Over the years, the talk about mental health has become mainstream, with many individuals abandoning the societal standard of normalcy to speak up and celebrate their individuality. However, a gap remains in public acceptance of sensitive topics challenging the status quo. To this end, filmmaker, creative director, and podcast host Joe Fucarino is moving to close the gap and educate the general populace on the importance of mental health through his podcast Therapy Without a Degree.
Hailing from Lodi, New Jersey, Joseph “Joe” Salvatore Fucarino grew up in low-income housing with his single mother. Despite his living conditions, Joe was surrounded by loved ones, and after school, he would produce and direct home videos and short films with friends and family using a camcorder.
However, life was not all rosy for him, and he faced several challenges, including bullying. “My entire life, there has been excessive amounts of adversity,” he shared. “I have been bullied in school, grew up with a single mom who was addicted to drugs while living in low-income housing, and had a father who suffered from alcohol abuse. Over time, I suffered from depression for many years,” he added.
Despite his adversities, the inspiring individual put on a brave face each day and began working in the restaurant industry in high school. He went on to pursue a higher degree in Hospitality Management at Bergen Community College, where he was enrolled from 2011 to 2013.
Later in life, Joe battled with depression, and he sought solace in music, self-assessment, friends, and motivational videos and quietly navigated the maze of anxiety and depression. Then, finally, his optimism was rekindled, and he started returning to his creative ways with a refreshing, whimsical take on life.
Now in a better mental state, the brilliant visionary wanted to share his discovery with others, so in the fall of 2016, he decided to step outside his comfort zone and share his mental health experience with other individuals from all walks of life, thus creating his brand – Therapy Without a Degree. This unconventional therapy podcast addresses a wide array of topics, including mental health, personal development, relationships, and sex.
Through his podcast, Joe Fucarino has created a safe space for his listeners to find help for their mental health challenges without discrimination. He openly shares his struggles, hoping his listeners will draw inspiration from what he went through – from his mother’s addiction and his father’s alcohol abuse to his challenges.
In addition to being a leading advocate for mental health, the visionary continues to make giant strides in the media and entertainment industry. In fact, he appeared in a two-minute bit in “Amber” (2020), where he gave an intense, diverse performance.
As a person who always looks forward to the rainbow at the end of a cloud, Joe Fucarino wants to prioritize discussions about mental health in the coming years while building an inclusive community and a haven for people to bare their long-hidden scars.
