Radio Free Burrito Episode 51: the super happy brain club
wil, · Categories: Books, Current Affairs
Holy shit has it been like a year since I last did one of these? It certainly feels like it, because in 2018, a week feels like a month! This is basically one long recounting of the last few days of my life, which have been filled with joy, good people, and some revelations about my mental health that I thought were worth sharing.
- Radio Free Burrito doesn’t work as hard to earn its [EXPLICIT] tag as Memories of the Futurecast did, but it still manages to upset mom and get Twitter breakup messages from sensitive people. You have been warned.
- There isn’t any theme music this time, because I don’t have my usual media library at my fingertips. Somehow, we will all come together and get through this dark time.
- You must get the Under the Big Black Sun audiobook.
- If you want to go down a Los Angeles punk rock rabbit hole, start here.
- My new friends Sara and Lizzie introduced me to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and now I can’t wait to adopt as many orphan elephants as I can afford.
- I talked a lot about mental health in this podcast. If you’re inspired or curious about treatment, and don’t know where to go, I recommend talking to your primary care physician for a referral. You can also look at NAMI’s comprehensive list of ways to find support for mental illness.
- I write about my mental health pretty regularly at my blog, if you’re interested.
- This episode of Radio Free Burrito is 45m11s and 41.3MB.
- This is the end of the show notes.
Ready? Here’s 051-RFB.
And for you embedded player aficionados:
Awesome! Thank you for putting yourself and your thoughts out there! Out here. Out… into the world.
I am here and I enjoy what you do. Thanks for putting yourself out there!
It’s great! I never leave comments. Ever. However, you have motivated me to get out of my comfort zone! Phew. I’d love to hear more so I hope this podcast will find its place on your crazy schedule!
And know that I heed your advice. I’m still working through the Excuse List. But I believe in pleasant coincidences and today, this was mine. Thank you for the nudge, kind sir.
hi Wil! I always appreciate your outlook on life, the Universe, and everything. Thank you for sharing. 2017 was the worst of my depression since my 20s and it felt like a long fight to get out of it. Grateful to be here now; I’m about to turn 40 and feel like I’m finally figuring out who I am and what I want beyond all the noise of “shoulda/woulda/couldas”. It’s hard for a formerly young idealist to watch the world get taken over by awful people when I was supposed to save the world. Glad that now I can just save myself and be happy. Thank you again for everything you do! Also I’ve heard of that elephant place and am trying to figure out how to move there to raise orphaned elephants; so far the dog and cats are voting “heck no” so I’m outnumbered.
Thank you, Wil. I’ve battled depression/anxiety myself and lived very much like you described, and now my 16 yr old is facing the same. You reminded me to keep fighting for me and for them. I want them to have that light, happy freedom, too. We haven’t found the right mix yet, but I believe it is out there. (creepy Smoking Man not included). And man, it is GOOD to hear your voice and spirit be happy!
Hey Wil, I listened to your show!
I listened to your thing.
Hi Wil!
I agree, it has been a hard year with a LOT of bitter happenings to swallow. I’m glad that you are feeling better, and more able to get out, and spread kindness, which is so important with the shitty Gorgon of a president we have. Wanting kindness to prevail is not weakness, so fight the good fight, and know there are lots of rando people, like me out there, who support you!
Hey Wil,
Was great to see a new burrito episode. I really enjoyed everything you said about how you’ve been doing and how much different the world can be if the mind is skewing it. I tend to be a bit of a last minute canceler as well and know it is brighter out.
I also wanted to say that I’ve always liked the burritos and think that you do a great job hosting it yourself. A guest once and a while would be cool.
Have a great week and until the next rfb !!
Thanks Wil
Hi Wil! Listened to the show on the way home from work and at home. Thanks for putting it out there. Super glad to have heard it. I do believe it will be a big boost to the good levels in the world.
Hey Wil, thank you for doing this podcast! I’m really glad you’ve found a medication combination that’s been working for you– recently I’ve been thinking that I should talk to my doctor about changing my medications up because I’ve been feeling pretty anxious lately, and I’ve been trying to deal with it and hoping it was temporary and would go away, but looking back… I think I’ve been hoping that for over a year now, and maybe it’s time to talk to my doctor about it. Thank you so much for doing everything you do!
Thanks for making an exhausted evening a little brighter
Thanks Wil!
I have struggled with Depression my whole life (it drove me to get a Psychology degree) and it is so important for us to share our stories with each other.
Loved the cast. Keep Resisting.
Hi Wil, I listened to your podcast! It was great. Always enjoy the stories.
Hey Wil. I listened to the whole thing! I like your podcast and I like your voice.
Greetings from Sweden! Always a special moment waking up and seeing a new episode with your thoughts in the podcast player.
Always love hearing what you’ve been up to! I’m really happy that we got to chat so much at ECCC, especially on Thursday night! With just over a week to go until my very first art show and display at Norwescon it was good to hear your voice and hear that you’re also working on more creative projects. Your words of encouragement throughout the years have been ones that I think of often and I can never thank you enough!
<3
I am so excited for your show! Please let me know how it goes, okay? Thanks for listening to my silly podcast!
Yay! Great to hear you talk about your life again, and so glad to hear that the brain meats are now behaving themselves. Can’t wait to hear you reading the new [redacted] book [redacted] : )
Thanks for being you.
Hi Wil, just wanted to say it’s good that you’re back to your podcast, i kept tuned to the channel and knew you’d be back, keep up the good work. Being a “grownup” is tough but I’m glad you found the time to spare and shared it with us. Peace 🖖🏻
Hi Will! Monica Malakian here is FL. So glad to hear RFB again! I listen at bed time. Kind of a ritual. Love you long time!💕💕💕🙋🏻💗💗💗
This is a comment.
Hello Wil,
I listen to your podcast. Thank you, and never forget the importance of being Wil.
Cheers,
Jørgen
Hi Wil, It’s great to hear a new podcast from you. Thanks for being so frank about your depression and how you’ve been recovering from it. Happy to hear things are going well! Looking forward to your new audiobook you did a great reading of Ready Player One.
Our country has had a lot of great presidents and a few awful ones in its relatively short history, we’ll make it through this one too… Hopefully sooner than later. Nobody else mentioned it, so I will. It was fun to see you as the new Professor Proton! Hope to see you on future Big Bang episodes. I saw X play at CSUN in the early 80s they put on a great show!
What a wonderful surprise to wake up to on an unseasonally cold Tuesday morning.
Thanks for the lovely podcast.
Keep it up man 🙂
Hi Will,
I’m an Electrical Engineer/nerd/geek that struggles with anxiety (It became so bad I had to stop all caffeine etc. no caffeine = no coffee and that sucks ass). Listening to others that has similar issues and how they work through them makes me feel better about my own issues. I’m not alone.
Thanks
I get a kid and a new episode on the same day? Tf!?
Congratulations!! Hope momma and baby are resting comfortably!
Thanks for the podcast, it’s good to hear from you. Mesmerism, I think that’s my new word.
I listened. Thanks for keeping it going!
Made it to the end. Welcome back. The internet missed you.
Greetings from Chile! I was very excited to wake up to RFB! Just yesterday I happened to watch an old Nerdist video with you and Neil deGrasse Tyson, hehe. As a long-term expat, podcasts are my link to English and the US. I love hearing about life from your point of view. I don’t really know too much about depression, so thanks for adding to my education on the matter. So glad you’re feeling happy! Mmmm…empanadas…
Mesmerism, also known as Hypnotism, has been maligned as entertainment and best and quackery at worst for decades but, used properly, can be helpful.
Thanks for being the fabulous you! Loved your energy and joy for life this episode, it was really infectious. i am going to have to start questioning my own anxiety more, thanks for the inspiration.
Happy to hear an update, and especially that things are brighter for you!
Thanks in part to your general honesty in regards to mental illness I’ve gotten help, and gotten out of a job I hated and gone back to school to study something I love instead.
I listen to you Will!
I listen to your show and now you know. Thanks this episode was great looking forward to more
Hey Wil,
I’m out in podcast land listening, and I understand what you’re going through. I appreciated you making the time to create something to share and contribute. We all have a place for our voice to be heard.
Thanks for sharing your experience Will.
It is always a neat little surprise to see on my app that there is a new RFB.
A bit like running into an old friend
Wil,
The DSWT is an amazing charity to give money too! My wife and I (and a few friends) stayed at the DSWT part of Tsavo East National Park and got to meet and visit with the elephant that my wife has sponsored for many years!
https://imgur.com/a/oh2NK – picture of her and the elephant!
Thanks for doing another podcast! I always enjoy them.
Great job explaining anxiety. I think it will help others discover that they too may be dealing with something that they don’t need to battle alone.
As always (even though I don’t always say it) thanks for sharing, Wil.
I enjoy hearing you lean into, in true nerdfighter fashion, your unironic enthusiasm for the things you love.
I also appreciate how openly you talk about your mental health, especially as someone who has depression and anxiety…and didn’t have the tools or language to recognize or take meaningful steps towards getting help managing until they were a grown-ass adult. I’m still in that space where I’m so used to my asshole brain’s version of normal that I don’t know what anything else looks or feels like, but it’s a work in progress. The first meds didn’t help, but they didn’t hurt, either, so it could have been worse.
Hey, a new Radio Free Burrito! Awesome! Thanks, Wil!
Hello! I was excited to see a new episode in my feed. I don’t generally comment on things but I’m trying to be better about letting people know when they have had a positive impact on my life. Thank you for sharing your experiences especially when it comes to mental health. It certainly has made me feel less alone.
I may also need to adopt all the elephants now. Have a wonderful day!
Dude, first let me say (for no other reason than to set the mood) that THIS is my first comment to any podcast, ever. For realz. Ain’t s#it’n ya. Your podcast was the only one in my nice-sized list that I was reeeeally looking forward to returning. There is something about you, your delivery, your voice, your insights, your stories, your ups and your downs, your out-of-left-field one liners and quips that lifts me above the normally crappy daily commute I have every day and for those 45+ fleeting minutes that I’m tuned into you I forget everything except that I’m gonna smile, laugh, reflect, care, and maybe even form a tear (very small but man enough to say it’s there). Thanks for sharing your time and, well, you!
Hi Wil, so thrilled to have a new burrito in my feed this morning! I’m so glad to hear that you’re doing better!
Hey, I and my play group listen, a lot of us have come together over different mental health problems and use games to keep ourselves in a positive place.
You are a awesome person and a delight to listen too, so for yourself and everyone else, keep yourself safe, healthy and have fun
Thank you for sharing, Wil. Glad to hear you’re feeling better.
Thank you so much for the podcast, I am so glad you decided to do it again and that you are feeling happier about things. Hearing you honesty warms my heart. I live in a small town in rural Australia but hearing you makes me feel part of the world as I think we all should. Thanks again and I hope you feel like doing more.
