Podcast appearances and mentions of gabe howard

Can a relationship survive infidelity? It is possible, but recovery isn't as simple as forgiving a cheating partner, staying together, or deciding to walk away. In this episode, host Gabe Howard talks with licensed professional counselor Dr. Monique Thompson, author of The Infidelity Recovery Workbook for Couples, about what really happens to a relationship — and to a person's sense of self — after an affair. The conversation also examines what the partner who cheated can do to rebuild trust, why apologies and grand gestures aren't enough, how “living amends” can demonstrate meaningful change, and why past behavior doesn't necessarily guarantee future behavior. Listeners Will Learn: Why couples shouldn't rush to stay or leave Why betrayal can change how you remember the relationship What the partner who cheated can do to rebuild trust What forgiveness actually means after an affair How long infidelity recovery can take Whether you're trying to recover from infidelity, considering whether to stay, or struggling to understand what happened to your relationship, this conversation offers a compassionate look at healing after betrayal. Listen Now! Our guest, Dr. Monique Thompson, is a licensed professional counselor, EMDR-trained therapist, and trauma-informed life coach with over 20 years of experience in private practice. She specializes in betrayal trauma, infidelity recovery, depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and PTSD. Her work integrates neuroscience, body-based trauma approaches, attachment theory, and parts-based work to help clients restore internal stability, self-trust, and clarity after emotionally destabilizing experiences. Dr. Thompson is known for translating complex psychological science into practical, humane insights that resonate with both clinical and general audiences. She is the author of a bestselling workbook on infidelity recovery, The Infidelity Recovery Workbook for Couples and is frequently featured as a mental health expert on podcasts, radio, and community education platforms. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we search for information, make decisions, and even seek mental health support. But can AI therapy safely help people living with bipolar disorder? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington explore the potential benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence for bipolar management. They discuss why people may trust AI more than doctors or therapists, what can happen when an AI chatbot validates thoughts that should instead raise a red flag, and whether AI can recognize dangerous symptoms of mania, depression, psychosis, or suicidality. The conversation isn't entirely negative. AI could help reduce clinician burnout, analyze patterns in mental health data, identify potential mood changes, and give people useful ideas for sleep, routines, motivation, and self-care. Listeners will learn: how artificial intelligence can help — and harm — people with bipolar disorder why human mental health care still matters how to use AI safely and protect your mental health So where should people with bipolar disorder draw the line? Gabe and Dr. Nicole discuss the promise, risks, profit motive, and safeguards that are still needed before AI becomes a trusted part of mental health care. Pull Quote: “AI thinks really quick. So every rabbit hole I jump down follows me right along. For mania? It's gas on a fire.” — Gabe Howard, host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.

Everyone worries. Bills. Family. Health. Work. The future. Anxiety is a normal part of being human—but when does ordinary worry become something more? Something that needs professional intervention? More specifically, when does “everyday anxiety” become Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with ADAA member expert Ben Eckstein, LCSW, therapist, anxiety specialist, and author of “Worrying Is Optional,” to explain how clinicians distinguish everyday stress from a diagnosable anxiety disorder. You'll learn why worrying isn't the same as problem-solving, why avoiding anxiety often makes it worse, and how evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy help people reclaim their lives.  Listeners Will Learn The physical symptoms that commonly accompany chronic anxiety Why avoidance can make anxiety stronger over time The role of medications like SSRIs and benzodiazepines in treating anxiety disorders Why worry can feel productive — even though it hardly ever is Whether you've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, wonder if your anxiety has crossed the line from normal to clinical, or want to better understand someone you care about, this conversation offers practical insights, expert guidance, and hope. We would like to thank Otsuka for providing educational support for this episode. Our guest, Ben Eckstein, LCSW, is the owner and director of Bull City Anxiety & OCD Treatment Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  He's a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, Anxiety, and OC-Related Disorders. In addition to his clinical work, Ben is a trainer, speaker, and author of the book, “Worrying is Optional.”  Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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.

There are many myths that surround people with a schizophrenia diagnosis. Some examples of these myths are that people with schizophrenia have multiple personalities, that those with schizophrenia are dangerous and need to be hospitalized permanently, or that schizophrenia is caused by childhood abuse. None of these are true. Schizophrenia spectrum disorder is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Dispelling these myths is crucial for reducing stigma. Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard break down the common myths surrounding schizophrenia and how to respond when you hear them, in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia.  Guest Kit Wallis, who goes by SchizoKitzo, joins later in the show. She is a content creator who advocates for schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. Kit was diagnosed with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder in late 2020, but has been managing symptoms since she was in middle school. The mission of SchizoKitzo is to raise awareness of schizoaffective disorder and all of its aspects, from the mood side to the psychotic side. Guest Bio: Kit Wallis, who goes by SchizoKitzo, is a content creator who advocates for schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. She uses long-form videos on her YouTube channel and short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her content centers around her personal experience with schizoaffective disorder and often includes deep dives into research topics regarding mental health. Kit was diagnosed with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder in late 2020 and has struggled with symptoms since she was in middle school. Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition where someone experiences symptoms of schizophrenia–such as delusions and hallucinations–but also symptoms of a mood disorder–either major depression or, in Kit's case, bipolar. The mission of SchizoKitzo is to raise awareness of schizoaffective disorder and all of its aspects, from the mood side to the psychotic side. Kit works to bridge the gap between life and science so she can help break the stigma around mental health. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC's America's Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI's #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid's mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS ) Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. Our cohost, 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. He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, Inside Bipolar, with Dr. Nicole Washington. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of people care for loved ones every day — but who takes care of the caregiver? In this episode, Host Gabe Howard sits down with actress Cathryn Dylan Ortiz, whose powerful portrayal of Brenda in HBO Max's hit medical drama “The Pitt” sparked widespread conversations about caregiver burnout, anxiety, depression, and the invisible mental health struggles that often go unnoticed. Cathryn shares how she prepared for one of the show's most emotionally impactful storylines by combining extensive research with her own lived experience. Together, she and Gabe explore why mental illness and mental health issues often hide behind a calm exterior and how caregivers frequently ignore their own emotional needs. Listeners will learn: why caregiver burnout is a serious mental health issue — not just stress what HBO Max's “The Pitt” gets right about portraying mental health without stereotypes how simply asking "How are you doing?" can make a meaningful difference why caregivers often feel guilty asking for help themselves Whether you're caring for a parent, spouse, child, friend, or simply trying to better understand someone who is, this episode offers compassionate insights into caregiver burnout, emotional overload, and the importance of recognizing that caregivers deserve support, too. Our guest, Cathryn Dylan Ortiz, is an actress and graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama, where she earned her BFA in Acting. She is best known for her recurring role as Brenda Azurmendi on HBO Max's acclaimed medical drama The Pitt, as well as appearances on Marshals, Grey's Anatomy, Law & Order: SVU, The Rookie, Chicago Justice, and Ray Donovan. Her portrayal of Brenda - a mother whose son's medical emergency reveals her own silent mental health crisis - sparked widespread conversations among viewers of the HBO MAX series about caregiver burnout, dissociation, and the hidden emotional toll of caregiving. Following the response to the storyline, Cathryn has used her platform to engage in conversations surrounding mental health awareness, caregiver support, and the power of storytelling to help people feel seen. Beyond acting, Cathryn is passionate about epilepsy advocacy, mental health advocacy, and animal welfare. She is involved with the Epilepsy Foundation Los Angeles and is committed to helping bridge the gap between storytelling, education, and meaningful public conversation. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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.

Many people wonder whether their bipolar diagnosis is correct. Maybe your symptoms don't match what you've learned. Maybe other circumstances — like trauma or substance use — better explain what you've experienced. Or maybe you've simply never felt confident that bipolar disorder is the accurate diagnosis. Where do you go from here? In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar, and board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington explain why diagnosing bipolar disorder is rarely straightforward, what psychiatrists actually look for during a psychiatric evaluation, and why getting a second opinion is often a thoughtful step and not an act of denial. You'll also learn why diagnosis isn't based on a single appointment, why honest conversations about symptoms and substance use matter, and how confirmation bias and other systemic issues can influence mental health care. Dr. Nicole shares what a real psychiatric reevaluation looks like, how long it typically takes, and why the goal isn't to prove someone right or wrong, but rather to find the most accurate diagnosis possible. Listener takeaways: understand why diagnosis is an investigation that takes weeks or months — not one appointment why questioning a diagnosis isn't the same as denying one how to advocate for yourself while maintaining an open mind why a bipolar diagnosis is more complicated than many people realize If you've ever wondered, "Do I really have bipolar disorder?", this conversation will help you understand what questions to ask, what to expect from the diagnostic process, and why the best mental health care is built on collaboration and not assumptions. Listen now! Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.

