depression, Patrick sought support thanks to what was essentially an ultimatum by his wife.
Mentally healthy for quite some time, Patrick, like Al, continues to attend a men's support group for anxiety and depression at the Face It Foundation. Patrick also wrote an editorial, "Why Men Like Me Should Talk Openly About Depression" depicting his challenges with mental health. The editorial was published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button NOW!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Apr 08, 2018
Sunday Apr 08, 2018
Al interviews Jean-Francois Dupras, mountaineer & mental health advocate (recorded 12-14-17). Jean-Francois describes several traumatizing events early in his life. Self-medicating to get by, Jean-Francois ended up getting arrested as a teen. Soon thereafter, he created plan to take his own life.
Originally from Quebec, Jean-Francois has lived near Banff National Park for approximately twelve years. He works at the park and is an outspoken mental health advocate. He loves mountaineering and has created a goal of climbing the Seven Summits. Through this project, Jean-Francois hopes to raise awareness of mental illnesses and promote the power of dreams and passion. You can find out more about Jean-Francois and his project at jean-francoisdupras.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button NOW!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Mar 25, 2018
Sunday Mar 25, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Joe Barksdale, offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL (recorded 2-27-18). Joe describes the lifelong challenges he has endured living with depression. While Joe is currently at a place in which he has little hope of recovery, he is taking new steps that will hopefully help in move towards improved mental health. Joe is adamant about speaking out about the challenges of depression in order to support others with their recovery and to help normalize the conversations around mental health.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button NOW!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Mar 11, 2018
Sunday Mar 11, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Josh Okerson, aspiring author (recorded 12-4-17). Josh discusses his long battle of panic disorder, anxiety, and depression. Josh shares his thoughts on medications and describes one of his most severe panic attacks in detail. He also shares a bit about the book he is writing, which depicts a profound experience that Josh had in which he spoke with God. You can find out more about his book, and even view the first few chapters, at absolutereality.org.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button NOW!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Feb 25, 2018
Sunday Feb 25, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Paul Currington, ex-comedian and now (still very funny) storyteller. Inspired by The Moth, Paul has created Fresh Ground Stories. Every fourth Thursday of the month, people gather at the Roy Street Coffee and Tea in Seattle, Washington to share true stories about their lives that still mean something weeks, months or even years later. In this episode, Paul shares about the many years he has struggled with depression that eventually led to a suicide attempt. Paul's father left their family when Paul was very young and his mother brought him with her to raise him in Alaska where she left Judaism to become a missionary for the Baha'i faith. Paul suffered years of verbal abuse from his mother until she passed away, leaving Paul on his own at age seventeen.
Paul has a guest post on my blog in which he describes the importance of sharing one's challenges with others, particularly family. You can find out more about Fresh Grounds Stories by going to their website, their Facebook page, or their Meetup page.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please take a moment to comment and rate the show. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button NOW!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Feb 11, 2018
Sunday Feb 11, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Gary Pollard, founder of Men Tell Health (recorded 10-15-17). After months of stomach pains and misdiagnoses, Gary was finally admitted to the hospital, put through some tests, and sent directly to the operating table for exploratory surgery. During surgery, it was discovered that his colon had burst. Gary shares his struggles of dealing with a temporary colostomy bag and the trauma it had caused him. After an attempted suicide, Gary finally received support for PTSD and depression.
After starting with an award-winning blog, Gary went on to found Men Tell Health, an organization that is "devoted to helping men, blokes, gadgies, geezers and dudes around the world through the sometimes murky world of mental illness." Hear about some of the amazing advocacy and support that Gary and Men Tell Health have been involved in.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button. Also, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged. Finally, don't miss an episode! Click the subscribe/follow button!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Jan 28, 2018
Sunday Jan 28, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews John Solomon, lead singer and songwriter of the popular Twin Cities band, Communist Daughter (recorded 1-17-18). John shares his past struggles of addiction and living with bipolar 1 disorder. He shares some of the challenges of the manias, including firing his entire band from the back of a van to purchasing a restaurant because he enjoyed cooking. John describes how addiction and unmanaged bipolar disorder led to his arrest before he finally checked himself into Hazelden to begin his path to recovery. Hear about touring as a recovering addict while managing bipolar disorder and much more. Communist Daughter will be playing at the upcoming Sober Bowl on February 4 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Jan 14, 2018
Sunday Jan 14, 2018
In this episode, Al interviews Robert Vore, blogger, podcaster, and mental health advocate (recorded 9-17-17). Robert shares many of the struggles he had throughout his life in dealing with depression. He describes how he built a support system that included therapy and friends with whom he could open up to when he needed help. Robert also discusses some of the work he does around mental health advocacy, including his podcast, CXMH. You can learn more about Robert Vore on his website: robert-vore.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Dec 31, 2017
Sunday Dec 31, 2017
In this episode, Al interviews John, a local city public works employee (recorded 2-15-17). One of Al's first interviews, John and Al were connected through a mutual acquantance of one of the several support groups for men with depression at Face It. At the time of this recording, only two days earlier, John had just completed nearly twelve weeks of rehab for his depression. He had also just started back at his job two days prior to the interview. John shares what some of his most challenging days were like living alone with depression. He describes his home as one of a hoarder with not more than ten feet of available floor space at its worst. Hear how integral John's friends were in getting him on the path to recovery.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Dec 17, 2017
Sunday Dec 17, 2017
In this episode, Al interviews blogger & podcaster, JP (recorded on 8-17-17). JP was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder over 14 years ago and more recently with Avoidant Personality Disorder and Dysthymia. JP shares what it's like to live with these diagnoses and his efforts to remain on the path to recovery. Having attempted suicide on more than one occasion, JP went to extremes to make sure that he could no longer buy a firearm. You can learn more about JP, read his blog, and hear his podcast by going to Jamoalki "Depressed Not Dead".