Thank you so so much for talking so candidly about your issues with anxiety and depression. My mom had clinical depression among other mental health issues my whole life and I have suffered from anxiety with bouts of depression since she passed away in 2010. I had finally thought I conquered both but am coming to terms with the fact that the anxiety issues are a life long battle. What you talked about today has made me decide to once again talk to my doctor and see if we can wrangle in my anxieties. I am getting married next year and I want to life the happy, noise free life you talked about. Thanks, Wil. Your blog and these podcasts really do mean a lot to folks like me.
Hooray new episode! Great to hear your voice and your persepctive
So happy to have new Radio Free Burrito…okay, I actually didn’t know about RBF until after JoCo this year so didn’t know I was missing it, but still, yay!
I don’t know how many good times I’ve missed out because I let anxiety talk me out of leaving the house. Glad you’re escaping the noise!
Friend of mine ran in the LA marathon, and she’s the best. I need to get outdoors and do more running. Still doing any Zombies, Run?
Thanks for sharing and Save the Owlbears!
I am having a hard time right now but I’m here. The room is too loud. I literally looked yesterday morning for a new RFB to listen to so thanks for that afternoon present!
I quit listening to radio 100% when I went to Africa in Nov 2015. Since then it’s mostly podcasts, audiobooks and some music. I have a long drive to work 3x a week and my favorite audiobooks are biographies read by the author. The BEST one I read was Martin Short (what an amazing storyteller) and this week I finished Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama and that was excellent.
I’m really glad to hear you are climbing out of the hole. I was searching for something the other day and deep in the Internet in the days before twitter you used to interact a lot more with comments on your blog. More positive there and less negative twitter. Just an observation on how things have changed.
I will just say I want to play a game with you sometime. That would be pretty fucking great.
Hey Wil, Yes we are all here and we want more!! Please come back more often with shows.
Welcome back! Enjoyed it as always. Thanks for putting yourself out there.
As always, thanks for opening your life to us, and letting us know you’re doing okay. The world is, indeed, a shitshow, and we all have to do a little mental-upkeep just to keep from drowning in it. Thanks for showing us that we’re not alone, and that help is available.
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this episode. My step daughter was diagnosed last October, and it seems like she’s having the same issues you went thru.
Hello sir
Good to hear your voice again and good to hear you’re in a good place far from the reach of that Hollywood monster. I’m especially excited to hear that more TV Crimes could be on the way because I recently binged the whole series and miss the interplay between yourself, Mikey and the $40 hold music. I’m intrigued by the audio book tease! You did a great job of RPO and your segment of Joe Hill’s Strange Weather. 🙂 Be well and keep doing what you do.
Wil, I gasped out loud when I saw there was a new Radio Free Burrito podcast. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the podcast!
Ya know, when I woke up this morning I thought, “We’re living IN Idiocracy. This may be the beginning of the end of intelligent thinking. But maybe.. there’s still hope!” I googled for a few minutes, while I drank my decaf before I woke my daughter for school, and.. I’m not seeing much hope. It doesn’t look good. A clearly corrupt and obviously lying game show host is in charge and millions of people worship him as if he now has his own cult. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Idiocracy and maybe even Religulous and their connection to whats going on today. Just a thought.
Continue to be awesome Mr. Wheaton.
Also I loved your reading of Ready Player One. I’m not loving what they did with the movie from what I’ve seen in the trailers. I think I’d rather just listen to the audiobook during my workout.
Greetings from Montreal.
I do indeed listen and enjoy your podcast.
Dave
I was so happy to see a new Radio Free Burrito in my podcast feed this morning. Especially one with such important content. Thanks for sharing about the loud dark room, Wil. I’ve often debated talking to someone about my mental health but have alway justified not doing so by saying “yeah, but I’m sure other people have it much worse than I do, I’m fine and should just suck it up.” You’ve made me decide to see someone, so thanks!
It was nice to hear your voice today. you help me get though the bad days. thanks!
Hi Wil,
Thanks for the new episode, I enjoyed your stories as always. I am very glad to hear you are feeling happier! I don’t suffer from mental illness but hearing you talk about it helps me understand it better.
I read “Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green recently which is excellent and deals heavily with OCD and anxiety. If you haven’t yet I would recommend reading it. Although I have heard that it can be hard for someone dealing with mental illness to read the book as it hits so close to home. A lot of people say it really helped them as well. Just giving them different ways to think about and express mental illness. All of this from a YA fiction book, lol. But that’s John Green for you.
Hey Wil, love the podcast and I love you! You’re an inspiration! Take care!!
Wil! It’s always a great surprise to see new episodes!
I listened, and just sucked it up and signed up for Talkspace since my meds aren’t working (at least not alone), and can’t meet with my doc til May. (Why I’m seeking online therapy and not in person is a long sad story, but even this is extremely difficult for me, so thanks for encouraging us to get help)
Hi Will. It’s always great to have new episodes of radio free burrito.
Hi Wil,
At least several years as a listener-who-does-not-comment, but I wanted change that (the not commenting part) to add my voice of encouragement.
What you create matters and is absolutely appreciated. Your recordings here, with Mikey (glad to hear you’re working on rekindling that!), on YouTube, etc. always bring a smile, and for each comment here, no doubt there’s a large multiple of other of quiet appreciators.
But we’re indeed here, listening and cheering you on, as friends who just haven’t met yet.
Thanks,
Chris
It made my day to see this pop up in my podcast feed. I’m glad you’re feeling better, Wil. 🙂
Thanks for another great show. It was great to wake up this morning to the Google Play music notification that you released another podcast.
Nice to have you back, Wil!
Also a member of the brain club, and I catch myself doing the avoidance thing all too often.
I was pleased to wake up to a new podcast this morning to listen to on my commute to work. I always enjoy listening to your content and really appreciate you putting yourself out there this time. Thank you for everything you do! Looking forward to the next one whenever that is. 🙂
Thank you for this episode. I struggle with my brain as well, and this really helped, knowing that you’ve found the regimen you needed to get out of the loud, dark room.
Thanks for putting out another episode and talking about depression and anxiety. Its good to know that with the way the world is right now I’m not the only one feeling worse than usual.
I’m here! I also have social anxiety and have experienced all the things you mentioned that it makes you do. I also have a great group of friends and family that keep me from staying holed up for too long. This is the first episode you’ve uploaded since I subscribed and I’m glad to hear you are doing well and you survived last year. I’m also going to go right out and get the audio books you mentioned. I’m an old punk too, who also just missed being old enough by just a few years and that book sounds extremely interesting.
Waking up and finding a new RFB after so long made me smile so hard! I’ll admit, I had been worried. I also had to do a meds switch this year and it has helped immensely. Things had gotten really hopeless and I felt like I would never do anything useful or valuable or creative ever again. The fog is lifting and I’m so so happy that it is happening for you, too. I’m looking forward to new, exciting content and things and stuff from your brain and mine! Cheers!
Great to hear you on a podcast, seeing it show up in my cue was a great surprise!
Glad to hear you now after a year rather than not at all, welcome back to color and remember there’s plenty of quiet and kind people out here. It’s loud right now, so we tend to get downed out but that doesn’t mean we’re not here!
Also, thanks again and as always for being so open and upfront about mental health issues, it means a lot to hear it normalized, a reminder how benignly merciless it can be at making life seem hard for anyone.
Have a good one Will!
Hey man! I’ve never commented before, but since you asked, here is a comment! I really dig your podcast and love when one suddenly shows up in my feed. I don’t have any mental illnesses, but really love to hear your descriptions of what you deal with. They help me to be more compassionate and understanding of some of my friends who do deal with them. Keep doing what you do, and I’ll keep lapping it up!
Neal
You wanted comments… Here’s one.
I’m glad you’re feeling good now! Do more podcasts!
From the bottom of my nerdy little heart…Thank you!! I guess it takes a like-minded somebody to say, “Hey, you know that shit hole you’ve been wallowing in?? There’s a way out. And it’s pretty awesome here on the other side.”. So thank you!!
This is a wonderful 45 minute hug for my head and heart. So warm and honest.
Glad to hear your voice again! Thank you for what you do and all the encouraging words.
…I have that same Anxiety thing. I just cancelled going to see the Supernatural PaleyFest panel that is a ten minute walk from my home because my brain told me I couldn’t spend the money, or I’d be tired after work, or I can watch it online or I should do the laundry instead and this happens ALL. THE. TIME. I’m constantly cancelling plans or not going to things I WANT TO GO TO because my dumb brain talks me out of it. I was planning on cancelling going to this nerdy show at Geeky Teas (a place I love) that will be done by so many people I admire and love. I am sure if I go I will enjoy it and laugh hard and see awesome folks (Bonnie Burton, HOLY NERDY CRAFTY YESSS!) And yet, my brain has been trying to convince me that I don’t really want to go for weeks. It’s giving me how craptastic the Metro buses in Burbank is (true) and how I hate going to events alone (also true), but I am going to beat that voice down with a stick and I’m going to go and I’m sure it’ll be so amazingly fun (like all nerdy shows I’ve ever gone to) and I AM GOING TO GO. It’s gonna happen nodnod
I was able to do this at my Asexual meetup on Sunday. I go because I’m Admin Director of our Outreach group and I need to take the meeting minutes and then I stay around for like an hour before I leave. But this past Sunday, I stayed. I stayed and I made new friends and we’re talking about a crafting and baking day sometime soon. So I’m hoping this is a sign that my Anxiety is going to just ease off, just a bit.
I think this whole “dumb brain doesn’t let you go to or stay at or properly enjoy things you want to do” might be something like executive dysfunction. Although dumb brain likes to tell me I’m just being lazy. It says that in my father’s voice, my teachers’ voices, lots of voices throughout my life.
I’m so so SO happy for you that you’re doing so much better lately! 🙂 YAY for the creative juices flowing again and YAY for writing and audiobooks and YAY for you! waves pompoms and cheers
Also bonus points to you for doing a fun fact about French person doing French things. You still pronounced the French words better than I would have.
Awww, thanks. I decided that I was probably going to mangle it, so I just leaned in and owned that shit.
Thanks for making a new Burrito, Wil!
I’ve been feeling horrible this whole year. I lost my job last month when the company cut a bunch of contractors. And I recently found out that my (late) mom was suicidal when she was young, and she probably had depression later in life. So now I’m worried that my mental state is going to get worse over time because of that genetic predisposition.
Hi Wil!
Thanks for making this podcast!
Greetings from Hungary! 🙂
Listened to it. Love it. Been listening since episode 1; been reading the blog since 2001. Thanks for all you do for us!
Wil, thank you for what you do and thank you for inspiring. Ever since I discovered Radio Free Burrito, your bravery and hard won fights keep pushing me to be a better me.
Keep being you.
