In this episode, I speak with Tripp Friedler, author of The Tunnel, about his family's harrowing journey navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder. Tripp shares the heartbreaking story of his son’s battle with the illness, which tragically ended in suicide. We explore bipolar disorder from multiple perspectives: the individual, the family, and society.

We delve into the unique struggles faced by each family member and examine how societal systems—education, healthcare, law enforcement—often fail those living with mental illness. Tripp sheds light on how stigma and societal attitudes only deepen these challenges, making an already difficult situation even harder. Along the way, we discuss communication styles, problem-solving approaches, homelessness, psychedelics, and my own family's experience with bipolar disorder.

Despite the immense pain and challenges, Tripp underscores that it is possible to live a meaningful and successful life with bipolar disorder. It requires confronting reality and doing the hard work, but there is hope—both for the individual and their family. As Tripp reminds us, life goes on, everyone does the best they can, and there is light at the end of the tunnel, even when the path is difficult.

This is one of the most emotional, personal, and impactful interviews I’ve ever done. I hope it brings support, understanding, and hope to you and your loved ones.

RESOURCES

ORGANIZATIONS
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
- EPIC NOLA Church
- Jewish Family Service
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

PEOPLE
- Ben Stiller
- Britney Spears
- Elon Musk
- Kanye West

PLACES
- Chicago
- Copenhagen
- Florida
- Girl & the Goat
- Louisiana
- New Orleans

**Connect & Learn More**
book: The Tunnel
website: trippfriedler.com
Instagram: @tfriedler