Understand Suicide

Paula, thank you for sharing this podcast and these stories with the world. The tragedy of losing a loved one is so hard and painful. People need your message. We lost our son, Michael, to the disease of suicide on January 25th, 2021. He was 18, a wonderful young man, and even now this tragedy seems unreal. I am eternally grateful for my faith and the hope brings each day. We must do more to help remove the stigma of suicide and encourage a broader discussion for support of mental health. We love you Michael, your story isn’t over;

This pod cast has helped me so much after losing my husband by suicide. I appreciate the time you put into it and your knowledgeable and thoughtful conversations. Really a blessing.

Paula successfully corrals damaged, vulnerable, intelligent and insightful Guests. But Paula is controlling, maneuvers her Guests around like a horse trainer. Paula frequently finishes her Guest’s sentences. Paula will cut her Guest off mid-sentence to change the subject. Paula frequently puts words in her guest’s mouths. And I really DO NOT LIKE IT when the Guest is describing their life experiences, and suddenly Paula interrupts to substitute Paula’s OWN life experiences! That actually triggers me, and I become ALMOST ANGRY. In fact, I say it’s wrong. Because I’ve already heard everything Paula has to say about Paula on Paula’s show. And anyway, I want to hear what the Guest has to say! Isn’t an episode supposed to be about the guest? What? Not really? The Show Formula is 60% Paula and 40% incomplete Fragments from the Guest? That’s weird. Oh, Wait! The Guest is talking! And Paula isn’t interrupting! Oh, man…wow…that’s really interesting…alarming…I never thought about that…how did you…I can’t… What? BOOM? Guest cut off mid-thought and abruptly dismissed? And They’re gone? Now Paula is talking about Paula again? But I wanted to hear…because they were…can’t you just..? Never mind. Forget it. They’re gone. “What? No Paula! I am not going to buy you another cup of coffee. Why? Because I’m now in an emotional state that’s a combination of devastated sorrow and simmering resentment. And I have had ideation, you know that, right? No! I won’t be a guest. No, I’m not giving you content which becomes your intellectual property. Forget it! No, I’m calling my therapist, and then writing a book instead.” Anyway, for the listener: insightful fragments spoken by Great Guests within a disturbingly controlled Show. To me it’s more about Paula than it is the Guests, whom I wish were allowed Simply Talk Freely.

Paula, host of the Understand Suicide podcast, highlights all aspects of mental health and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!