I heard you! And I missed you. RFB is my primary source of Wheaton. Mental health is a struggle for a lot of people in my family. Thanks for doing your part to normalize it.
Long time listener, first time poster, just letting you know that you are heard.
I listened to the show!
Speak about what you will, Wil. (See?) I’ve fought my depression for years now, and much of what you talked about rang true with me.
Keep the faith.
Finding a burrito dropped in my stream on the random creates a complete sense of joy that radiates through my entire day. I really like your take on the world, honesty about mental illness and your general non-shitty attitude. Keep it up man, and keep being a nerd.
I actually listened to this on my way to the doctor to reexamine my meds because I felt I needed more support than my current dosis gave me. Thanks so much for making my journey less dark and alone, you really give me hope when I’m down.
It’s delightful to have another of your pod episodes in my feed. I’ve missed them. Congrats on finishing the audiobook, and please give all the animals a cuddle!
Hey, Wil. I listened to the end and wanted to drop you a comment to let you know that I appreciate you talking about depression.
This was a lovely episode! I really enjoyed hearing you talk about how much of an accomplish it was to hang out with friends several days in a row! That’s sort of where I am in my mental health journey as well, so it’s nice to hear I’m not alone! Thanks for a great podcast!
I am here and I enjoy listening
Thank you. Thank you for simply sharing the message to be kind to yourself and to others.
The world needs that.
Welcome back, Wil! Missed you, man. Was really glad to see this go up.
Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing. You helped me find hope as well as the words to express myself to the loved ones around me so that I could get help. My last few years are up and down but so much better than ever before. 🙂
Thank you for sharing the parts of yourself that you share. I was really excited to see a new episode and it’s really exciting to hear that more TV crimes will be coming.
Thank you for all of the enjoyment you provide.
Missed you dude!!
Please know that you do make a difference to many peoples lives. Your advice to make things and be positive influenced me moving from Toronto to BC with my family to pursue my own custom fabrication business and make a lifestyle shift.
It was such a nice surprise today to hear the new podcast…. keep em coming !
Ryan
Thank you for creating, thank you for sharing. I’m yet another severely depressed person who can’t believe the state of the world right now. It helps me to know that I’m not alone and it helps me to see how other people struggle and deal with it.
I’m here and listening. Thanks for sharing. I’m glad you’re doing well. Also, I’m really looking forward to new TV Crimes.
I am leaving a comment because I also listened all the way through on my trip to the grocery store today. First day getting out in the sunny fresh air in a long long time. Also dealing with depression myself. Almost listened to The Joe Rogan Experience instead, glad I didn’t for once.
Sad to hear about your friend River Phoenix. Stand by Me was the first R rated movie I ever saw back when Fox television did socially responsible things like play Saturday afternoon movies and not fob neo-fascist propaganda onto the world. For a long time I thought of Kiefer Sutherland as that scary guy who pulls a switchblade on you.
I am ~2 weeks sober from Reddit after having already quit FB about 5 years ago, and so I’m getting back into podcasts in a big way. Reddit has basically turned into 4chan and it’s only taken me 12 years to realize that it was almost inevitable. There was an article on my RSS feed about how social media is as addictive as cocaine, and I have to say I’m already liking my computer more. Listening to you talk about all the writing projects you’re working on is really inspiring. I’ve been wanting to get into writing too, and now I have the time. If I ever finish anything significant it would be crazy if you did the audio version. I “read” your version of Ready Player One and it’s finally coming out next weekend. I won’t ask you to read anything I write, but maybe you will anyway if enough people like it. If you actually read this maybe you could send me a shout at the email address that’s hopefully not going to be published like it says…? LOL
p.s.
Could you do an episode of Table Top where you play Backgammon? I just started playing but literally no one I know has any interest in learning how to play. It used to be really cool to play Backgammon in Hollywood in the 50s-70s. It’s like chess but with dice. The people who did World Series of Poker even tried to do a couple seasons of World Series of Backgammon. And it failed, it’s the world’s nerdiest game!
Also, are you going to be in the Quentin Tarantino TNG “reboot”? Is that even a real thing or just a hoax? Chris Hardwick got him to talk about it on Nerdist like 3 years ago. There’s pics of everyone else done up in gritty style.
Also, convince your friend to remake @midnight into a podcast or something. Seriously.
This comment is TOO LONG.
Thanks Wil. We met you on JoCoCruise2018 and you were indeed delightful. My boyfriend, Disco, who you talked with at a bar about his camera, will love the Under the Big Black Sun audiobook. I just gifted it to him.
We were at Pat Rothfuss’s Mental Health panel on the cruise and won’t forget you shouting from the balcony “I have depression too!” It was not only funny but heartwarming to be in a safe place to feel totally good with yelling that and not being judged. I hope you felt the whole room mentally hugging you at that moment.
I’ve been battling the monster too and the cruise was my realization that things can still feel great despite everything. I’m fighting harder than ever and you were part of the tribe that is helping me stand up to depression /anxiety/PTSD.
Thank you,
Lex
I am not a commenter either, but you have compelled me (sourcery, no doubt) to do so. Great ‘cast, sir. Thank You for putting in the time, and Keep em coming!
Great show. I’ve really missed it. I always appreciate your honesty with your mental health. Because of it I’m thinking of looking for help myself. Thanks for being you and a great human
Hey Wil, I don’t know where or how to contact you so I’ll just leave this here… But thank you for creating the web series Tabletop! I’ve binged most of your episodes and thoroughly enjoyed everything that you and the G&S team has produced relating to Tabletop. You’ve opened up a new world to me and I just wanted to give a quick THANK YOU and also keep doing what you’re doing. I hope to see more content from you in the future!!
“Yay! Hey, Cameron!” I called to my son. “There’s a new episode of Radio Free Burrito!”
This is my first time commenting but I have to tell you that whenever you post an episode it’s like a ray of sunshine for me. It’s like the first day of Spring promising a new palette of colour for my eyes after a cold, dark Winter. This episode embodied that even more than any others. To hear the joie de vivre in your voice- your perspective, is nourishment I didn’t know my soul needed. Thank you, Sir, for once again being open, honest and genuine. I’m now listening to The Space Pirates Mixtape for the hundredth time because I wanted to keep the great vibes going. I’m looking forward to seeing you again in Calgary next month. Cheers Wil! 🍻
We here you Will! So happy to hear about your experiences out from under the thumb of anxiety.
While I agree that public discourse in America continues to get worse, just remember that today, globally, is the best day there has ever been in the history of humanity. Less poverty then ever before. Less violence. Less starvation. Less sickness. Less racism. Less sexism… than ever before!
Is there more work to do? Absolutely!
But it’s all not worse than before. It’s better!
Ugh. Hear*
Thank you for continuing to share your journey in navigating depression. It’s helped me in more ways than I can list here.
I loved this episode. I am so proud of you for working hard to get through this struggle. You are fantastic!
I have the exact same thoughts from anxiety-brain. It keeps me from going places and just hiding inside.
It also helps that I am not good at meeting people or making conversation. So making new friends is terrifying to me.
Thanks for this thought episode.
E
Wil,
Just finished listening to the podcast! Happy to hear you record another and very happy to hear that you are getting some much-needed breakthroughs with your ailments. I remember meeting you in Montreal and Ottawa and seeing how tense the cons made you, and how relaxed you got when I chatted with you at your table about your early books – when you could shut down thinking about the room you were in. THIS podcast sounded like that guy, and it was awesome to hear!
I look forward to checking out some of your recent work. Keep on going man, you’re doing great!!
Mmmmmmmmmm mesmerism!
Happy to hear your life is going well.
Always happy to listen to RFB whenever it appears.
S
Hey Wil. Thank you so much for the episode. I’ve been missing your podcasts. You always have a unique and unwavering worldview around some subjects that are, unfortunately, still seen as controversial. I’m glad you’re feeling more whole now. And, for the record, I listened all the way through to Mr No-Medals Aphrodisiac. Cheers
It’s great to have another free burrito! You mentioned having a cohost. I volunteer. I will place a list of my credentials between these two brackets —> […]
I have heard you on here, Lovett or Leave it, Mission Log, and some videos featuring you addressing fans at cons. You have a gift for speaking extemporaneously. Obviously you’re speaking about topics you’ve thought a lot about, but you’re still exceptional at it. Are you aware of anything you do while speaking to organize your thoughts? I would love to communicate at cogently as you do.
Will. Just a simple thank you for your podcast. You are helping me deal with an issue that I never knew I had but the more I unpack it see how much of my life it has affected. I have a long way to go but your words have thrown a little sunshine and peace in a dark and loud room. Thank You
Thanks for posting, it was really great to hear your voice again.
Thank you for having a new episode! Always love your podcasts. Thank you, thank you, thank you — and yes, more RFB and more TV Crimes pls 😉
Providing proof that I did, in fact, listen.
Listened to and loved it. Thank you for continuing to share your life with us.
Yay! Thanks so much for a new RFB! Missing storytime lately, this will do nicely, thanks!
Thank you for being so open and honest about your mental health struggles. It is so great to hear someone else go through what I am working through and putting into words what I have a hard time describing to those around me. Love the show and can’t wait for the next episode!
Loved this! Thank you so much.
I rarely comment, but I am now because you told me to. 😛 I don’t usually have anything to say, but I listen to (and enjoy) every episode. Please keep sharing!
Long time listener, first time commenter. Love the show and think you are doing great work!
Hey Wil, thanks for sharing.
Great to hear a new episode.
Yay new RFB! Also yay, new tv crimes! Also also Yay, you’re writing again! I’m really glad to hear that you’ve got your mojo back.
You know, I know things suck in the States right now, but I have to tell you that honestly, things have always kind of sucked in the States and Americans have been really complacent about it. I know that 45 is the fucking worst, but on the flip side, I have never seen so many Americans taking a good hard look at some of the social problems your country faces* and talking about how those are things that need to be addressed and looking outward at the international community to see how other nations have solved those problems or are working on them. I’m kind of oddly hopeful that – assuming Twitler and co. leave you a nation you can salvage – America will maybe come out a better and more compassionate nation. I know that the other countries are still saving you a place at the table, if you could like maybe find an adult to sit there.
*yes I know Canada has social problems, too.
Thanks for podcast Wil. I always find something in work that helps my life. Keep it up it is much appreciated.
Put Radio Free Burrito at the top of my list today because, of course I did. Had a half day of work because I had a doctors appt to switch my brain meds.
I love that you share your struggles and triumphs with mental illness. I have become a bit of a mental illness champion in my corner of Kansas City. And I’d say that part of that is because of you. #TeamRacecar
I listen! Thanks for helping make my brain think some good thoughts for a while and sharing the things a lot of us sometimes think only happen to us.
