Writing
Books
The Hilarious World of Depression
For years John Moe, critically-acclaimed public radio personality struggled with depression; it plagued his family and claimed the life of his brother in 2007. As Moe came to terms with his own illness, he began to see similar patterns of behavior and coping mechanisms surfacing in conversations with others, including high-profile comedians who’d struggled with the disease. Moe saw that there was tremendous comfort and community in open dialogue about these shared experiences and that humor had a unique power. Thus was born the podcast The Hilarious World of Depression. Inspired by the success of the podcast, Moe has written a remarkable investigation of the disease, part memoir of his own journey, part treasure trove of laugh-out-loud stories and insights drawn from years of interviews with some of the most brilliant minds facing similar challenges.
Dear Luke, We Need to Talk, Darth
We all know how Darth Vader shared his big secret with Luke Skywalker, but what if he had delivered the news in a handwritten note instead? And what if someone found that letter, as well as all of the drafts that landed in the Dark Lord’s trash can? In the riotously funny collection Dear Luke, We Need to Talk. Darth, John Moe finally reveals these lost notes alongside all the imagined letters, e-mails, text messages, and other correspondences your favorite pop culture icons never meant for you to see.
ARTICLES
What Your Favorite Sad Dad Band Says About You
- McSweeney’s
“Bon Iver - Perhaps the most accurate term to apply to your situation is ‘seriously injured and lost in the woods.” / McSweeney’s
Nice Girls
- NYT Magazine
“These weren’t mean girls. These were nice girls. As we passed over the freeway, I capitalized the Nice Girls in my mind to give them a title, to make them a team in the hope they would stay together.” / NYT MagazineJohn's colleague told him he didn't belong. It was just what he needed to hear
- NPR
“So I just had this inherent belief that other people got to do the cool things, and I had to go get a job that I hated and work there until I died."
'Charlie Brown Christmas' and a New Generation - NPR
“So all Snoopy was to my five-year-old was this dog who throws people across the lake, boos at his owner and reads the newspaper. `What kind of dog is this?' he wondered.”
How to Start a Dad Band and Become a Rock God- AARP
“Make your move on the dad but gently. You don’t want to spook him. Tell him you spotted the gear in the garage and ask if he still plays. He will say no, not really, but there will be a spark of excitement flashing through his eyes.”
Depresh Mode newsletter - Substack
"Still, I guess my big evolution has been away from the idea that some people have mental health problems and others don’t. It’s an issue for everyone."
Why I Didn’t Read Infinite Jest - Infinite Summer
“But I’m still angry at the events that took place and I’m still angry with these two heroes of mine who killed these two heroes of mine.”
My Favorite Singers Who Can't Really Sing All That Well, If We're Being Honest - The Current
“His cover of Bob Marley's ‘Redemption Song’ is quite moving and I like it, but the singing is really very much not good. I love Joe Strummer. Please don't arrive at my door as a mob holding torches and pitchforks.”
The Dog Who Hates Me
- NYT Magazine
“My dream of having a dog happy to see me at the end of the day — which is perhaps the single biggest responsibility in a dog’s job description — is destined to be unfulfilled. I think dog ownership, or cohabitation, really, teaches you a lesson no matter what.”
I Am The Payroll Accountant for Professional Protestors in Minnesota and I Am Swamped
- McSweeney’s
“Just got word: raises all around! Thanks to our new sponsor, Meow Mix!”