Can your smartphone become part of your mental health treatment? Prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) promise to do exactly that — but what are they, and do they actually work? In this episode, host Gabe Howard is joined by ADAA member experts John Torous, MD, MBI, a digital psychiatry expert, and Michelle A. Patriquin, PhD, ABPP, a clinical psychologist, to separate hype from reality. Together, they explain what PDTs are — and aren't — and how mental health apps fit into modern treatment. The conversation explores how apps can help bridge long wait times for therapy; reinforce skills learned in treatment; track mood, sleep, and behavior between appointments; and provide valuable insights that improve conversations with mental health clinicians. Listeners will learn: the difference between FDA-approved mental health apps and standard wellness apps why choosing the "best" mental health app is less important than finding one you'll actually use consistently how to avoid common misconceptions about digital mental health tools and make informed choices  If you've ever opened an app store looking for mental health support, this episode will help you separate marketing from evidence so you can make smarter, safer, and more informed decisions about incorporating technology into your mental health care. This episode has been sponsored by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). Our guest, Dr. Michelle Patriquin, is the John S. Dunn Distinguished Professor and Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, and serves as Assistant Dean of Digital Health & Innovation in the UTHealth Houston School of Behavioral Sciences. She is also Co-Director of Research for the John S. Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center, the largest academic inpatient psychiatric hospital in the United States. She is a board-certified clinical psychologist and researcher focused on digital mental health: bringing data-driven, tech-enabled mental health care into real-world clinical setting - especially intensive and inpatient mental healthcare - to improve safety, recovery, and access. Her work is widely published and is supported by state, federal, and foundation funding.  Our guest, John Torous, MD, MBI, is director of the digital psychiatry division in the Department of Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), a Harvard Medical School-affiliated teaching hospital, where he also serves as a staff psychiatrist and associate professor.  He has a background in electrical engineering and computer sciences and received an undergraduate degree in the field from UC Berkeley before attending medical school at UC San Diego. He completed his psychiatry residency, fellowship in clinical informatics, and master's degree in biomedical informatics at Harvard. Dr. Torous is active in investigating the potential of mobile mental health and AI technologies for psychiatry, and his team supports mindapps.org as the largest database of mental health apps, mindApps.ai for benchmarking AI chatbots,  mindLAMP technology platform for scalable digital phenotyping and interventions, and the Digital Navigator program to promote digital equity and access. Dr. Torous has published over 300 peer reviewed articles and 5 book chapters on the topic. He directs the Digital Psychiatry Clinic at BIDMC which seeks to improve access to and quality of mental health care through augmenting treatment with digital innovations. Dr. Torous serves as editor-in-chief for the journal JMIR Mental Health, web editor for JAMA Psychiatry, and a member of various American Psychiatric Association committees.

What does it really mean to be mentally healthy?In this conversation, I sit down with mental health advocate Gabe Howard, of the well-known Inside Mental Health and Inside Bipolar podcasts, to explore one of the biggest questions facing our culture today: How should we understand mental illness?Gabe shares his deeply personal story of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder after waking up in a psychiatric hospital at 26 years old. Together, we talk about what that diagnosis meant to him, how it shaped his identity, and why hope—not hopelessness—became the turning point in his recovery.Along the way, we wrestle with some difficult questions:What is the difference between mental health and mental illness?Are diagnoses permanent identities, or can people genuinely heal and grow?Why are terms like OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and trauma used so casually today?What happens when our beliefs about ourselves become disconnected from reality?How do childhood experiences shape the stories we tell ourselves as adults?As a therapist, I also offer a different lens than diagnosis alone. Rather than beginning with symptoms, I ask, "Tell me everything." I believe understanding a person's story often reveals far more than simply naming a disorder.We discuss:The difference between diagnosis and case conceptualizationWhy context matters in understanding sufferingHow shame distorts our thinkingThe role of attachment, identity, and early family dynamicsWhy memory can become fragmented when we're living in survival modeThe importance of telling our stories honestly—and having someone who is willing to listenWhether you agree with every perspective we discuss or not, my hope is that this conversation invites you to think more deeply about mental health, healing, and what it means to become more fully human.If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe, share it with someone who might benefit, and join the conversation in the comments.

Does mental health treatment work the same for everyone? The answer is more complicated than many people realize. In this episode, host Gabe Howard is joined by Stephanie Robertson, J.D., Director of Mental Health Equity at NAMI, and Dr. Nicole Washington, psychiatrist and President-Elect of the Black Psychiatrists of America, for an honest conversation about mental health equity, cultural identity, and why representation matters in behavioral health. Rather than focusing on politics, this conversation centers on practical realities: how clinicians can better understand the people they serve, why patients deserve care that reflects their experiences, and how open conversations can reduce stigma while improving access to treatment.  Listeners Will Learn: How implicit bias can affect healthcare decisions even when providers have good intentions Why mental health equity means providing care that meets people's unique needs—not simply providing identical care for everyone Why difficult conversations about mental health, culture, and bias are necessary to improve outcomes Why representation helps people feel understood, respected, and more willing to seek treatment If you've ever wondered why diversity in mental health care matters—or how to achieve it—this episode explores why increasing diversity among mental health professionals isn't just about representation; it's about improving care, expanding access, and creating a mental health system that works better for everyone.  Cold Open Transcript: “Being misdiagnosed happens so often to people of color, to women. It's about understanding what people have experienced throughout their lives, not just because of being a person, but because of being a black person, because of being a woman, because of growing up in a large family, because of growing up in the South. You know, there are just things that are culturally and/or the nuances of how you grew up and what you were exposed to makes such a difference.” ~Stephanie Robertson, Director of Mental Health Equity at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Our guest, Stephanie Robertson, is the Director of Mental Health Equity at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she advances access to community-informed and culturally responsive mental health care. She partners with the NAMI Alliance and community-based organizations to address structural barriers to equitable care. Stephanie holds a BA from Duke University and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center. Her professional background spans corporate law, higher education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership. Outside of work, she enjoys jogging, crafting handmade jewelry, and spending time with her mini Goldendoodle, Indie. Our guest, Dr. Nicole Washington, is an ABMS board certified psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer of Elocin Psychiatric Services, a primarily virtual practice where she focuses on the mental health needs of women and the busy professional. Dr. Washington also serves as President-Elect of the Black Psychiatrists of America, Inc. Dr. Washington has spent most of her career caring and advocating for people who aren't typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities and high-performing professionals. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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.

You don't need a miracle cure to manage bipolar disorder—sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact. Discover practical bipolar hacks that can help you recognize mood episodes earlier, reduce everyday stress, build healthier routines, and make life a little easier. In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar disorder) and Dr. Nicole Washington share practical, evidence-informed, real-world coping skills that can help you stay one step ahead of bipolar disorder. Gabe also shares the personal strategies he uses to recognize the early warning signs of episodes, and together they explore whether ideas like getting a pet, volunteering, or driving for rideshare apps are genuinely helpful bipolar hacks—or whether they can backfire depending on where you are in your recovery. Listeners will learn: Why lowering the bar on difficult days can improve long-term recovery How to build your own personalized "toolbox" of bipolar hacks Which bipolar hacks psychiatrists actually recommend Why chasing perfection is a recipe for suffering If you've ever wondered, "What can I actually do today to better manage bipolar disorder?" this episode is packed with answers. "The hack isn't expecting less from yourself forever—it's adjusting your expectations when you need to so you can keep moving forward." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.