So great to hear the podcast again, definite been missed! You have one of the best outlooks on life that I know. I will check on the audiobook as soon as possible
Hey buddy. We’re here 👋
Just listened to the new podcast. Looking forward to more. I’m a big Tabletop fan, and a fan of your audiobook work. You really have a talent for spoken word. Looking forward to that new audiobook you mentioned… hope it has something to do with that new movie coming out at the end of the month.
Hey, Wil. Glad to hear you’re feeling better and good to hear another RFB. I’m excited for all your creative stuff that’s coming down the pike. I had wondered if you we’re still using Linux, because you’ve also talked about using Apple. I’ve been an Arch Linux guy for many years. Audacity rocks too. #NotMyPresident
It’s so lovely to hear your voice again! Welcome back. You were missed.
It’s too bad that the casualness of radio free burrito—which I love—means it doesn’t happen regularly. Love your honesty and openness and the storytelling
Wil! So great to have the Burrito back! It has been a very long time and its so good to have it back, always enjoy listening to talk because it just sounds like you are sitting down with a friend and just talking about whatever comes to mind! I hope its not another year until we hear another one!
Keep on, keeping on, Wil!
Hello Mr. Wheaton,
I forget when or how I came to your podcast. Most likely a link from somewhere else in your online presence. Anyway, I’m glad you’re feeling up to bringing us another instalment of RFB. Really looking forward to the return of TV Crimes.
Always happy to find a burrito in the oven! And just a couple days after seeing you on my TV, a little film called Stand By Me, which I’d never seen before. You were all wonderful!
Just dropping a note that I’ve been a listener for a very long time. Never dropped a note because you wouldn’t know me from jack… 🙂
So happy to see another radio free burrito this morning when I checked my podcasts this morning. Thank you!
My wife and I got to chat with you and Anne on JoCo this year and have already signed up to go again next year! Eternally grateful to you and this podcast for introducing us to it!
Always great to hear from you Wil. Being the same age as you and growing up in the same area, and experiencing similar histories, I enjoy your perspective. Take care brother.
Great episode! Welcome back!
Great to hear from you, and expecially that you’re feeling good! You’re a good chap, and you deserve to be happy and enjoy yourself without those damned headgoblins interfering.
What all those ^^^ people said!
Seriously, great to have this pop up in my podcast feed today. A burrito to serve as dessert for my pho.
And here’s your bell:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Omwr5RzHU
I’m a hot mess right now but you’ve inspired me to make an appointment to see someone about it. If I can make half the progress you’ve made I’ll consider it a success!
Hey Wil! I always love when a RFB shows up in my feed. It’s like getting a postcard in the mail from a friend. Listening to it always fills me with joy.
I’m glad you’re feeling better.
I was so excited to see that you posted another Radio Free Burrito! Partially because I enjoy listening, and partially because I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to create again. Thanks for sharing!
Posting as requested. Thanks for sharing everything. I’m looking forward to seeing you and Anne in Calgary in a few weeks!
Thanks for the burrito, Wil! Also thanks that it was a proper burrito and not a Scalzi abomination.
So happy to hear that you and Mikey are talking about restarting TV Crimes.
just wanted to say it was a nice surprise to see this pop on my itunes today.
Hi Wil. This was a great episode for several reasons. Lots of things that I needsd to hear. Thanks for speaking, I’ll keep listening.
Hi Wil. This was a great episode for several reasons. Lots of things that I needsd to hear. Thanks for speaking, I’ll keep listening.
I was just thinking, over the weekend, that it had been a long time since the last RFB. So glad you did this. It completely made my day. 🙂
I always listen the shit out of Radio Free Burrito.
Thanks for the episode! It queued while I was listening to Levar Burton Reads, so your voice right after was an amazing surprise!
I tend to be a lurker, but I’m trying to make this year the one where I participate. Even if it’s only in small ways, like commenting on podcast that I heard through the noise, or saw despite the darkness. Thanks again.
Thank you for everything you do, Wil! Please keep it up! What you do matters! You matter!
Glad to hear you back in action, Wil, and I look forward to more. Sorry you’ve had a crappy time, but you being open about it is powerful for those of us going through similar battles.
Thank you Wil. A great episode.
I just listened to your latest episode; it was inspiring. Thanks and good luck.
Hey Will! Good to hear from you again! I know how it can be with mental health issues; I dealt alot with it when I lost my daughter several years ago, and it is very hard sometimes facing that, so it is always great hearing about what others deal with. It makes one feel less alone. Anyways, I have been a fan since my (and I guess your) childhood of all your different work, and just wanted to say keep up the work as long as you like doing it, because there are those of us that love it. Take care man!
Thanks for this. With so much negativity everywhere it is delightful when people share their joy!
My phone let me know there was a Radio Free Burrito and my entire shitty work shift… was still shitty, but I didn’t care as much because it was a pleasure to hear you. I’m glad you have found the help that gives you the ability to share time with people who do things you like to do.
Thank you.
I love your podcasts, Wil.
Your loud room metaphor really hit close to home for me. Thanks.
Wil,
Every time you do a podcast you help me have a sunnier outlook on life.
It does me a world of good knowing that there are good people in the world who struggle just as much as I do and your openness and willingness to put yourself out there helps me a great deal.
Thanks for everything.
Welcome back, Wil! Just found RFB late last year thanks to my husband. Was bummed I was so late to the party! It was a nice surprise to see that you had recorded a new episode this week! Glad you were procrastinating – good talk!
This was the first episode of this podcast I listened to and I enjoyed it very much. I’ve had similar experiences with anxiety keeping me from meeting people or even hanging out with friends and making it impossible to enjoy situations like that (it’s gotten better recently), thanks for talking about this.
Wil, as a person with ADHD I completely relate with the “loud room”. I have anxiety just being in a room with more then one or two people because I cannot focus on anything then add that to the anxiety of what people think of me and the anxiety of not fitting in…. plus the 50,000 other thoughts in my head.
I thank you for putting out this podcast. It helps me feel I am not alone.
I listen and look forward to the notification in my podcastng app.
It’s always a delight to have a new episode to listen to.
I am glad for all the work you do Wil! You are an inspiration for us all.
just here listening and enjoying! Glad you put out a new episode. Thanks!
A couple days late but I’m here!! Thanks for posting and it’s good to hear your voice again! Really glad to hear that things are looking up for you in the mental health arena.
Also…. mmmMMMmmmmesmerism
Hi Wil, so great to hear your voice again and also to hear that you have found a way of keeping your depression and anxiety at bay.
Best wishes
I listen! I may have gotten a little choked up at work when you talked about going out and then feeling like you need to go home right away. You saying that you don’t have to be that way made me happy cry a little.
Thank you and I’m so happy that you and Travis McElroy are friends. It’s the best thing I’ve heard since Lin Manuel Miranda put a reference to MBMBaM into Hamilton.
Your words are always appreciated. Thanks for what you do.
Hey Wil, I’m listening. I’m gonna go get a therapy appointment because I realize that I’m not holding a radio Flyer wagon, I have a uhaul. It’s scary how we never met but you grok me and I really do appreciate that. I thought my meds were fine because I’m coping, but I’m still not happy and hearing you be happy make me want to. So I’m gonna go do something about it. thank you.
Listened to the very very end. I wish I was better at words cuz there is so much I would say to you but all I can do is say thank you and you are not alone.
Hey Wil! I’m always here listening. I’m just weird and I always read the show notes. BUT, you may do what you want because this is your show! I love RFB with all my heart. I’m so happy to hear you’re doing better. I’m so happy to hear your voice! You’re wonderful and thank you for being so kind when the world sucks right now.
Thank you for the episode Wil, glad to hear you are feeling better and thank you for the audiobook recommendation!
As the TV radio psychologist used to say, “I’m listening.” Keep doing what you do!
Thanks Wil. It sounds like you might still have the tiniest bit of struggle going on with who you are. I think you should talk to Marc Maron. Marc is opposite of you in terms of disposition, but like you in terms of dealing with an imperfect brain. Com’mon! I know you have heard of WTF. It will be fun! (For us and you.)
Bonus Point: Both of you have first names that confuse spellers.
Hi Wil!
I listen to every episode you put out, and swing back around for the past Halloween and Christmas episodes when I’m getting in the mood for those seasons. The old and obscure music is always a delight.
I’m glad to hear you are feeling well. Hearing you talk about your treatment and that there is blue sky on the other side is helpful when the world feels too close sometimes.
Also, long delayed, but thank you for helping introduce me to two of my consistent loves;
Lore – way back with your Cecil Hotel story
and D&D with your time as Aeofel, a lot of us would love to see you back at that table. 🙂
Serious Thanks Sir!
I have been missing Radio Free Burrito. I was actually thinking about you just last night, and wondering when another one might happen.
(That isn’t as weird as it sounds…I happened to be re-watching a Wesley heavy episode of ST:TNG, and right after Dr. Crusher was eaten by a warp bubble, I think…”Radio Free Burrito…did he just quit doing those? I miss them”. See, totally normal.
Actually the first episode I listened to. I had just been thinking the other day that I hadn’t seen or heard from Wheaton in a while. This is likely because I don’t use Twitter.
Anyways, looking forward to the vaguely referenced upcoming projects!
Great to have you back Wil. Thank you for sharing always enjoy listening to you.
Thank you for sharing the journey! It’s amazing what opens up when your chemistry isn’t holding you back… which I’ve just discovered this past year as well. It’s super wonderful to hear you so happy and fulfilled.
Hi Wil thank you for the new podcast. I’m here and I love what you do in any form. Thanks for all the inspiration.
I’m here, and glad to have you back on my iPod. I’ve missed your voice.
Hey, Wil. It’s great to hear you in my earholes again. Thanks for sharing happy and not-so-happy with us. It’s all important.
Hey, Wil, and everyone! I’m a long-time listener, and I’ve enjoyed every podcast. I’m a fan of your work, and I’m so happy that you are returning to it. A thing with Wil Wheaton in it becomes a better thing. Depression is, of course, terrible. Good for you for fighting back against the monster one more time.
Hello, Wil Wheaton. My name is Thomas.
I have listened to this episode and I am happy that you have gotten your brain back into doing happy-brain things.
Huzzah!
Hi Wil! Thanks for the fresh Burrito 🙂 Looking forward to new audiobooks narrated by you.
Yet another greeting from Sweden.
Every episode is greatly appreciated. Sad to hear that you have been having a bad year, but that was suspected by the lack of new episodes.
Hopefully a happier Wil will talk to us more. 😉
Woohoo! Glad to have the burrito back. So, as a fan, I have to say that one of my favorite things about this podcast is something you give yourself a hard time for. I enjoy that it feels like you’re just having a conversation with us.
I’m also excited to hear about the return of TV crimes.
Love hearing you back sir!
And great to hear you are out of the fog.
Look forward to whatever you do since you are a inspiration to me (and Kevin Smith haha).
Be happy and healthy!
