To reduce the stigma around mental illness. Stigma is a set of negative (and often unfair) beliefs that a society has about something.
Hilarious World of Depression
Project Goals
Project Description
In 2017, HealthPartners sponsored Minnesota Public Radio’s first season of “The Hilarious World of Depression,” which consisted of podcasts of comedians talking about how they’ve coped with depression, hosted by public radio host John Moe. Successful podcasts of seasons 2 and 3 continued in 2018 and 2019, with the addition of musicians and actors. As of this writing, season 4 is about to launch—with even more frank, moving (and yes, funny) conversations with entertainers and athletes who have struggled with depression and other mental illnesses.
With over 10 million downloads, “The Hilarious World of Depression” has been named Best Comedy Podcast by the 2017 Webby Awards, been praised by The Guardian and Huffington Post, and been named to Best Podcasts lists by USA Today, Buzzfeed, AV Club and more.
Entities Involved
American Public Media.
How Health Plans Support the Project
HealthPartners sponsors the podcast.