Many people know the term “bipolar disorder,” but few understand what mania actually looks like, how depression presents, or why recognizing the warning signs can be so difficult. In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) Member expert Bruce M. Cohen, MD, PhD. Dr. Cohen is a psychiatrist, Harvard Medical School professor, and former president and psychiatrist-in-chief of McLean Hospital. Together, they break down the realities of bipolar disorder, including the differences between bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia. Listeners will learn: how some risk-taking behaviors could be warning signs how distinguishing bipolar from personality traits requires careful evaluation how caregivers need support and self-care to be effective They also tackle an important question: When is someone simply energetic, dramatic, or outgoing — and when could those traits point to a mental health condition? Using real-world examples and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Cohen explains how mental health professionals distinguish personality from illness. If you've ever wondered what bipolar disorder really looks like — or how to help someone who may be struggling — this episode is for you. We would like to thank McLean Hospital for providing educational support for this episode. “I've been doing this for 50 years and I've focused on psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders. [. . .] Most of them lead good lives and they're successful.” ~Bruce M. Cohen, MD, PhD Our guest, Bruce M. Cohen, MD, PhD, is the Robertson-Steele Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and President/Psychiatrist-in-Chief Emeritus at McLean Hospital. Currently, as Director of the Program for Neuropsychiatric Research at McLean/Mass General Brigham, he leads a consortium using cell culture, genomic, pharmacologic, brain imaging, and clinical studies to increase understanding and develop new treatments for psychiatric disorders. This work is particularly focused on identifying inherent factors that might be modulated to reduce the risk of illness. Convergent evidence from these studies highlights key factors underlying risk for illness, prominently including abnormalities of energy production and brain cell growth and maturation. These abnormalities affect brain development, brain remodeling during adolescence, and brain repair with age. In addition, his work has documented evidence-based dimensional approaches for diagnosing psychiatric disorders that describe each person seeking treatment more accurately and thoroughly than standard diagnostic models. Collaborating investigators work at McLean, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, and international sites. Following undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduate (molecular genetic) and medical studies at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Cohen completed his residency training at McLean. He was co-founder of a Clinical Research Center, founding Director of McLean's Brain Imaging Center, and director of McLean's Residency Training Program, and a Vice President at McLean, before becoming President and Psychiatrist-in-Chief of the hospital. Under his leadership, McLean, which was struggling financially, established over 30 new programs, became financially stable and grew to treat more patients, perform more research, and teach more trainees than at any time in its distinguished history. He has taught locally, at McLean, Harvard Medical School, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as lecturing nationally and worldwide to academic and lay audiences. He has directed continuously funded translational research projects and centers for 48 years.  Dr. Cohen has over 400 publications and 5 awarded patents.  He authored one popular book for lay audiences and has chapters in 19 textbooks. He has consulted to industry and clinical centers. He has been featured in national publications as one of the best doctors in America, been named Psychiatrist of the Year twice by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts, and has won awards for research, teaching, and clinical care. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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.

Most people can buy a lottery ticket, join an office March Madness pool, or place an occasional sports bet without it becoming a problem. So why do some people lose their savings, relationships, careers, and even homes because they can't stop gambling? In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with certified gambling counselor Eric Webber, MA, to explore the realities behind gambling addiction and why it deserves to be treated as a serious mental health condition. This conversation examines the explosion of legal sports betting, in-game prop bets, fantasy sports, and gambling advertisements that have made betting more accessible — and more difficult to avoid — than ever before. Eric explains how modern betting platforms are intentionally designed to deliver frequent rewards that keep people engaged, and why "just stop gambling" is no more helpful than telling someone with depression to "just cheer up." Listeners will learn: how treatment for gambling addiction works and what to expect why gambling addiction is a real behavioral addiction, even without substances involved the critical role of peer support in long-term recovery potential warning signs that casual gambling may be turning into compulsive behavior If you've ever wondered when gambling crosses the line from entertainment to addiction, this conversation may change the way you think about betting forever."People don't lose everything because they enjoy gambling. They lose everything because they can't stop — and that's what makes it an addiction." ~Eric J. Webber, MA Our guest, Eric J. Webber, MA,  is the Caron Legal Professionals Program Coordinator and Senior Behavioral Health Therapist at Caron Treatment Center.  He provides direct care through individual and group counseling sessions, as well as specialty lectures focused on the disease of addiction, relapse, addiction interaction disorders, work/professional related issues, and other targeted needs. He conducts the Legal Professionals group and meets with legal professionals individually to provide counsel.  Mr. Webber is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and holds a Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling, all through the Pennsylvania Certification Board; he is also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and a Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals. He holds a master's degree from Alvernia University.   Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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.

The intersection of schizophrenia and an acute mental health crisis typically involves a profound, overwhelming disruption of cognitive processing, emotional stability, and grasp on reality. During these periods, symptoms of the disorder such as hallucinations or delusions frequently intensify, leaving someone unable to distinguish internal psychiatric distress from the external reality. This internal chaos is often compounded by severe agitation, a sudden withdrawal from social support systems, or a complete breakdown in the ability to communicate, which can rapidly escalate into a dangerous medical and social emergency. Helping a family member experiencing a mental health crisis is an incredibly stressful and frightening situation. Safety, both yours and theirs, is the immediate priority. In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard discuss how to navigate an active schizophrenia mental health crisis while prioritizing safety for everyone involved. Guest Touray Beaton, Jr., director of emergency and community based services with the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, joins. He breaks down how the South Carolina Mental Health Mobile Crisis responds so you can know what to expect. Touray Beaton, Jr. is the Director of Emergency and Community Based Services for the Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (Website: https://bhdd.sc.gov/office-mental-health/services/mobile-services/mobile-crisis) BHDD Office of Mental Health Mobile Crisis clinicians provide 24/7/365 day community-based crisis response anywhere in South Carolina. Our goal is to provide patients throughout the state with immediate access to crisis services and the most appropriate level of care. Our experienced and highly trained master's level clinicians work directly with local mental health centers, law enforcement, emergency service centers, and community providers to help address the crisis situation and to stabilize individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC's America's Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI's #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid's mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS ) Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. Our cohost, 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. He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, Inside Bipolar, with Dr. Nicole Washington. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living with bipolar disorder often means navigating a minefield of impulsive thoughts and actions. For example, have you ever made a snap decision that you immediately regretted? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington dive deep into the chaotic reality of bipolar impulsivity. They discuss the critical difference between having an impulsive personality and experiencing impulsivity as a disruptive symptom of bipolar disorder. By learning to identify your personal baseline, you can start setting strategic guardrails before a passing thought becomes a permanent problem. Listeners will learn: how delaying gratification by just 24 hours can prevent regret how to conduct a chain analysis and why it works how reflecting on past destructive behaviors can provide valuable data to protect your future Managing a mental health condition is undeniably exhausting, but recognizing your patterns is the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind. Listen now to learn practical, real-world strategies to stop impulsive behaviors in their tracks and protect your long-term stability. Cold Open Transcript: Gabe Howard: Any barrier, even a few-second one, can really help curb impulsive behavior. Maybe before you buy something, you wander around the block real quick. Maybe before you go home with that person, you go to the bathroom and splash water on your face. Maybe before you yell, you count to three. Impulsive behavior comes in all shapes and sizes and everybody's different and everybody has different tolerance levels, etc., so it's, it's really hard to find coping skills for something that is analogous to a bomb, right? It's everything's fine. Poof! Right. And now it's like, what's the coping skill for that? Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply ignored — leaving many people feeling isolated, frustrated, and afraid to speak up. In this episode, we share the deeply personal story of Sherland Peterson, a woman living with tardive dyskinesia, while exploring the physical, emotional, and social impact of this complex movement disorder. Whether you are living with TD yourself, caring for someone who is, or simply trying to better understand the realities of long-term mental health treatment, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical understanding. Our guest discusses what it was like to first notice the symptoms, the challenges of getting answers, and how TD affected confidence, relationships, communication, and daily life. Listeners will learn: the emotional toll of living with visible involuntary movements  how psychiatric medication side effects can create complicated treatment decisions  what caregivers and loved ones should know about supporting someone  how stigma and shame can prevent people from seeking help  If you've ever wondered what TD actually feels like beyond the clinical definition — or if you're searching for hope, support, and real-world perspective — this episode delivers an authentic and compassionate look at life with TD.We would like to thank Teva Pharmaceuticals for providing educational support for this episode. “In my case, my mouth was so affected by TD (tardive dyskinesia), my jaw would quiver, my speech would be slurred.” ~Sherland Peterson Our guest, Sherland Peterson, is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has appeared in numerous podcasts, TV, and radio interviews in which she shares her mental health journey. Ms. Peterson attended Hunter College and City College of NYC. She has taught English at LaGuardia Community College, City College of NYC, and DeVry Institute in NYC. She has also served as a Schedule C in the Obama administration's Administrative Conference of the US. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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.