Wil, I got your back. Feeling your struggle with the mental health monster. I have had the pleasant experience of discovering you over the past few months through Pluto and replayings of Tabletop and Titansgrove. It’s been like a reawakening of a lot of stuff I thought I’d lost in my life. Thank you for talking about this.
Wonderful to hear your podcast again. It is always thought-provoking and I have missed hearing your ruminations on life. Thank you for your honesty and your reflections on mental health. You are truly an inspiration.
Thanks for this show. I got your back, Wil. I feel you and know your walk as I’ve struggled with my own mental health challenge. I’ve had a great experience discovering you over the past few month through old Tabletop and Titansgrove episodes, thanks to Pluto.
You keep doing your thing, buddy. Thanks again.
You know what??? Some people were pretty excited to see in their feed that they had a Radio Free burrito. I am one of those people. I was sad to hear your struggles but so happy to hear that you are doing better now. FYI, my 17 Year old daughter was asked the other day what religion she was and she claimed to be “A Wheatonist” and when asked what that was she said.. “I live by the code of Don’t be a Dick”
Just finished listening! I’ve never left a comment on one of these before but thank you! Your candid voice on topics like depression is really needed. You and Anne are bright spots in the Great American Shitstorm of 2016-2020. Thank you.
Thank you for a new burrito, Wil. You think Gallant’s going to get the Jack Adam’s? Go Kings! Go! Also, Go Pens!!!
Thanks for this. Keep on keeping on.
Love me some burrito. Don’t feel the need to check in regularly. As much as I love hearing the new episodes and the more the merrier, there is something specially to seeing them pop up at random, even after long delays.
Welcome back, Wil!
Thank you for making some time to do a new Burrito. I need to get back into this podcasting thing…
Perfect length for my bike commute home yesterday. Thanks for keeping up with this, even a year later. Good stuff.
This was my first time listening rob RadioFreeBurrito. I saw it on twitter becasue Travis McElroy tweeted about it. Anyways, wow thanks for sharing your mental health struggles and process of dealing with it. I’ve gone through similar issues and listening this morning to your podcast was super therapeutic and truly brightened my day. Thank you Wil, genuinely, thank you!
I came here through a post on the ADHD subreddit and I’m really glad I did. You said that there’s at least one person listening that’s stuck in that room and I am, for the same reasons you were. The world is not in a good place and I care too much.
I started using Reddit around 8 months ago, there was a lot of articles about Russian influence on the worldnews subreddit and I realized that there were users on Reddit that were clearly being deceptive on purpose. Not many were aware of it at the time, there was a stray comment here and there talking about whataboutism but it was really rare.
I noticed that threads about Russia and Trump had redditors pushing certain narratives and using the same kind of deflective language (they were clearly lying) and I felt like I had to try and counter it so I started commenting a lot and pointed out the holes in their arguments. Other people caught on and worldnews went from being a place where people privately pmed me “I don’t know how we’re supposed to live and speak in the battlefield of the Information War. What are we going to do man?” to being a place where people know “trolls” are abundant. I’m really happy about that, I hate the thought of people not being able to even discuss the issues that’s happening without being jumped on by paid Redditors or swayed by obvious propaganda. But I feel like the more time I spend there the darker my room gets.
There was an article from Reuters today relating to the Cambridge Analytica stories, about how one of the psychologists from Cambridge Analytica also worked with Russian scientists in St Petersburg to make a FB quiz about “the dark triad” (psychopathy/Machiavellianism/narcissism) where they quizzed 10 000 Russians targetting those afflicted with these syndromes and “offered them councelling” under the guise of helping other people who suffer from these “internet trolls” (like Russia would worry about that). St Petersburg is the same city the Internet Research Agency (troll farm) is located and some of the trolls on Reddit are definitely psychopaths considering how violent and vile some of their comments are. Reddit mods have talked about how the shooter in Florida had a MAGA hat and articles talk about him having internet accounts named after Russian weapons. The more I find out the scarier the world becomes. I’m not cut out for that, I’m the type of person who saves worms from drowning because I know they can’t swim or help snails cross the road so they don’t get squished. I’ve felt responsible to do something because I’m smart enough to see through the propaganda but I think it’s time to let others take over. People are at least aware that it’s happening now.
I haven’t been creative lately, which says a lot (I usually can’t stop being creative whether it’s composing or writing or painting). I can’t remember the last time I was out with a group of friends. It feels like years (probably because it has been). Maybe I should just turn Reddit off, the thought of having a commenting war with a horde of psychopaths is too much.
And my computer broke down again today.
So in case this all sounds like a clusterfuck of certain doom by now, let me say that your episode helped. I’ve been aware that I’m worse but I’ve been ignoring it, hearing someone else talking about what I’ve been thinking myself is a good reality check, I need to actually do something, get out of this room both mentally and physically. Quit Reddit maybe. Make some music, find some good, kind people in my area, finally write that book, live a little. (Maybe get into gaming again as well, if I can fix my damn computer.) The world is shit, we can be aware that it’s shit, but we don’t have to let others drag us down. There’s no point in adding to the harm that’s already there by destroying our own lives and happiness. I used to be a really happy person, it’s time I try to get that person back.
So thank you Wil. I’m not a superfan or anything, I don’t know much of your work outside BBT so this is just from one human to another. I appreciate the episode you made and I thank you for being expressive and honest about what you’ve gone through. It makes a difference. You’ve shown that there’s a way out, better days can be found ahead. I just have to get out of this darn room.
Since you mentioned elephants and since this was a rather dark comment I want to end it with something happy and 100% silly to even it out a bit, so here’s a short story I wrote a while back (during ADD insomnia). It’s lovely, you’ll like it.
“Daisy the Pink Elephant”
Daisy hadn’t always been pink, and not always named Daisy, but she had always been an elephant. Her story was long and winding, reaching over losses, and fear of losses, and fear of fear of losses, but also strengths and victories that a motivational speaker could only dream of. She had been a most ordinary elephant for most of her life (except for her assassin training) until one day when she had her heart broken. His name was Benny and she knew it could never be, for Benny was a sea lion, and the line that divides the wave from the shore would always keep them apart. In her grief she had called out to her Benny, so graceful in the water, but Benny did not come, for Benny did not have legs.
In desperation she fled to the city, got a pink makeover and changed her name from ShadowDeath (her assassin name) to Daisy, for she wanted to be dainty and graceful like her Benny. She had never needed grace to be an assassin, the element of surprise when being jumped by an elephant with a ninja outfit and a sharp blade was enough to take down any man, but grace was what she most desired. She put away her dark ninja attire and bought herself a tutu, but was rejected at the Royal Ballet School with a sign that said “No Smoking, No Roller-skates, No Elephants.” This is where Daisy truly found rock bottom. She started drinking, drowning her trunk in beer every night. The day finally came when there was no beer left in all the city, and she had to make a choice. She came to find a life, and a life she would find!
She bought a pair of tap dancing shoes, for who could make a louder tap than an elephant, and an umbrella, to remember the rainy days she left behind. She kept the tutu, because you shouldn’t retract from life, only add. She would stop her life of murder and deception and become a hero to the world. In the daytime she would put out local fires, in the night she was a vigilante fighting crime, her knife hidden in the handle of her umbrella.
As the years went by her grief lessened, but if you walk by the beach at night, you may still find her sitting there, waiting for her Benny.
Thanks again for another great episode, Wil. You said words I needed to hear.
I also have anxiety disorder, which has been well managed for the last year. But when you spoke of cancelling plans and finding excuses not do things…that dinged a bell in my head.
I examined my behavior these last few months and realized I’m starting to slip back into some bad habits and need to make a course correction. I slacked off using my therapy tools (journalling, meditation, exercise) while my stressors were increasing (bought a house, renovations, traveling a lot), and I didn’t notice the anxiety creeping back up on me. Maybe I do need a meds adjustment, but first I need to get back to doing the healthy things I know work for me.
This shit’s insidious, no? You always have to keep an eye on it, which is exhausting and unfair, but much better than the alternative.
Thanks for the heads up, even though you didn’t know you were giving me one.
Hi Wil! Great to hear you again, I did listen to the whole episode if you’re keeping score. Thank you for sharing your story about overcoming your anxiety. I am much the same (it recently caused me to derail a vacation to New Orleans my girlfriend had been planning) and you have inspired me to look in to treatment. If I hadn’t heard your story I don’t know if I ever would have considered it a problem.
I was pleasantly surprised by the new episode and listened immediately. Made my L.A. commute home much more enjoyable. Thanks for putting yourself out there and sharing!
Yay super happy brain club!
Thanks for this, Wil, glad you feel so much better!
My heart is filled with joy to hear that you are in a high point in your life right now. I hope it lasts for a very long time for you. ❤️
Listening accomplished. Reporting in as requested. Attempt to think of something witty or meaningful to add failed.
Hey dude I’m listening. See you in Calgary, if I can muster the social energy. 🙂
You have been heard 🙂
My husband told me to listen to this episode because it vocalizes a lot of what he’s dealing with. I have depression too, but mine is more managed than his is at this point, so I understand what you’re saying about life being better. I suggested maybe it’s time for him to get his meds checked and changed if he’s still living in a dark place where he doesn’t want to associate with people.
Hi Wil, it’s great to hear you again on the podcast. Glad you are in a good place. Thanks for being awesome dude!
Really happy to see your podcast pop up in my app again! great to hear your voice and that you are doing better.
Hello Mr Wheaton, I was so happy to see a new episode of RFB in my feed. I really enjoy the podcasts you do and am really looking forward to new episodes of TV Crimes with Mikey Neumann.
Hi Wil, Its great to see you podcasting again and in a better place. I agree that the world seems FU’ed right now but there is still a lot of good out there. The bad shit just gets most of the attention.
I am glad u are doing better. I’m also happy to hear u are going to be working with Mikey Newman again. I have the same anxiety. I just thought it was normal. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in feeling this way.
Thanks for another great RFB! I’m always excited to listen to what you’ve got to say. Mesmerism!
Hi, Wil! I am so happy for you! Thank you for making a new RFB podcast. I genuinely love them. You are smart, pithy (hey, I’m an English teacher), and compassionate. Just… thank you. And I’m super stoked you did another book. I love Armada. Also, I can’t wait to read YOUR book. Also, I want to dance like you described dancing on the boat.
Add me to the list of folks who got all the way to the end, was happy to listen, and am glad you’ve been getting into a better place even in this, the Darkest Timeline.
Hey Wil! I love radio free burrito and really appreciate listening to your views on mental health/anxiety. I am going through the same issues myself and hearing you so happy made me so happy and hopeful. I am no where near as eloquent as you but thank you Wil. Please continue to what you do because the world needs more people like you! Sending you love from Chicago 🙂
I’m so glad you took time off for you. This podcast has been a great way to think more critically about my own mental state/coping while discovering so many cool recommendations. Keep up the awesome work, don’t let the trolls get you down.
