Release

In this episode of 'The Shadows We Cast', Jenn sits down with David Granirer — counselor, stand-up comic, and founder of Stand Up For Mental Health™ — to explore what it means to live for decades without language for what you’re carrying, and how laughter, storytelling, and connection can become unexpected pathways toward healing.David shares his experience living with bipolar disorder, the shame and isolation that followed his hospitalization as a teenager, and the reality of spending nearly twenty years living with undiagnosed depression before finally understanding what was happening beneath the surface.Together, Jenn and David explore:* the normalization of suffering and survival mode* the emotional exhaustion of pretending to be okay* the impact of finally being understood* how shame grows in silence* and why connection can change the way we carry painThe conversation also dives into David’s internationally recognized organization, Stand Up For Mental Health™, which teaches stand-up comedy to people living with mental health challenges. Over the past two decades, the program has helped hundreds of people transform some of the hardest moments of their lives into storytelling, confidence, community, and laughter.This episode is called 'Release' because at its heart, it’s a conversation about what happens when we stop carrying everything alone.Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide, depression, and mental health hospitalization.Connect with David Granirer & Stand Up For Mental Health™Website: www.standupformentalhealth.comTikTok: @standupformentalhealthYouTube: @standupformentalhealthInstagram: @smhgranirerdavidGuest Bio:David Granirer, RPC, M.S.M. is a counselor, stand-up comic, author, and founder of Stand Up For Mental Health™ (SMH), a program teaching stand-up comedy to people with mental health issues. David who himself suffers from bipolar is featured in the VOICE Award winning documentary Cracking Up. He also received a Life Unlimited Award from Depression Bipolar Support Alliance, an Award of Excellence from the National Council of Behavioral Health, a Champion of Mental Health Award, and a Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada, and was recognized as one of the 150 Canadian Difference Makers in mental health. A sought after keynote speaker, he has worked with mental health organizations to perform and train SMH groups in over 50 cities in Canada, the U.S., and Australia.Host/Producer/Writer/Director: Jenn St JohnEditor: Andrew SchillerWebsite: www.jennstjohn.caFollow along:Instagram: @jenn_stjohnLinkedIn: Jenn St JohnIf this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who might need to hear it too.Subscribe, leave a review, or just send a little love—your support helps these conversations reach the people who need them most.