Grammy-nominated singer, actress, and mental health advocate Carnie Wilson joins Gabe Howard to discuss one of the most misunderstood conditions in mental health: tardive dyskinesia (TD). In this candid conversation, Wilson opens up about her own experiences with depression, postpartum depression, addiction recovery, and the isolation that often accompanies mental health challenges. She explains why vulnerability can become a source of strength and why speaking up may be the most important first step toward healing. Listeners will learn: why many people wait months or years before discussing symptoms with a healthcare professional Carnie Wilson's personal history with mental health struggles  why people fear judgment for their diagnosis and for visible symptoms of TD Together, Gabe and Carnie explore the stigma surrounding mental illness, the unique challenges faced by people living with TD, and the emotional impact these conditions can have on relationships, self-esteem, and daily life. They also discuss why so many people delay seeking help and what can happen when fear gives way to action. Whether you're living with a mental health condition, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand TD, this episode offers a powerful message of empathy, education, and hope. Listen now! Cold Open Transcript: “They become an advocate for themselves. They finally say, when I look in the mirror, I see my tongue darting from right, left, right, left. And I don't want to go to work today because I think my students at the school will judge me. These are everyday people that have these jobs that are affected. And I'm here to say, don't be ashamed. There's nothing wrong with you.” ~Carnie Wilson, Grammy Nominated Pop Sensation Our guest, Carnie Wilson, is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and mental health advocate.  Carnie Wilson has always been an advocate for helping and empowering others. Now, it means so much to her to be able to use her voice to be open about her own mental health journey, with the hope that she can help people facing their own challenges.  In the past, she's openly shared her experiences with postpartum depression and addiction and found strength by being open about her mental health challenges, as well as seeking treatment and support.  Carnie Wilson, born into the music world, has made her own mark on the entertainment world as a singer, TV personality, and actress. She is a founding member of the pop trio Wilson Phillips. Beyond her music career, Carnie has appeared on television as a host and guest star and even made a memorable cameo in the comedy film “Bridesmaids.” Her diverse talents continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. She loves cooking and baking with her family and resides in California with her family.  Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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.

Why is it so easy to believe that every setback, unfinished task, messy room, or missed opportunity means you're failing? And why do so many people living with bipolar disorder automatically assume that everyone else has life figured out? After receiving an email from a listener managing feelings of worthlessness, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington tackle one of the most painful and least discussed realities of bipolar disorder: the damage it can do to your sense of self. Listeners will learn: why comparing yourself to others often leads to unnecessary stress practical ways to challenge negative self-talk and self-criticism why bipolar disorder can intensify feelings of self-doubt why accepting the difficulty of managing bipolar disorder doesn't mean you're giving up If you've ever looked at your life and wondered whether bipolar disorder has permanently damaged your ability to be happy, successful, or fulfilled, this episode offers something more valuable than easy answers: a thoughtful conversation about how to move forward without letting the diagnosis define your worth. Cold Open Transcript: Gabe: There's no scientific or medical way that you can prescribe somebody something and make them feel better about living with bipolar disorder. And please correct me if I'm wrong, Dr. Nicole. Dr. Nicole: Not, not 100%. I can't give you a magic pill that will make you all of a sudden feel like you have value and worth, that makes you wake up the next day and say oh, how valuable am I to the world? Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.

No one likes to throw up. But for some, the mere thought of vomiting is a Level 12 emergency that halts life in its tracks. Imagine avoiding bars, concerts, and even the grocery store because a stranger might look "pale." This is the reality of emetophobia—a debilitating fear of vomiting that often hides in the shadows of more common diagnoses like anxiety or eating disorders. In this episode, we peel back the layers of this misunderstood condition with ADAA member expert Ken Goodman, LCSW, and emetophobia sufferer Lorraine Leal. Ken breaks down why emetophobia is far more than a gross-out reaction; it is a complex anxiety disorder that forces sufferers to construct elaborate safety behaviors just to survive the day. Lorraine shares her raw, personal journey of living with a fear so intense she would rather die than vomit. She details the isolation of being labeled a bad friend for avoiding germ-filled social spaces and the crushing guilt of feeling like a burden on her family. Listener Takeaways Understanding that for many, the fear of others getting sick is just as paralyzing Learn how safety behaviors can actually fuel the phobia instead of preventing the danger Recognize why emetophobia is frequently mistaken for other disorders Learn what type of therapist to seek out to treat this unique disorder Tune in to dive into the overlap between emetophobia and OCD, the safety behaviors that keep sufferers trapped, and a surprising look at why treatment doesn't actually involve being forced to vomit. This episode has been sponsored by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). "Some people would rather die than vomit, and that is something that most onlookers don't see." ~Lorraine Leal, Emetophobia Survivor Our guest, Lorraine Leal, is 42 and a lifelong emetophobia sufferer. Lorraine is from Long Island where she enjoys performing in local musical theater productions, nail art, and reading. Our guest, Ken Goodman, LCSW, specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD.  He is on the board of directors for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and is Founding Director of QuietMindSolutions.com. He has authored and produced several self-help courses and books including “The Anxiety Solution Series,” a 12-hour audio course, “Break Free from Anxiety,” a coloring self-help book, and “The Health Anxiety Handbook.” He also wrote the top selling book on emetophobia, “The Emetophobia Manual,” and produced a pre-recorded emetophobia course. He lectures at universities and organizations across the country. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from UCLA and operates his online private practice in Los Angeles. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes, you are so consumed by caring for a loved one with a serious mental illness, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, that taking a moment for yourself feels like a betrayal. In this episode, host Gabe Howard and Dr. C. Alec Pollard reveal the hidden crisis of caregiver burnout in the world of serious mental illness. They dismantle the myth that self-care is selfish, showing how neglecting your own needs can worsen stress and strain the very relationships you cherish.   Dr. Pollard dives into the toxic beliefs that trap caregivers—those who support individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other severe conditions—into a cycle of resentment and exhaustion. With breakthrough strategies and compassionate advice, this episode offers a wake-up call for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the relentless demands of caregiving. Learn how nurturing yourself not only protects your well-being but also empowers you to care more effectively for your loved one. “If you can do no good, at least do no harm. A lot of the, the things that families don't understand and caregivers is that they're actually doing things that not only they know it doesn't work okay. When they're doing these things, these naggings and lectures and all that, they know it's not working. But what they may not appreciate is it's actually making things worse over time.” ~C. Alec Pollard, PhD Our guest, C. Alec Pollard, Ph.D., is Founding Director of the Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and Professor Emeritus of Family and Community Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is a licensed psychologist who works with a range of obsessive-compulsive and anxiety-related disorders, with a special interest in obstacles that might inhibit the pursuit of recovery or interfere with effective participation in treatment. He is on the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation and chairs the organization's Training Subcommittee, including a national training initiative called the Behavior Therapy Training Institute.  Dr. Pollard is former chair of the Clinical Advisory Board of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and has authored over 100 publications, including 3 books – “The Agoraphobia Workbook, Dying of Embarrassment: Help for Social Anxiety & Phobia,” and “When a Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment: How to Promote Recovery and Reclaim Your Family's Well-Being.” Inside Mental Health's host, Gabe Howard. lives with bipolar disorder and is a nationally recognized speaker and podcast host. He is the author of the book, Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations, available from Amazon; signed copies available directly from the author. To learn more about Gabe, please visit gabehoward.com. Like the Inside Mental Health podcast? Find it on your favorite podcast player or visit psychcentral.com/show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While many people have heard of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) fewer know about Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), an evidence-based therapy that is producing remarkable results for people living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with Robert P. Drozek, LICSW, a teaching associate in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of “Mentalization: Utilizing Reflection to Heal from Borderline Personality Disorder.” Together, they explore how mentalization—the ability to understand your own thoughts, feelings, and motivations while considering the perspectives of others—can help reduce the emotional instability, relationship challenges, impulsivity, and self-destructive behaviors often associated with borderline personality disorder. Robert explains what happens when intense emotions or fears of rejection disrupt a person's ability to accurately interpret themselves and others. He breaks down how Mentalization-Based Treatment works, what a typical therapy session looks like, and why some people who haven't connected with DBT may find MBT to be a powerful alternative. Listeners Will Learn: ·      Discover how Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) was developed and why it is evidence-based ·      Explore the key differences between MBT and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) ·      Find out what happens during a typical MBT therapy session ·      Understand how rigid certainty about yourself or others can fuel emotional suffering Whether you've been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, love someone who has, or simply want to better understand this treatable mental health condition, this conversation offers hope, practical insights, and a fresh perspective on recovery. Listen now! “When (people with borderline personality disorder) are overwhelmed by emotion, they stop reflecting. Mentalization helps them get their minds back online.” ~Robert P. Drozek, LICSW Robert P. Drozek, LICSW, is the clinical director of the Mentalization-Based Treatment Clinic at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. He is a teaching associate in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, specializing in the treatment of borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He is author of the new book, Mentalization: Utilizing reflection to heal from borderline personality disorder—the first book for the general public about mentalization-based treatment. