Do TikTok Animations Improve Mental Health? With Coolman Coffeedan

Can you eliminate mental health stigma through TikTok? Obviously not, but you can spark a larger conversation about mental health, or just send a friend something cute to cheer them up. That’s exactly what today’s guest’s “bad animations” are all about. A self-described “bad animator,” Danny Casale, better known as Coolman_Coffeedan, has built up a huge following of people who love his characters and derive emotional comfort from them. Join us as we chat about his work, mental health advocacy, and hopes for a better future for us all. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. Guest Bio Self-titled “Bad Animator” and Forbes 30 Under 30 nominee Danny Casale (aka Coolman Coffeedan) first went viral when his cartoon titled “Snakes Have Legs” received tens of millions of views. Casale has since turned his humorous and crudely-drawn cartoons into a profession, with an internet following well into the millions and his first book, UR SPECIAL: Advice for Humans from Coolman Coffeedan on sale now. Danny grew up getting in trouble for doodling during class. He didn’t see himself as an artist by any means but loved the process of getting the cartoonish visions out of his head and onto paper. As an adult, he’s taken those doodles and turned them into wildly popular animations that bring a dose of positivity to millions of people’s timelines. Inside Mental Health Podcast Host Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.