A note to listeners, this episode contains mention of suicidal ideation.

We live in interesting times. I'm talking about America's current political climate, but

by not that far of an extension, I'm talking about American culture and society. What's

been happening in the government extends out to the way we're

living today in pretty profound ways. With the tariffs and the firings and the jolts to foreign policy,

well, it can feel like a never-ending series of earthquakes, constantly shaking the ground we stand on.

What's going to happen to the economy, to schools,

to the function of government, to America's place in the world, to the world itself? For many

people, we are in a time of crisis. And when there's a crisis going on, when things are scary,

one checks in on one's friends, on their mental

well-being. So that's what we're going to do today. It's Depression Mode. I'm John Moe. I'm glad

you're here. Today we're going to be talking to three of my friends, whom you might know from comedy and media circles, from podcasts.

A little later, we check in with Anna Marie Cox and comedian Gary Gullman.

But first, Paul F. Tompkins is an actor and comedian.

You know him from Comedy Bang Bang, Mr. Show, every podcast that's ever been created.

He starred in Bojack Horseman. He was in There Will Be Blood.

Paul hosts the variety show Varietopia that will soon be touring around the country,

and which is really funny and delightful.

I've interviewed him about his depression before.

Paul F. Tompkins, welcome to Depression mode.

Hello, John. How are you doing?

Well, I'm okay. How are you doing?

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