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Treating schizophrenia in America is often described as a broken system, not because of a lack of medical knowledge, but due to structural and policy failures. The failures of these systems has created a cycle where individuals often move between homelessness, emergency rooms, and the criminal justice system rather than receiving ongoing care. Many families and caregivers struggle to get help even when the situation turns dangerous. In this episode, hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard discuss how the government and health care system failures lead to these tragedies and what needs to change. They unpack cases like the one involving Rob Reiner, where his son, who has schizophrenia, is suspected of murdering both his parents during a severe mental health crisis. Guest Gail Freedman joins later in the episode. She is the director, writer, and producer of a new documentary, “No One Cares About Crazy People.” It's inspired by Ron Powers acclaimed book of the same name and it's an intimate, immersive dive into the crisis and chaos of severe mental illness and the grassroots movement to do something about it. Guest Information: With over 25 years as an award-winning filmmaker, Gail Freedman has produced, directed, and written dozens of documentaries on a wide range of subjects. Among her films: “Hot to Trot,” an award-winning feature documentary inside the fascinating but little-known world of same-sex competitive ballroom dance; “Making the 9/11 Memorial,” a primetime special for The History Channel; “Breaking the Silence Barrier” (cognitive disabilities); “Where's The Cure?” (breast cancer activism); “Generation Rx” (the opioid crisis); “Lessons for the Future” (public education); “Giving While Living” (philanthropy); and “A Forever Family” (Annie E. Casey Foundation). “No One Cares About Crazy People”Inspired by Ron Powers' acclaimed book of the same name, “No One Cares About Crazy People” is an intimate deep dive into the crisis and chaos of severe mental illness in America. A heartbreaking family memoir and searing social history, it is personal and immersive — but also tracks a burgeoning grassroots movement to reinvent our failed systems. Narrated by actor Bob Odenkirk (“Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul”) with original music by Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy. Now streaming. noonecaresfilm.com Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC's America's Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI's #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid's mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS ) Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. Our cohost, 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. He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, Inside Bipolar, with Dr. Nicole Washington. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many, a surge of energy, creativity, and expansive mood can feel like an absolute gift. For those living with bipolar disorder, a hypomanic episode feels less like a symptom and more like winning the mental health lottery. But beneath this romanticized exterior lies a sneaky and potentially destructive reality. In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington break down the complex nuances of hypomania. Dr. Nicole explains the hidden risks of leaving these episodes unchecked and Gabe opens up about the difficulty of distinguishing between genuine happiness and a brewing clinical episode, providing a raw look at the internal tug-of-war patients face. Listeners will Learn: Teasing out the differences between having a great day and experiencing an abnormally expansive mood Why a decreased need for sleep is a massive red flag rather than a newfound productivity hack Learn the functional differences between mania from hypomania Acknowledge that romanticizing a hypomanic high often ignores the depressive plunge that follows Whether you are navigating a bipolar 2 diagnosis, wanting to understand the role hypomania plays in a bipolar 1 diagnosis, or supporting a loved one this conversation delivers straight talk without the medical jargon. Tune in to learn how to spot the warning signs, establish safety guardrails, and safely navigate the deceptive highs of hypomania. Listen Now! Pull Quote: “I know more people with hypomania who have gotten themselves into trouble than I do who thrive because of it." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Share the show with everyone you know! :-) Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think working in mental health is just sitting and listening? The reality is a chaotic, high volume front line where workers face severe psychological crises every single day. In this episode, our host sits down with the author of “So You Want To Work in Mental Health?: The Good, the Bad, and the Unforgettable,” Cliffard Mayo, MBA, LAC, to pull back the curtain on what really happens behind closed doors for many mental health workers. Listeners will learn: Mental health workers are trained not to internalize a client's failures, and therefore often refuse to take credit for their successes. Nonclinical staff absorb crisis trauma but are often denied essential training and support. Empathy fatigue is where clients begin to feel like a rotation of numbers rather than people. Training vs. Reality: Academia teaches how to run a controlled, one-on-one clinical session, but often fails to prepare graduates for the volume, chaos, and emotional exhaustion of the actual field. Whether you are a professional working in healthcare or someone determined to understand the current, raw state of mental health advocacy, this conversation delivers the essential insights and perspectives you need. Hit play to uncover the unspoken truths of caregiving and learn how we can preserve the people who spend their lives saving others.    "School prepared me to be a therapist in a session [...] It didn't prepare me for handling the sheer volume of vicarious trauma, chaos, exhaustion." — Cliffard Mayo, author of “So You Want to Work in Mental Health?” Our guest, Cliffard Mayo, MBA, LAC, is an award‑winning author and behavioral health professional with a decade of direct care experience, including crisis intervention and residential therapy. Known for his authenticity and emotional intelligence, Cliffard blends professional expertise with deeply human storytelling to challenge stigma and inspire resilience. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Please share the show with everyone you know! Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the anxiety you're facing isn't bipolar disorder alone — but the fear of what might happen next? With humor, honesty, and practical insight, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, shares devastatingly real stories — including the panic attack that caused him to quit a job from the parking lot. Along the way, Dr. Nicole explains the critical differences between anxiety, panic attacks, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder, while unpacking why these disorders so commonly occur alongside bipolar disorder. You'll learn why anxiety can quietly fuel isolation, how avoidance behaviors grow, what treatment actually looks like, and why therapy, coping skills, and medication each play different roles in recovery. Most importantly, this episode asks a powerful question: Can panic attacks and anxiety ever truly go away — or is the goal learning how to fight back? Listeners will learn: why using the correct terminology to describe panic and anxiety is essential for effective treatment why medication is often a temporary fix and not a long-term solution how to understand the “fear of fear” cycle — and begin breaking free from it Whether you're having trouble leaving the house or trying to understand why your brain feels stuck on a “what if” roundabout, this episode offers the clinical clarity and authentic perspective needed to help break the cycle. Hit play to better understand the science of panic, anxiety, and bipolar disorder — and learn how to start taking your life back. "Panic attacks are disruptive as hell, I mean, how many times can I ‘panic quit' my job from the parking lot before it becomes problematic?" ~Gabe Howard, host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Please SHARE the show with everyone you know as that's how we're gonna grow! Thank you for listening. :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is our mental health system helping children or simply getting better at labeling them? With some reports suggesting that 70% of adolescents are struggling with mental health issues, host Gabe Howard asks the tough question: Is it possible that the majority of teenagers are truly "sick" or is there a flaw in how we calculate and categorize human distress? Joining the show is Dr. Will Dobud, a social worker, researcher, and co-author of “Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health.” Dr. Dobud pulls back the curtain on the clinical world, revealing that a staggering number of psychologists have concerns about the validity of the DSM, the very book used to dictate treatment and insurance coverage. He argues that the "expert-led" model often ignores the most predictive factors of success: the therapeutic relationship and the child's own engagement. Listener Takeaways Learn why the therapeutic bond and the child's belief in the treatment are more predictive of recovery than the specific clinical interventions used. Learn how to perform a "resource audit" to identify your child's strengths and support systems rather than focusing exclusively on clinical deficits. Learn why a child's belief that they are in the right place is the primary driver of improvement. Navigate the insurance system to ensure a child gets care without receiving a "severe and persistent" label that sticks with them for life. In this candid conversation, Dr. Dobud explains his philosophy of "crew, not passengers," encouraging parents to focus on what works rather than getting hung up on what they feel they “should” be doing. This episode is a must-listen for any caregiver who wants to support their child's mental well-being while honoring their autonomy and long-term potential.  * * * "The (child) is not the problem. The problem is the problem."