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Dec 10, 2017
Sunday Dec 10, 2017
In this bonus episode, Al interviews Tom Chapman, founder of The Lions Barber Collective (recorded on 9-10-17). Tom shares about his friend's tragic suicide that inspired him to create this collective of barbers who encourage men to speak about mental health. Hear about the work of the Collective as they "bridge the gap between the community and the professionals". Learn more about this international collective of top barbers who have come together to help raise awareness for the prevention of suicide. You can find out more about The Lions Barber Collective on their website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter @TheLionsBarbers.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Dec 03, 2017
Sunday Dec 03, 2017
In this episode, Al interviews author of the recently released Beyond ADHD: Overcoming the Label and Thriving. Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Jeff began speaking publicly to raise awareness of ADHD and mental health issues in 2011, following a suicide attempt and resulting ADHD diagnosis. In this episode, Jeff speaks about the suicide of his brother, his own experience with major depression, and his incredible advocacy work. You can find out more about Jeff on his website or follow him on Twitter @IAmJeffEmmerson.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Nov 19, 2017
Sunday Nov 19, 2017
In this episode, Al interviews comedian Paul Gilmartin. Paul is the host of "The Mental Illness Happy Hour", a very popular, weekly audio podcast consisting of interviews with artists, friends and the occasional doctor. His podcast is geared towards anyone interested in or affected by depression, addiction and other mental challenges which are so prevalent in the creative arts. In this episode, Paul discusses his lifelong challenges of dealing with depression and his personal insights into recovery. He also describes his career path from co-hosting the popular "Dinner and a Movie" to hosting his current podcast. Paul is witty, entertaining, and speaks with an honest vulnerability. You'll also find Paul on Facebook and on Twitter @mentalpod.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Nov 05, 2017
Sunday Nov 05, 2017
In this episode, Al interviews mental health advocate & motivational speaker, Dennis Gillan. Dennis shares his powerful and inspirational story of surviving two separate sibling suicides. Learn more about Dennis, including how to book him for a speaking event at his website, dennisgillan.com. You'll also be able to find Dennis on Twitter @Dgillan
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Oct 22, 2017
Sunday Oct 22, 2017
In this episode, Al interviews writer, advocate & sexual abuse survivor, Eddie Kedge. At age seven, Eddie was sexually assaulted by a stranger and forced to keep it a secret. Eddie shares what he calls, "The three pitfalls to the recovery of depression" and much more. You can learn more about Eddie, and see the actual newspaper article of this horrific incident, at his website eddiekedge.com. You can also find Eddie on Facebook. You'll also find Eddie on Pintrist and he Tweets @Eddie_Kedge.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Oct 08, 2017
Sunday Oct 08, 2017
In this episode, Al interviews British author, podcaster, & coach, James Prescott. At the young age of eight years old, James' mother nearly died from an asthma attack. After essentially losing her short term memory, the dynamics of the family quickly changed. Hear James describe the challenges of growing up in a family struggling to deal with the aftermath of this traumatic incident. Dealing with his own anger for many years, James describes how he finally sought counseling at the age of twenty-five. You can learn a great deal more about James and the services he offers on his website at http://jamesprescott.co.uk. You can find his first book, the best selling Mosaic of Grace, by clicking here. You will also find James on Twitter @JamesPrescott77.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below and please know that comments are encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Sep 24, 2017
Sunday Sep 24, 2017
In this episode, Al interviews Hollywood producer Eric Thirteen. Eric describes the challenges of producing a suicide-themed short film while dealing with his own struggles of depression. Witty and down-to-earth, you'll enjoy this episode as Eric shares his insights into living and working with the illness. You can find much of Eric's work at ericthirteen.com and his IMDb page here. He is also the co-host of a podcast titled, Double Feature, in which he and his co-host, Michael Koester, discuss two movies of all genres in-depth. Sign up here to find out where his latest short film, Disposition, will be playing! Finally, you can also find Eric as he tweets at @eric_x13.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.
Sunday Sep 10, 2017
Sunday Sep 10, 2017
In this first episode, being launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, Al interviews Steve Austin. Steve is a life coach, author, speaker, and host of the #AskSteveAustin podcast. You can find more about Steve at iamsteveaustin.com. You can find his best-selling From Pastor to a Psych Ward: Recovery from a Suicide Attempt is Possible and other books by clicking here.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click the 'like' button below. In addition, please know that comments are welcomed and encouraged!
In addition to The Depression Files, you can find Al's blog at allevin18.wordpress.com. You can also find him on Twitter @allevin18.