Also? Super excited for tv crimes. I screamed in my car when you said it was coming back.
Take care!
I’m out here, and I listened. And it was great to hear about how well you’ve been doing after difficult times. Also, crazy excited for the return of TV Crimes with Mikey, can’t wait: Filmjoy has become must watch YouTube for me since I ran out of TV Crimes (which introduced me to Mikey) and the idea of you two getting the band back together made me smile for hours.
Greetings from Melbourne!
Came here to let you know we’re listening, and we care.
Thanks for doing your podcast – I often enjoy listening to your stories.
Welcome back Wil.
M
#snapsnap
Always a pleasure to see another episode of RFB pop-up in my podcast queue.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Very good show, thank you for your apt descriptions on anxiety and depression. Struck a chord.
Great to hear from you again 🙂
Great episode, you made my day! 🙂
Thanks- I’m headed to a professional conference today and talking about self-care at a session. As always, your words and thoughts on mental health will bolster my points.
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since you put a RFB out. They’re always something I look forward to.
Hey, Wil. Long time listener some time caller. Just letting you know I’m out here. Your description of how you used to attend parties is very familiar to me. It’s funny how you don’t realize you do something until you hear someone else describe you. Thanks for the burrito!
Happy to have a new burrito in my podcast box.
Thank you for sharing you reasons for no podcasts for a year. I missed you and the podcast. Glad you are venturing back into the world and having fun!
I know it’s been a long time since you last posted a show. Long enough that I’ve cycled through three different cell phones in fact. This of course meant that I had to re-subscribe to your podcast, and even though nothing had been coming out lately of course I still subscribed to the show. I’m excited to hear about more terrible television soon, and you always inspire me to get up and make something. For that, I am always grateful. Today is a good day, cheers!
Thank you for sharing your experiences with mental health. In particular, I really found what you had to say about anxiety interesting.
Great to hear you again Wil.
I thoroughly enjoy your podcast. You speak with a generous wisdom which so many could learn from. I hope there’ll be another episode soon!
I listened to the end.
Mr. Wheaton,
SO glad to have you back. Love that you’re able to see the brightness around you despite the evil and darkness in the world right now.
Out of pure curiosity, have you gotten a chance to play Modiphius’ Star Trek Adventures at all or any new tabletop games that you’re enjoying?
Live Long and Prosper,
I was about to drop a message on tumblr until you told listeners to come here. So here I am! Yay for a new audiobook! But more than that I’m so happy you’re doing better. You’re a good person that deserves good things, even when your brain tries to tell you differently. Thank you for all you do. Also, I’ll trade you a Watson for a Roger. I had to clean up a headless rabbit off the deck yesterday. And yay for elephants. And sooo much yay for new TV Crimes. I love you and Mikey so so so much. I’m glad you’re feeling better to get back to doing fun things that we enjoy too.
Hey Wil! If you want to see some photos from the Elephant (and Giraffe) sanctuary in Nairobi, have a look at https://photos.app.goo.gl/PKw8KeHHdgZaEo6g1 and scroll down a bit!
Was so happy to find this in my queue! I’m so glad you’re feeling better.
I appreciate these podcasts very much, but this one in particular may be my favorite. I struggle with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and I’ve been having really bad episodes lately which has been triggering depressive ruts. I hate that others feel or have felt the same way, but having validation of these fucking awwwful feelings makes me feel so much less alone. Thanks Wil! I know it’s a lot of ask of a person, like “hey please pour more of your soul out for everybody to hear! K thanks!”, but I would love more RFB. Thanks friend!
I was so happy to see a new episode up – always makes my drive to work so much better. You help remind me to make creative things, even when they’ve fallen by the wayside due to ill health.
Hi Wil!
I love that you feel better and decided to post a new RFB for us to enjoy! Also, I may not know you personally, but I do love the human that you are. Please keep up the good work and I hope some day to see more episodes TableTop (I need more new fun games)!
I can not express how much joy I had when i discovered an episode of RFB in my phone. Definitely the highlight of my day yesterday as my phone doesn’t notify when new eps land in my podcatcher- I have to manually check.
I am so glad for you that you were able to enjoy JoCo in ways this year, that you haven’t been able to in the past. It was an utter delight to run into you and Ann- and our selfie was the literal highlight of my trip.
The reading of your new novel was great and i can not wait to hear/read it in its entirety! I am yet to have read a published work of yours and dislike it, and i think i have read/listened to them all.. You are a great writer and I wish more folks would give you a chance instead of being dicks. Keep up the great work- and keep with the podcasts-yay!
Hi Wil,
Thanks so much for posting the latest episode. I’m glad you’ve found your way out of the room with the noise and shared your thoughts with us. Please continue to create, don’t let critics and haters let you doubt yourself, you are awesome at what you do!
This episode was very enjoyable to listen to and I was so happy that you shared it with us. You are always a delight to listen to.
I was so happy to see RFB on my queue. Glad you found the exit from the noisy room. I’ve struggled with that myself. I could never describe it to anyone. Thanks for that. Glad to hear you are doing well and hope to hear more from you soon.
Welcome back to feeling good, Wil. And thanks for putting good stuff into this crazy world.
So glad you’re back in the RFB podcast business, Wil! You’re one of my favorites. Here and listening for sure…I soon as I saw I had a new episode, you went straight to the top of my queue. Thanks for sharing with us!
Welcome back! We missed you. Be well.
Wil Grewe-Mullins
P.S. please come to Dragon on. Thanks.
Great to hear your voice again! Glad you’re feeling better. Thank you.
Just caught up on the latest episode. Wanted to let you know that we DO hear you. We Want to hear you. We are glad you’re doing better. Thank you for being open about the workings of your brain. You’ll never know how much it helps some of us.
Wil, I made it this far. This far and no further! smash 😛
Thanks for taking time to speak to us.
I made it all the way to the end! Great episode as always. I’m always really happy when an episode shows up in my podcast queue. I hope you put more episodes out soon!
Love the podcast , so happy when I saw that a new episode popped up after nearly a year ! What a great episode, thank you for sharing .
I’m listening – great to have new episodes.
Awesome! Always interesting.
Thank you for your honest discussion about mental health. I’m so happy that you’ve been able to find a medicine that is working for you. I love the podcast and am always excited to listen when they come out. Thanks Wil!
Thanks for the episode! I’m another member of the super happy brain club, and I completely understood your description of being surprised and delighted at going out and being with friends. Yes, it’s a normal thing, but it wasn’t normal for me for a very long time, and meds and talk therapy made the difference. I love hearing you talk, I love your music, and I love the little island of positive connection RFB makes with the world.
Hey Wil, still going through a similiar depression. It warmed my heart down to the deepest corners to see you had a new episode. Loved hearing your voice again & truly appreciate you sharing your life with us.
Definitely listening. Your description of anxiety and depression is making me consider seeing someone, the “not normal” you describe about being anxious around people sounds a lot like my normal and the “happy” description is completely alien. I thought they’d just how things work, but maybe it doesn’t have to for me…
I’m new to Radio Free Burrito. I’ve enjoyed it so far. It’s really cool thAt you have a podcast.
I listened, and thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the pod, I’ve been missing these. River died on my 23rd birthday, when my life was falling apart. At the time it was the straw that broke, etc…. but somehow I made it through. Now, like you, I have things to live for. But hearing you talk about him brought it all back- and reminded me that things can be better. Thank you for that.
Hey Wil!
Listened to the new RFB & it’s so good to hear you on my drive home again, it’s been missed!
Super glad to hear more TV Crimes are on the way too, love the banter with Mikey & yourself!
Just wanted to say “Hi, i’m listening” and also thanks for reminder of trying to meet up with others & the healing & fun that can be. I’ve been in a really down place since, well actually, yeah, since I got back from my US trip. A lot of deaths in family, stresses & worries & now another grandparent in hospital in the last 48hrs, it’s not been a great time.
All of that coupled with the fact that I’m not likely going to be getting back to USA & friends over there this year. I’m gonna try one of the crowdfunding things, see if any can help in an all-or-nothing option but skeptism & depression telling me it’s not going to happen, just too much for 2 people & kenneling for 2 dogs.
Anyways, just wanted to say thank you for your words. They help greatly knowing there’s more lovely folk out there going through similar shit with lying brains.
All the best to you & yours!
Owlbear, Jess, Stormie & Nyx (aka Barks McGee)
Reading your blogs is really refreshing; listening to RFB is like talking to a friend, but the conversation just happens to be one-sided. Thanks for utilizing RFB as a distraction yesterday! I’m grateful!
I’m another who made it through the cast (like it was some kind of challenge) and am posting per your request. That and I, too, want to be a member of the Happy Brain Club (TM). I always delight in your podcasts, Wil. Thanks so very carving out time for these. You always bring a smile.
Hello! I listened to episode 51. I love listening to your stories please don’t stop.
Hey Wil – add me to the ever-growing list of “people who rarely post comments on things but made a point to do so because Wil asked me to”. I love your show and I’m glad you made it through your year of hell and are podcasting again.
Inspired to start taking my meds again.
Probably the butt kick I needed.
Thanks, Wil
It was great meeting you at ECCC! I’ve so missed the radio free burritos. I really hope you’ll do more podcast therapy with us, it helps so much, Wil. Thanks for being one of the good guys.
I don’t think I’ve ever come to the show notes before, thanks for telling me to.
Hey Wil, One more person that listens to your podcast.
Thank you for your podcast. It truly helps to hear another episode. Love the classic punk rock and put the audiobook recommendation on my wishlist (although, now I’m torn between your reading of Ready Player One and Under the Big Black Sun.)
Thanks for all that you do. I’m mostly blind so I hear most about what you are up to via RFB, and want you to know that your efforts are appreciated and that is a pleasure to imbibe your creativity and unique style.
Best wishes and lots of love. Thank you for all that you do.
Hey Wil!
I’m glad you felt comfortable sharing your struggles with anxiety and depression, as they are something both my wife and I have struggled with for years. Hearing that you were able to recognize an episode and course-correct gives people like us hope! Keep up the great work!
-Brian
Hi Will
I just started listening to your podcast and I really enjoy how witty and honest you are. It’s one thing to see you as an actor to play a part on the guild, star Trek or Big Bang Theory and It’s quiet another to hear him unscripted in his normal life surroundings. I struggled for years with depression and I’ve learn to manage that part of my life better through exercise and self reasoning.
Keep up the good work 🙂
Yo dawg, I heard you had a podcast.
Thank you for making this podcast, and I’m disappointed in myself for not knowing about it before now. I wish I had known about it last year when I was suffering from my own bout of depression. Now I’ve subscribed so I won’t miss any episodes that come out, and will always listen all the way to the end.
As requested, a comment.