~Dr. Will Dobud, co-author of Kids These Days * * * Our guest, Dr. Will Dobud, is a social worker, researcher, and educator who has worked with adolescents and families in the United States, Australia, and Norway. Will is from Washington, D.C., and divides his time between the United States and Australia each year. Will is an award-winning researcher and educator who has received recognition for excellence in research, teaching, and crime prevention. Dr. Dobud is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Charles Sturt University, Australia's largest social work school. Will is an invited international speaker who conducts workshops for therapists and families around the globe. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Please share the show with everyone you know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you've been diagnosed with schizophrenia or you're supporting someone living with the condition, connecting with others who understand schizophrenia can be a great help. Talking to those who are dealing with the same things you're experiencing can not only help you feel less alone, but also help you learn tips and coping mechanisms from each other, share resources, encourage treatment, and allow you to tell your stories in a safe and accepting environment. But how do you find other people with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia to connect with? What should you say? Where do you even go? Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard break down how to find other people with schizophrenia and give you a simple opening you can use to build new connections.  Finally, guest Amber (who lives with mental illness) joins. Amber's mental health advocacy journey began when she found out she had schizoaffective disorder and decided to share it on social media. She decided she wanted to help as many with her diagnosis as she could, so she began speaking about her diagnosis regularly on social media. Listener Takeaways Understand why peer connection is unique and how it provides a level of validation that clinical providers often cannot replicate Discover how staying connected to a community can actually improve outcomes  Learn Amber's “Three Pillars of Stability”: consistent support, therapy, and medication Our guest, Amber W, is a wife, mom, and Army veteran. Amber's mental health advocacy journey began when she found out she was schizoaffective bipolar type, and wanted to help fight against stigma. From there, she was invited to a psychiatric hospital to speak about her recovery. This ignited a fire in her; she decided she wanted to help as many with her diagnosis as she could so she began speaking about her diagnosis regularly on social media. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC's America's Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI's #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid's mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS ) Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. Our cohost, 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. He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, Inside Bipolar, with Dr. Nicole Washington. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is a common misconception that anxiety is just part of the package when you live with bipolar disorder. While anxiety can certainly be a symptom of a mood episode, for many people, it is its own distinct, comorbid diagnosis. In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar and anxiety) and Dr. Nicole Washington get real about the overlap between bipolar disorder and anxiety. Dr. Nicole explains the clinical difference between being a "worrier" and having a pathology, while Gabe shares personal stories of suffering from – and overcoming – anxiety. Listeners Will Learn: How to tell if your anxiety is a symptom of mania/depression or its own disorder. Why anxiety ruminations feel like an endless scroll of negative thoughts. Dr. Nicole's genius (and socially acceptable) tactic for escaping an anxiety-inducing situation. How to avoid the suffering Olympics when it comes to bipolar and anxiety Whether you're dealing with anxiety related to emails from your boss or you're afraid to leave the house, we're sharing practical, real-world strategies to help you pull back instead of pushing through. Listen Now! "My best anxiety coping skill, unfortunately, still involves me having that initial momentary terror. But it sure beats the old skill where I panicked, freaked out, and yelled at everybody." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Please LIKE, SHARE, & SUBSCRIBE! Sharing the show with the people you know is how we grow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this thought-provoking episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with child psychiatrist and author Dr. Sami Timimi to challenge some of the most widely accepted ideas in modern mental health care. Drawing from his latest book, “Searching for Normal: A New Approach to Understanding Mental Health, Distress, and Neurodiversity,” Dr. Timimi explores why diagnoses like ADHD, depression, and anxiety may be less about biology and more about cultural context. The conversation dives into how labeling distress can sometimes obscure the real drivers of human experience—life experiences, relationships, and environments. Listeners will learn: the risks of viewing mental health challenges as lifelong disorders how context, development, and adversity shape emotional experiences what a more humane, supportive approach to distress could look like This episode invites listeners to reconsider what it means to be “normal,” and whether our current mental health framework is helping — or limiting — our understanding of the human condition. If you've ever questioned the labels, wondered about overdiagnosis, or wanted a deeper conversation about mental health beyond the surface, this episode is for you. “We have this fantasy that we can live lives that are devoid of any sort of emotional suffering, but that creates a really artificial idea about what life should be like." ~Dr. Sami Timimi, author of Searching for Normal Our guest, Dr. Sami Timimi, is a practicing consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist and psychotherapist in the UK's National Health Service. He has contributed to over forty books on subjects related to critical psychiatry, childhood, psychotherapy, depression, behavioral problems, and cross-cultural psychiatry; authored six books, including “Naughty Boys: Anti-Social Behaviour, ADHD, and the Role of Culture” and “Insane Medicine: How the Mental Health Industry Creates Damaging Treatment Traps and How You Can Escape Them”; co-edited four books, including “Liberatory Psychiatry: Philosophy, Politics and Mental Health with Carl Cohen”; and co-authored two others, including “The Myth of Autism: Medicalising Men's and Boys' Social and Emotional Competence” with Neil Gardiner and Brian McCabe. His most recent book is “Searching for Normal: A New Approach to Understanding Mental Health, Distress and Neurodiversity.” Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Please share the show with everyone you know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you no longer experiencing pleasure or joy in day-to-day life? If you are living with bipolar disorder, you know the crushing weight of the “nothingness” — that specific, hollow moment where the things that used to define happiness suddenly feel like chores. This may not be a bad mood or a lack of discipline; it could be a clinical symptom known as anhedonia.In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar disorder) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board certified psychiatrist) peel back the layers of this often-misunderstood symptom. Together, they share that losing your spark isn't a character flaw, but a biological hurdle that you can overcome.  Listener takeaways: Learn exactly what anhedonia is — and is not. Learn how anhedonia can appear in dysphoric or agitated mania. Learn to distinguish between clinical loss of joy and simply “outgrowing” things. Learn how to define — and understand — “normal.” If you've ever felt like a “bad” or “lazy” person because you couldn't find the joy in life, this episode is the reality check you need. Learn why “gray is OK” and how to start the climb back to contentment. Listen now! "A lot of people don't recognize that boredom and contentment and blah is not depression. It's not anhedonia. It's not joy or happiness, but it is stability." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Please, Share the Show! (Tell a Friend!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Members of marginalized communities are often told to be "resilient," but how do you bounce back when the system itself is the weight on your shoulders? When policy is the source of the trauma, the burden of healing shouldn't rest solely on the individual. Joining us for this episode is a powerhouse in the field of psychology: the President of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Debra M. Kawahara. In this unflinching conversation, we dismantle the myth of individual resiliency and confront the systemic forces shaping our mental well-being. From the healthy paranoia required for survival in marginalized communities to the traumatizing optics of immigration enforcement, we explore how sociopolitical climates act as a direct catalyst for mental health crises. Listeners will learn: why focusing solely on individual grit can lead to victim-blaming and ignoring systemic failures how society takes psychological comfort in believing people “deserve” their circumstances why viewing healthcare and education as human rights is the first step toward equity If you've ever felt like anxiety is a rational response to an irrational world, this exploration of systemic inequity and the fight for collective wellness is for you. Learn how to stay in the fight without letting the weight of the world knock you out. "Don't get knocked out because we need you." ~Dr. Debra M. Kawahara, President of the American Psychological Association Debra M. Kawahara, Ph.D., is a psychologist, scholar, and advocate for justice and mental health resource accessibility. As the 2025 President of the American Psychological Association and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Alliant University, she leads with vision and heart — shaping psychology's future through cultural humility, intersectional insight, and systemic care. Her work spans over 20 academic programs across six campuses and online, and her scholarship bridges feminist theory, Buddhist psychotherapy, Asian American mental health, and leadership grounded in equity. Internationally published and recognized, Debra brings both academic excellence and therapeutic wisdom to her teaching, speaking, and clinical practice — where she works with individuals, couples, families, and organizations in cultivating resilience and meaningful change. