Picture an American storyteller who turned the heavy topic of mental health into a conversation filled with humor and heart—meet John Moe! A radio personality, writer, and podcast pioneer, Moe is best known for his award-winning podcast The Hilarious World of Depression, where he blends wit with candid discussions about mental illness. His unique ability to find light in the darkest corners has made him a beloved advocate for mental health awareness.
Born in 1968, Moe’s journey from a small-town upbringing to a national voice is as inspiring as it is relatable. With a career spanning radio, literature, and podcasting, he’s proven that laughter and vulnerability can coexist, offering hope to countless listeners and readers.
The Making of John Moe
John Moe was born on July 10, 1968, in Federal Way, Washington, the youngest of four children to a freight dispatcher father and a nurse mother. Growing up, he was drawn to the arts, eventually earning a degree in Dramatic Arts from Whitman College. Initially an actor and playwright, Moe took a detour into the corporate world as a senior editor at Amazon.com, where he helped launch their electronic greeting card service. But the call of storytelling was too strong, leading him to Seattle’s NPR station KUOW in 2001, where he began honing his voice as a writer and host.
His early radio work on shows like Rewind and The Works showcased his knack for blending humor with insight. By 2007, Moe was hosting national programs for American Public Media, including Weekend America and Wits, setting the stage for his groundbreaking podcasting career.
John Moe’s Unforgettable Stories
Moe’s most iconic work is The Hilarious World of Depression, a podcast launched in 2016 that won a Webby Award for Best Comedy Podcast in 2017. Featuring interviews with comedians, musicians, and public figures like Maria Bamford and Jeff Tweedy, the show explores mental illness with humor and honesty. Its success inspired a 2020 memoir of the same name, where Moe weaves his personal struggles with depression and the loss of his brother Rick to suicide in 2007 into a narrative that’s both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
In 2021, Moe launched Depresh Mode with the Maximum Fun network, expanding the conversation to include topics like anxiety and burnout. Guests like Jamie Lee Curtis and David Sedaris share their mental health journeys, making the podcast a beacon of relatability. Moe’s other works include Dear Luke, We Need to Talk, Darth (2014), a humorous collection of pop culture correspondences, and Conservatize Me (2006), a satirical exploration of political ideology. His writing style—wry, accessible, and deeply human—mirrors his radio persona, inviting readers and listeners into his world.
Beyond podcasting, Moe’s contributions to McSweeney’s and The New York Times Magazine highlight his versatility. Whether crafting fictitious letters or dissecting mental health stigma, his work consistently balances levity with profound insight, making complex topics feel approachable.
Why John Moe Matters
John Moe’s impact lies in his fearless approach to destigmatizing mental health. By sharing his own experiences and amplifying others’ stories, he’s created a space where vulnerability is celebrated, not shunned. His podcasts have inspired listeners to seek help, as evidenced by fans who credit his work with helping them navigate their own mental health challenges. Moe’s ability to use humor as a tool for connection has reshaped how we talk about depression, proving that laughter can be a lifeline.
His legacy extends beyond media. As a keynote speaker and consultant for organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Moe continues to advocate for mental health awareness, encouraging open dialogue in a world that often demands silence.
About John Moe
- Born: July 10, 1968, Federal Way, Washington
- Key Works: The Hilarious World of Depression (podcast and book), Depresh Mode, Dear Luke, We Need to Talk, Darth
- Awards: Webby Award for Best Comedy Podcast (2017), LA Press Club Award
Ready to dive into John Moe’s world of wit and wisdom? Grab The Hilarious World of Depression book or tune into Depresh Mode for a dose of humor and hope!