It’s good to hear you’re doing well. It sounds – in this podcast more than previous ones – like you have a firmer grasp of how the positive work you’ve always done via this medium holds value for others. I feel like that’s something worth remembering.
Glad to hear TV Crimes is coming back. If you ever want to put together a crossover episode with ‘The Columbo Podcast’ the offer is open indefinitely!
You danced to Freedom! you made friends with Travis! aww Wil I’m so pleased for you; you’d had a hell of a year and I was worried (in a background, none-of-my-business sort of way). Immensely glad to know that you’re thriving. Keep up the good work!
Looking forward to having TV Crimes back in my life 🙂
Thank you.
You are one of my favorite humans. Please keep writing.
One more to add to the fray – thank you for sharing, and it’s goid to hear your voice again.
Hey Wil! I listened to your thing! So glad to see you’re well/better/improving.
Glad to hear about TV Crimes returning and hope to see more Wheaton-involved stuff in the future.
Nice to you have you back.
Thanks for sharing your ups and downs, and for sharing your story about The Viper Room. Keep doing what you do. We love you and look forward to your next endeavor!
Finally listened to the latest R.F.B.cast. Well worth the wait. Thank you for sharing another slice of life. Look forward to the next one! Cheers!
I listen, Wil. Love you and your work
That was an amazingly upbeat and positive episode. Thank you for sharing this part of you and how you are right now.
I love listening to your voice so I’m always happy when you put out a new podcast or I hear about you voicing a cartoon or audiobook. Thank you for being you.
Wil,
Thanks for the new episode! I really enjoyed it, and I really appreciated all of your events on the JoCo cruise, especially Office Hours.
Please, keep sharing your experiences, thoughts, and writings with us. I get a lot out of them.
Wil thank you!!! My first impulse is to hug my iPhone because you were back!! Not that you were gone gone because I follow you on Twitter as well but I had been missing your podcast! I learn more about music when I listen to your podcasts!
BUT I really want to say thank you. Thank you for sharing your struggle with depression and anxiety. When you were talking about it being the big loud room that is without a doubt the best way I’ve ever heard it described. I’ve been dealing with my own loud room for several years and it’s always refreshing to hear someone else talk about their struggles because it makes me feel like I’m not the only one. I’m not alone and what I’m feeling/going through is normal. So thank you for being you!!!!
If you & Anne are ever in Omaha first round is on me!!
I can’t remember the last time I have been so surprised and delighted to see a podcast episode in my feed! Great to hear your voice again, Wil.
Thank you for the podcast. It makes my ears and brain happy!
It was great to hear you back on your podcast.I can’t wait for more of TV Crimes podcasts.
Yay! New Radio Free Burrito. Thank you for putting this out there, and for being so open and down-to-earth about the brain stuffs.
It’s easy to be either blithe or self-indulgent about mental illness, but your podcasts and writings about depression are neither. That’s so refreshing.
It’s like listening to a friend tell you that there’s some sucky stuff going on, but, hey, there’s awesome stuff too. When you tell your audience that we don’t have to suffer, I actually believe you.
You’re a class act, sir. Keep it up.
I have been listening since the first and I look forward to each that you release. Thanks for talking with us.
I listened.
Hey Wil, you’re podcast once again getting me though the day. I’m in hospital with an infection on my tooth. Keep up the good work! I love this show. Thank you for your time and effort. 😊
Thank you for being honest and being you on these podcasts. I’m listening and appreciate all you do. Your last episode had me cracking up in the beginning. It did go into a more serious place but I’m grateful you do talk about your struggles because I can relate. Thanks again.
I’m glad that your depression isn’t holding you back as much right now 🙂 Keep on having fun times.
It’s great to hear from you again!
Hey Wil,
Great to hear a Radio FreeBurrito again, and that you are doing better. I was listening to the podcast while walking a 10km route, battling my own demons.
I got dropped into a very sudden and surprising divorce by my soon-to-be ex wife, and one of the things my therapist urged me to do was to get more exercise (the married-weight had accumulated over the 13 year marriage), and I support what you said about seeking help – without it I would have been going down in flames (stressful job, moved country to be with her and left my family behind).
Looking forward to hearing another burrito in a not too distant future.
Was so happy to hear your latest episode.
Super excited about at the projects you have lined up. Also relieved to hear you’re feeling better.
All the best.
Just listened to the 3/19 podcast and I can SO relate to depression talking you into not doing things. It hit me that I just did that recentlly. Thanks for opening up about this. It so helps to know I’m not the only one.
Welcom back Will, you were missed! I always find your podcasts a breath of fresh air in this commercialized, o-so-fake world of social media glitz and drama. It is refreshing to hear someone share with you real heart-felt emotions. Your sharing of your struggles with depression and mental health really made a difference for me and made me take a step back and realize how much depression was holding me back from leading a more honest and open life.
One more thing that really touched me was your story about River Phoenix. I had a drug problem back when I was in my twenties (I am 47 now) and there was someone who stepped in and stopped me from killing myself with drugs. So I know it does not help you with the pain of the loss of River, but when you wished someone had stepped in that really struck a cord with me since I had that someone and it saved my life. And my life today is great, I have a great job, a great family and a loving wife. All of that I owe to one person who had the courage to step in and make a difference. And it was not easy, it was a difficult and painful thing to do, but it saved my life.
Anyway, thanks again for the podcast. Keep on sharing!
Hi Wil, thanks for another episode. I really enjoy your podcast so hope you release some more soon.
On a side note, commenting from mobile on RFB.com is really terrible. Is there a mobile theme you could turn on?
Still listening and will wait a other year if necessary. Glad to hear that you are doing better!
Thanks Wil for this great episode. I think it could make a difference for many. Looking at ourselves and recognizing the need to change is key, and I think you’ve shown some of us how to go about that.
Just wanted to say that I’m always happy to see the red number 1 pop up on this podcast in my player. You keep making them, and I’ll keep listening 🙂
Thank you will, right now I kind of needed this.
Life is tough at the moment. I don’t think I need the store bought happy brain chemicals, but I definitely need to take some time to get things better.
You’ve always been someone I looked up to, and I’m glad you found the right mix to make life better.
Depression and anxiety lie, I just have to keep telling myself that.
Still listening! I may stop subscribing to podcasts that have season finals, but never yours! I always enjoy hearing your perspective of the world, and hope you keep using this platform.
Thanks for the podcast Wil!
Lordy, a new RFB!! Glad you are back, Wil, we missed you. I was also very happy to hear you and Mikey are starting TV Crimes back up! 😀
Wil Wheaton directed me to this website to inform Wil Wheaton that I listened to his podcast.
Episode 51 is the first episode of RFB I have ever listened to. It certainly won’t be the last!
Thanks for the podcast. Your frankness is refreshing.
Listening over here in Manchester England.
Hey Wil, I was super excited to see a new episode of the pod and I really enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to put it out there, and I am glad that you are doing well.
So happy to hear another episode ^_^ your voice always has a way of calming my anxiety and just generally making my brain shut up. Those reasons are probably why I’ve listened to John Scalzi and Earnest Cline books over and over. Thank you for everything you do, it truly matters
hi,
We met at the Star Trek event in the UK (I had come over from Paris; you signed a Stand By Me dvd for my adoptive dad).
Thank you so much for this episode. I have been having a really hard time of late and been on the fence about contacting a new therapist (been through several; I always learn something but it’s never quite what I need and I sometimes feel helpless). After listening, I did contact her.
thanks for always being such a good “friend” to those dealing with mental illness.
Heck Yeah Wil Wheaton. I keep a subscription to Radio Free Burrito in my podcatcher. It’ worth it, even if you do only do a podcast a year. ‘Cause, as I sat in my car listening to #51 in a subzero Ottawa March 23, I picked up all the positive vibes from the pod. You are a creative guy who keeps showing that we are as good as what we create tomorrow And your tomorrows are numerous. So, keep it up and I’ll keep listening. Thanks for bringing joy to all of us.
Replying since I made it that far and you asked so nicely – hi! Thank you for sharing yourself.
From a cis-female, pansexual, tattooed, swearing, kinky, polyamorous, atheist, left-wing, feminist, 30-something librarian in New Zealand. Fuck, that’s a lot of labels. X
I listened to the podcast, I’m very happy to see another episode wherever it pops into my podcast app! Never usually comment but stopped in to say hi
Very happy to hear your brain is feeling in a better place, congrats!
Welcome back to Wil’s happy, creative brain. Thanks for sharing your story.
Listening was a joy as it always is — I’m always happy to see another episode pop up in my podcast app. I also wanted to say I’m grateful for your forthright discussions of mental health: the road is easier to travel when I get these reminders that others are on it, too.
Thanks for everything, Wil, and keep ’em coming!
Listening from Argentina and Spain.
I found your podcast last year and heard (I think) every one still available through the iPhone app.
Good to hear you back 🙂
I’m usually more of a lurker than a commenter, but wanted to check in to let you know I’m listening. Every time I look through my podcast list and think about unsubscribing from a few since I can barely keep up as is, I never once considered unsubscribing from RFB, no matter how long between episodes. Keep up the good work.
Checking in as a listener, regardless of the schedule.
I just listened to your latest RFB episode today. It was so nice to listen to you talk about your happy experiences lately and I’m glad you are back to doing well after what sounds like a rough period. I am a geeky woman about your age who fondly remembers watching you on TNG, and I enjoy the glimpses into the amazing person you grew into that I get through the podcast and following you on Twitter.
I can’t tell you how excited I was to see a new episode appear in my list, love hearing from you in any form.
Thank you for being such a positive voice/face for mental illness!
Wil thanks so much for this recent episode of the burrito . Your candor and compassion about mental health and substance abuse is so amazing and it
Was exactly what I needed to hear today. Plus great to hear about the audiobook project –
Can’t wait for
The reveal!
Wil, I am here, I hear you, and I am listening.
Wil- super happy you made another thing!
I normally listen to weird folk metal or old punk when working out, but today I listened to this episode. Glad I did! I first checked out this show during your Halloween episode featuring the story of Elisa Lam, which still gives me chills. I’m glad you’re back to being creative! I myself struggle with it, as I’ve been working on a novel for almost 6 years.
Happy to see a new one of these show up in my feed, and it was a great one!
Keep them coming. At whatever frequency you feel comfortable with, of course.
I listened to this today at the gym. It’s very hard for me to go to the gym and stay at the gym because of my anxiety brain. It’s this way for pretty much any and all social situations so I definitely emphasize with what you’ve shared. Thank you for being YOU Wil. I’m so very happy to get to listen to you again
I listened to this yesterday – and I felt so happy that 1 – TV CRIMES IS COMING BACK!!!! – and 2 – you sound happy. Your honesty is so refreshing and makes so many of us feel like someone understands what is really happening to people! Thanks
Hey Wil! I listen and was super excited to see RFB back in my feed.
