Zack McDermott is a writer and former public defender whose work blends memoir, humor, and candid explorations of mental health. His debut book, "Gorilla and the Bird," chronicles his experiences with bipolar disorder following a psychotic break during his stand-up comedy career. McDermott's writing has appeared in prominent outlets including "The New York Times", "Gawker", "Deadspin", and NPR's "Morning Edition", as well as contributing to "This American Life".
Born in Wichita, Kansas, McDermott studied political science and African-American studies at the University of Kansas before earning a law degree from the University of Virginia. He worked as a public defender in Brooklyn beginning in 2008 while simultaneously pursuing stand-up comedy. His writing often reflects his legal background, comedic sensibility, and personal struggles with mental illness, offering a unique perspective on resilience and recovery.