Thanks Wil for this episode. Many are struggling, and it helps to hear that one is not alone.
Always listening Wil. And this one really spoke to me. I have learned in the last few months that I suffer from depression. Its not enough for me to notice, when feeling down, I become a bull, put my head down and push through. But depression none the less. I has affected all aspects of my life. So after hearing this episode… I think its time to get some treatment.
Hi Wil! I listened to the show!
As usual, your shared thoughts on depression (anxiety in my case) normalized things that have made me feel other and broken for a long time and have reminded me that I’m not alone and that there is a better way to live. I’m reaching out to find a psychiatrist instead of just seeing a therapist to help me remember that life can be enjoyed.
Thank you for being so open and sharing your experiences with us. Your blog and podcasts have helped me so much with validating that anxiety/depression brain is a liar and just because it likes to yell loudly at me, I don’t have to listen just because I hear it.
Just listened to the latest podcast!! Love what you do for all of us like minded people. Thanks!!
Hey Bud! It was great to hear from you today and I made it to the end.
Have a wonderful day.
I always check to see if there is a new RFB release and as always, this episode didn’t disappoint. Thank you for sharing your work.
Thanks for making this episode. Glad things are working out well for you right now. 🙂
I doubt you have time to read 351 comments, most important 1st: “I’m not good at this, you guys.” deserves a bell. You’re talking to You, albeit out loud. I’ve heard it. I recognize Depression’s voice. We tuned in to hear You. As long as you’re genuinely You, you’re Great at this! You’re the best Wil Wheaton that has or ever will exist. Just by doing this, you’re making the world better. (Skips even longer personal example.) I wished I had the platform to tell everyone Depression whispers to. P.S. As proof we never know how many degrees of separation our words will get, I eventually landed here because Dean Devlin got Mark Sheppard to do the part he’d written for him. (Cue the obligatory song we’ve all heard enough of at Disneyland.)
So pleased you are back! I’ve missed you(r voice). I may be the one listener who you don’t think you have for whom this is the only way I get to know what you are doing etc etc. And this episode was very much appreciated. I’m lucky enough that I’ve never had proper mental illness like you but the feelings of not fitting in etc have at times been enough to feel that I was about to fall into a very dark hole. And this really does continue now, even at the same age as you with a loving family and a good career etc etc, I still wonder where the other people like me are and it’s good to listen to you and find that they do exist!
So you know, my only interaction with you is via this podcast.
Dude, can you delete my email from the post above? My phone wrote that itself and I can’t delete it.
No problem. Thanks for listening!!
Heard, and as always: Enjoyed. Thank you.
Just here to say I listen! Also, your words regarding anxiety really hit home for me. I’m a 40 year old who should have done something a loooonnnnnnggg time ago, but I am going to call a psychiatrist tomorrow and make an appointment. If I can get past the anxiety about finding one and calling one, that is.
Hey look, I’m responding to your take action message and leaving a message!
It’s great to see a new episode pop up in my podcast app, it’s been a while. Love hearing from you and yay to you feeling better!
Brilliant episode Wil, so glad to hear you feeling at least somewhat better!
Hey, another listener popping in to say hi. Thanks for talking about your mental health experiences, especially the little things. Fixing the big stuff can seem impossible, but “not being frustrated by traffic now” type things can be inspirational and feel actually achievable.
Hälsningar from Sweden!
Hey, Mr Wheaton. I want to thank you for this episode. I relate so much to the things you describe about struggling with depression and anxiety, therefore it feels super good to hear your words. It makes the world seem a little bit brighter. Really warm greetings
Amanda
So glad to have another episode! Loved seeing you on the ship and can’t wait until next year!
Thanks Wil! Even if you don’t post episodes often, I am happy to listen to your content. And I’m glad to hear that you are having success with managing your depression and anxiety. (Oh hi, I don’t listen to podcasts the day they drop, ahem.)
Hi Wil
I’m leaving a comment to let you know that just like a good friend it doesn’t matter if I haven’t heard you for almost a year, when I do it’s like it was just yesterday. Thank you for sharing you life with us. Even though I don’t have mental illness, some of the people I love do. And hearing you talk openly about depression helps me understand and help those around me that do.
I can never get enough of your stories…
Thanks again
Kelly
Hay I listen. Also I was listening at a very bad time in my life and I want you to know, even though you may never see this, that it made me feel better. What you say and want you do always makes me feel better. You’ve probably been told this many times but I just wanted to add one more. Thanks.
Lurked for a long time but think its about time I posted to just let you know that even though its been awhile we are all still here and listening.
A lot of what you talked about in this show in particular resonated with so many things that even this much I hesitated to do – but i think I owe it to you to let you know that you are being listened to and hearing you talk about these issues helps so many who struggle with these very same things. Thank you for taking the time to talk about these issues so that others can either understand them more or possibly push those who need help to get it.
Will – Love the podcast. Your clever sponsor plug for Watson made my day 🙂 So glad this new ep suddenly showed up.
P.S. – it helps sooo much to hear the exact same descriptions of how anxiety/panic feel, so I appreciate you putting yourself out there.
Until next time…
Laurie
Thank you Wil. Love that you are back,and I am waiting in anticipation for the next one!
Great Episode- keep putting them out and we will keep coming back for more!
Thanks Wil. I listened til the end. Looking forward to the next one.
Yay! wil wheaton”s back… not that he ever left or anything, but yay!
Hearing someone I like being so happy is one of my favourite things. I listened with a smile on my face.
Listened to it.
Good to have another episode!
Any plans for more TV Crime?
Hearing you load and clear, Wil!
I was so excited to see this episode! It’s great to hear from you! I totally get what you’re talking about. 2017 was very rough. A couple of my friends with anxiety/depression were feeling the same oppressiveness. So much so that my one friend finally saw the value in therapy – which was a huge win and I’m proud of their decision to get help, or better “tools in their belt” against depression. Anyway, just wanted to let you know I hear you and I’m happy to hear you’re feeling better!
Been listening to your podcast as episodes come out since the first PAX East when you gave the keynote. Never actually commented on any of the podcasts, but wanted to this time.
I’ll start with offering you a long overdue thank you for helping me come to a point where I could admit my issues with depression and anxiety. I’m still probably not where I should be, but admitting I needed help was a very hard first step for me. I still struggle quite a bit and my anxiety especially in social situations can still get sky high. That said, I’m happier, healthier, and I’ve even given multiple presentations at professional conferences, something I’d never really dreamed of being able to do.
I’ll offer you a hearty thank you again for this episode in particular. I’ve never really felt able to describe how my anxiety makes me feel in social situations. It was amazing to hear that someone describing what I go through. It also made me realize that perhaps I need to see about adjusting my meds further. What I’m on now takes the edge off, but even the thought of stepping onto a dance floor can cause me to break out in a cold sweat.
Happy to hear you’re feeling better, and always looking forward to more from the burrito.
Just wanted to let you know I always listen to RFB
One more reply added on…
I am listening, and I appreciate you. Your wide open approach encourages me. Keep doing what works for you. I’ve become slightly addicted to your audio books. You entertain this English teacher during his commute. Thanks.
I’m subscribed so I listen to all the RFB! Don’t normally post but since you asked… Im curious if this provides some kind of metric that you aren’t getting from analytics (I’m assuming you get data on downloads somehow?) or if you are just looking for more personal feedback? Cheers!
Thank you!! I enjoyed this episode because it felt like we were having a conversation. It was wonderful!!
Thank you for sharing your life journey; it helps me.
Dude! Glad to hear you again. I’m listening and enjoying. Keep it up when you can and feel like it, man.
So good to hear you back in the saddle. Has it really been a year?
A lot of what you say regarding your mental health chimes with my own experience. I recently took a trip to your neck of the woods for the Gallifrey One Convention (That’s 5000 plus change miles for me from the UK) and had the most enjoyable and relaxed few days in a way I don’t remember in far too long. I was away from the day to day pressures and felt I had permission to have fun.
I should feel like that more often.
I wondered why you, apparently, abandoned the podcast. Now I know and I am very grateful for you sharing your journey of the past year. I share some of your struggles myself and it has been made worse by a cancer diagnosis 18 months ago. (It’s in stage 2 and treatable, so far, with just radiation but I likely will have 2 more years of treatment and monitoring.) I am under treatment for depression and have actively reconnected with friends and the college students I teach via a private blog. But enough about me.
My real motivations for writing a comment are A) you asked for it, and; B) I want you to know that I am going to share this with my students and directly ask them to take the time to listen. Mental illness is a growing problem among students of all ages but especially so for college students. Research indicates that around 30% of them have clinically diagnosable issues that mostly go untreated. I make a point in my course introduction of encouraging anyone with struggles to clue me in early so I can support them. Sometimes it is simply greeting them upon arrival and mean it when I ask, “How are you today?” In one instance, I had a student struggling with getting out of bed in time for my second class of the day. We worked it out that I would call her before I left my office for my first class. And usually a couple times each semester, I escort a struggling student to the Counseling Center after class. I make a quick introduction, excuse myself, and stay out of the way of the professionals. I share these things not to “ring my own bell” (I can’t find mine either) but to show others they do not have to get deeply involved in the details of someone’s struggle with mental illness to be supportive.
I have between 200 and 300 students every semester, I feel sure that this podcast is going to make a difference to a good number of them. On their behalf, thank you very much for sharing your personal story.
Hi Wil, good to hear you back at the podcasting again. It’s good to see you’re make progressive changes in your mental mind state also, good luck on your path, look forward to listening to the audio work you’ll do!
So good to hear from you again Will. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a new episode pop up on my overcast playlist.
Thanks for the TMI 🙂 Strangly your story of how anxiety keeps you from doing things seems to fit my story. I say strangely because I think we all aspire to be like famous people (at least a little) and I try not to compare myself because how much can you really know about people without actually talking to and spending time with them, but your examples make sense to me. Anyway, thanks for sharing. I missed the show and look forward to more.
We’re listening!
Wil, it’s so awesome to hear that you’re living a fun and enjoyable life.
Here’s to more good days in the future for all of us!
I listened until the end. This really helps me think about how to handle bouts with my own head. Love you, Will, and thanks!
Woo hoo, a new RFB!!!
Loved listening to what you have been up too. Thanks for the podcast Wil, I really enjoy hearing what you have to share.
You record it, I will listen, anytime. Thanks for the kind words.
I have missed these, and was very happy to see the notification in my podcast app! My psychiatrist just increased my Gabapentin to 900 mg daily and my Sertraline to 150 mg daily. I’m hoping that fixes me again; things have been…unpleasant. I’m glad you are doing better, thanks for being so open about your struggles.
I’m here. I’m listening. I’m happy you’re feeling better. I’m trying to be the person you implore us to be. Please keep podcasting.
I enjoy your ramblings and look forward to more. Glad to hear you are doing well (again).