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. * * * * Please share this podcast with your networks! Sharing the show with the people you know is how we'll grow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Do I have to take these meds forever?" It's the most common question psychiatrists hear, but the answer is rarely a simple yes or no. In this episode, hosts Gabe Howard (living with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (board-certified psychiatrist) dive into the risks, the realities, and the honest conversations most doctors avoid when it comes to stopping bipolar medication. They break down why "cold turkey" is a recipe for disaster and explain the equally dangerous "hot turkey" otherwise known as restarting a full medication cocktail after a long break. Gabe shares his own journey of switching doctors to find a specialist in titration, illustrating the difference between "Mercedes Benz care" and trying to navigate a "hoopty" ride on your own. Dr. Nicole explains the science of brain receptors, the logistical hurdles of compounding pharmacies, and why the medical community is often resistant to "deprescribing." Listeners Will Learn: ·  Instead of "stopping" try reframing the conversation as "decreasing reliance" ·  Why lowering your medication slowly gives you better results ·  Finding a psych doctor who understands "deprescribing" may take time ·  A successful, safe medication adjustment can take a year or more—it is a marathon, not a sprint  Whether you're struggling with side effects like brain fog and sexual dysfunction or you simply want to feel more in control, this episode offers a roadmap for having an honest, data-driven conversation with your treatment team. Learn why "decreasing reliance" on medication is often a more successful goal than quitting entirely, and how to treat bumps in the road as data points rather than failures. "Most people think stopping meds is like flipping a light switch—on Monday you're on them, and on Tuesday you're not. But in reality, it's a slow, medical taper. It's more accurate to describe this as 'decreasing our reliance' rather than just quitting, so we can actually see what the data tells us." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Tell a Friend: Sharing the show with the people we know is how our podcast will grow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus Episode of "Inside Schizophrenia" podcast from Healthline Media. “Paranoid schizophrenic admits to attacking dog walker.” When we watch a horror movie, we know the “madman” on screen is a work of fiction. But when the nightly news leads with a diagnosis to explain a tragedy, the fear it creates is very real — and often permanent.Why does the media lead with schizophrenia only when the story involves violence, yet remain silent when it comes to stories of recovery, hope, and humanity? In this hard-hitting episode, host Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) explores the Lead with Fear phenomenon — the dangerous journalistic trend of linking a diagnosis to a crime before the facts are even in — and why schizophrenia seems to have the worst PR team in the world. Later in the show, we sit down with two media heavyweights who are using their platforms to overhaul how the world views mental health.: Janet Yang, an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning producer and former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Frank Kosa, an Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker for National Geographic, the History Channel, and A&E. Listener Take-A-Ways: why "paranoid schizophrenia" is an obsolete clinical term that journalists refuse to let go of the startling statistic that fewer than 20% of news stories about schizophrenia include themes of recovery practical ways you can hold news outlets accountable and promote stories of hope Our guest, Frank Kosa, is an award-winning documentary producer-writer-director, and a journalist. He produced National Geographic's “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman,” wrote the inaugural season of Travel Channel's hit show “Booze Traveler,” produced the award-winning “The Revolutionary War,” a mini-series for A&E, “Christianity: The Second Millennium” and multiple shows of TV's most engaging documentary series including “Life Without People,” “The Universe,” and “Game Changers.” His shows have aired on The Science Channel, The History Channel, Discovery, A&E, TLC, Animal Planet, The Travel Channel, The Weather Channel, Lifetime, Bloomberg TV, HGTV, and National Geographic. His print journalism has appeared in The LA Times, USA Today, Sacramento Bee, The Christian Science Monitor, and numerous magazines. He has also worked for films and TV shows produced by Universal, Warner Bros., & Sony. He is Emmy-nominated, has won a Cable Ace and other awards, and strives to tell stories that deeply connect with audiences.  Our guest, Janet Yang, is an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning Hollywood producer, former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and has been named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Hollywood” by the Hollywood Reporter. Yang's extensive film and television credits include “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “The Weight of Water,” “Shanghai Calling,” “High Crimes,” “Zero Effect,” and “Over the Moon.” Yang began her career by running the first distribution company to market Chinese films into North America. She also brokered the reintroduction of American studio films to the Chinese marketplace after a decades-long hiatus. This, in turn, led to joining Steven Spielberg on the historic production of “Empire of the Sun.” This was followed by long-term partnership with multiple Academy-Award winning writer/director, Oliver Stone. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC's America's Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI's #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid's mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS ) Our cohost, 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. He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, Inside Bipolar, with Dr. Nicole Washington. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think "hearing voices" would be a nightmare symptom of mental illness, but for some, it feels more like a friendship. In the medical world, hallucinations and delusions are symptoms to be eliminated. But for Kit Wallis, the reality of living with schizoaffective disorder is far more complicated. For years, she shared her life with her delusions, including Orion, a "sassy, funny, and supportive" internal voice who helped her study, hyped her up for exams, and ensured she was never truly alone. In a culture that views psychosis through a lens of fear, Kit saw her symptoms as a lifeline. However, when a life-altering psychotic break required antipsychotic medication, the "recovery" came with a devastating price. As the medication began to work, her voices didn't just fade — they "broke up like a bad phone call." Kit didn't just lose her symptoms; she lost her closest friends. Listeners will take-a-way: Understanding the mourning process Kit experienced when medication worked to eliminate her hallucinations Why the medical community often ignores the "positive" aspects of psychosis Kit's conflict surrounding wanting the voices back while knowing the importance of treatment In this deeply personal conversation, host Gabe Howard and guest Kit Wallis explore the "hard dialectic" of mental health: the grief of getting well and the complicated mourning process that sometimes follows successful treatment. Listen now! "No one really warns you about losing the good stuff, too … They just think, ‘Oh, psychosis is all bad. We want it all gone.' But stories like mine aren't really out there very often." ~Kit Wallis aka SchizoKitzo Our guest, Kit Wallis, who goes by SchizoKitzo, is a content creator who advocates for schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. She uses long-form videos on her YouTube channel and short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her content centers around her personal experience with schizoaffective disorder and often includes deep dives into research topics regarding mental health. Kit was diagnosed with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder in late 2020 and has struggled with symptoms since she was in middle school. Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition where someone experiences symptoms of schizophrenia--such as delusions and hallucinations--but also symptoms of a mood disorder--either major depression or, in Kit's case, bipolar. Realizing there was a lack of schizoaffective advocates, she decided to start her SchizoKitzo project to raise awareness for this complex condition. The mission of SchizoKitzo is to raise awareness of schizoaffective disorder and all of its aspects, from the mood side to the psychotic side. Kit works to bridge the gap between life and science so she can help break the stigma around mental health. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Paranoid schizophrenic admits to attacking dog walker.” When we watch a horror movie, we know the “madman” on screen is a work of fiction. But when the nightly news leads with a diagnosis to explain a tragedy, the fear it creates is very real — and often permanent.Why does the media lead with schizophrenia only when the story involves violence, yet remain silent when it comes to stories of recovery, hope, and humanity? In this hard-hitting episode, host Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) explores the Lead with Fear phenomenon — the dangerous journalistic trend of linking a diagnosis to a crime before the facts are even in — and why schizophrenia seems to have the worst PR team in the world. Later in the show, we sit down with two media heavyweights who are using their platforms to overhaul how the world views mental health.: Janet Yang, an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning producer and former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Frank Kosa, an Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker for National Geographic, the History Channel, and A&E. Listener Take-A-Ways: why "paranoid schizophrenia" is an obsolete clinical term that journalists refuse to let go of the startling statistic that fewer than 20% of news stories about schizophrenia include themes of recovery practical ways you can hold news outlets accountable and promote stories of hope Our guest, Frank Kosa, is an award-winning documentary producer-writer-director, and a journalist. He produced National Geographic's “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman,” wrote the inaugural season of Travel Channel's hit show “Booze Traveler,” produced the award-winning “The Revolutionary War,” a mini-series for A&E, “Christianity: The Second Millennium” and multiple shows of TV's most engaging documentary series including “Life Without People,” “The Universe,” and “Game Changers.” His shows have aired on The Science Channel, The History Channel, Discovery, A&E, TLC, Animal Planet, The Travel Channel, The Weather Channel, Lifetime, Bloomberg TV, HGTV, and National Geographic. His print journalism has appeared in The LA Times, USA Today, Sacramento Bee, The Christian Science Monitor, and numerous magazines. He has also worked for films and TV shows produced by Universal, Warner Bros., & Sony. He is Emmy-nominated, has won a Cable Ace and other awards, and strives to tell stories that deeply connect with audiences.  Our guest, Janet Yang, is an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning Hollywood producer, former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and has been named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Hollywood” by the Hollywood Reporter. Yang's extensive film and television credits include “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “The Weight of Water,” “Shanghai Calling,” “High Crimes,” “Zero Effect,” and “Over the Moon.” Yang began her career by running the first distribution company to market Chinese films into North America. She also brokered the reintroduction of American studio films to the Chinese marketplace after a decades-long hiatus. This, in turn, led to joining Steven Spielberg on the historic production of “Empire of the Sun.” This was followed by long-term partnership with multiple Academy-Award winning writer/director, Oliver Stone. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: ⁠www.rachelstarlive.com⁠) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC's America's Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI's #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “⁠Inside Schizophrenia⁠”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid's mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS⁠ ) Our cohost, 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.⁠ He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, ⁠Inside Bipolar⁠, with Dr. Nicole Washington. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, ⁠gabehoward.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you living with bipolar and a single parent or managing a household alone? Have you been told things like sleep hygiene (as an example) is a pillar of stability, but your teenager's late-night schedule and the on-call pressure of solo parenting make that feel impossible? In this episode, hosts Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board-certified psychiatrist) respond to a raw, honest listener email that challenges the "nuclear family" advice often given to single parents. They dismantle the crushing weight of "Mom Guilt" and the stigma that suggests a mental health diagnosis disqualifies you from raising healthy kids. Is the ship destined to sink, or are you just holding yourself to a standard that doesn't exist? Listeners will Learn: Why striving for perfection is a trap that leads to burnout If you don't prioritize your health, the whole household suffers How being real with your children can build a stronger foundation for the future Listen in to hear why Dr. Nicole believes you—the parent—are the undisputed MVP of your household. This episode is an essential look at modeling self-care for your children, setting "Do Not Disturb" boundaries without the guilt, and realizing that your kids don't need a superhero, they just need a healthy you.   "Bipolar might be wriggling into your brain and attacking something you love -- your skills as a parent -- Don't let it." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Thank you for listening. PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, AND SUBSCRIBE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2012, Jon McCann was sitting in a car weeping and preparing to end his life. He was struggling with a failing marriage, alcoholism, and a recent bipolar diagnosis that he feared was a "death sentence." Fast forward to today, and Jon—better known as "The Philly Captain"—is the subject of the Emmy Award-winning Netflix documentary “The Turnaround,” produced by Barack and Michelle Obama. How does a man go from the brink of suicide to having a former President tell part of his story? It started with a single, viral act of empathy. When Philadelphia Phillies star Trea Turner was mired in a massive slump, Jon didn't call for boos; he called for "love love." He convinced an entire city to give a struggling athlete a standing ovation, proving that grace often achieves what "tough love" can't. Listeners Will Learn: ·  How supporting others helps silence your own inner critic ·  The accidental origin story of "The Philly Captain" ·  Turning unique hobbies into a healthy, stable routine ·  The difference between "love love" and “tough love” In this moving and often hilarious interview, Jon joins host Gabe Howard to discuss the "story behind the story." He opens up about the terrifying moments of his mental health crisis, the power of a supportive family (including his mother's bipolar awareness tattoo), and the life-changing realization that his story was worth telling. Whether you are navigating your own mental health journey or just looking for a reason to believe in yourself, Jon's transformation from self-hate to self-worth is the inspiration you need to keep moving forward."The fact that (Barack and Michelle) Obama produced a movie (about me for Netflix), it made me believe in myself that I'm not a pile of garbage." ~Jon McCann, The Philly Captain Our guest, The Philly Captain, aka Jon McCann, is a charismatic YouTuber, lifelong Phillies fan, and the unexpected face of a powerful mental health comeback story. Known for his high-energy vlogs across the streets of Philadelphia—from neighborhood deep dives to rowdy baseball recaps—he also carries a quieter truth: he almost didn't make it.  In the Emmy Award winning Netflix short documentary The Turnaround (produced by Barack and Michelle Obama via Higher Ground), viewers get a raw look at the moment he nearly ended his life—and the unlikely path that brought him back: connection, community, and a camera. Today, The Philly Captain speaks openly about suicidal ideation, depression, and what it really means to fight your way back when hope feels impossible. Blending brutal honesty, street-smart humor, and unfiltered heart, his talks leave audiences inspired, entertained, and more willing to speak their own truth. He's not a doctor. He's not perfect. He's living proof that survival is worth it—and that you don't have to be fixed” to keep showing up. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"What jobs are suitable for someone living with bipolar disorder?" It's a question that floods our inbox, and the answer might surprise you: almost every single one. From high-powered criminal defense attorneys to surgeons and CEOs, people are nailing it in the workforce every day while managing a bipolar diagnosis. In this episode, hosts Gabe Howard (diagnosed with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board-certified psychiatrist) dismantle the "minimum wage myth" to provide a realistic roadmap for re-entering and thriving in the workforce. We explore why your diagnosis isn't a unique disqualifier, but rather a factor to manage -- much like a pilot respects the weather or a surfer respects the ocean. Listeners Will Learn: Why almost every line of work remains open even after a diagnosis. Practical financial and medical rules for your first year back on the job. How to transition from your couch to a worksite without hitting burnout. How to distinguish between a bipolar symptom and a normal job struggle. Failing often isn't a symptom of bipolar disorder; it's just part of the universal human experience. Whether you're currently unemployed, struggling with "failure to launch," or looking to switch jobs, this episode provides the baby-step protocol you need to launch your next chapter workwise. It's time to stop letting stigma decide your paycheck and start respecting your own potential. "If the only reason you believe you can't do a specific job is because you have bipolar disorder, I say try. I was surprised at how much success I had despite my diagnosis." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Please like and subscribe -- and share the show with everyone you know so we can grow! Thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most movies treat mental health like a plot twist—something dramatic, visible, and easily explained. But real depression and anxiety don't work that way, and filmmaker Olivia Nash is determined to flip the script and show a more realistic portrayal. In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with the actor, writer, and director of the indie film “Hi.” to tease out what it really means to portray mental health authentically on screen. The conversation goes beyond the film itself, diving into the realities of mental health in Hollywood, how Nash fostered open conversations on set, and what it takes to center people over productivity in an industry that rarely slows down. Why You Should Listen Discover how Nash's personal experience with depression and anxiety changed her storytelling — and why that matters for audiences Hear how Hollywood's most common mental health tropes can do real harm, even when intentions are good Understand why functioning, successful people are often the most misunderstood when it comes to mental health Understand why authentic representation in pop culture can be life-changing for viewers If you're tired of seeing mental health reduced to stereotypes, or you've ever been told you “can't be depressed” because you're functioning, this episode offers a refreshing, validating perspective you won't want to miss.“Mental health isn't a plot twist—it's just part of who people are.”~Olivia Nash, Hollywood Actor and Director Olivia Nash is a multifaceted creative professional with extensive experience in acting,producing, directing, and production design. Based in Austin, TX, she has worked on awide array of projects across film, television, theater, commercials, music video, andowns the film production company, Fox Adrift Productions. Her versatility and passionfor storytelling shine through her collaborations with esteemed production companieslike Taylor Butler Productions, Fox Adrift Productions, Reed Street Films, David BittnerProductions, and Skeptical Optimist Productions. As a Producer/Director, Olivia has helmed projects such as Toby (won for Best FemaleDirector at Palm Beach Shorts, Best Dramedy at Georgia Shorts Film Festival, and BestNarrative Short Film at Austin Under The Stars), Hi., and El Delirio. Her expertise inProduction Design is evident in works like The Gold Lament, Goodwill, Constellation,and The Last Pedal. In the commercial space, she has served as Art Director for HHSTraining Videos. She has also brought her creative vision to music videos, includingCobblestone Streets and Unknown to You. Olivia's acting credits span leading roles in films such as Hickory, Hi., Meteor, and FGAas well as theater performances in productions like The Taming of the Shrew,Cinderella, and Booby Trap where she won best supporting actress. Her training inon-camera workshops, musical theater, and dance further complements her on-screenand stage presence. With a distinctive aesthetic and expertise in styles like Boho Decor, Dystopian, CottageCore, Bloom Core, Dark Academia, and Fantasy, Olivia is skilled at crafting immersiveand evocative worlds. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to adapt to diversecreative challenges compliments her mission to bring to life stories that relate to thehuman condition, while allowing us to escape into a world of beauty. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“How do I talk to my loved one?” It is the most frequent question the show receives. In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) and co-host Gabe Howard dive deep into the nuances of communication, moving away from reactionary "crisis mode" toward intentional, empathetic connection. They explore why validating emotions and feelings — rather than schizophrenia symptoms — is the key to building trust and how to ask for permission before broaching difficult topics. Later in the show, Gail Simmons, culinary expert and judge on Bravo's Top Chef, joins the conversation to share her personal story. Gail opens up about her brother's schizophrenia diagnosis and how her family used the universal language of food and the dinner table to maintain their bond during challenging years. Listeners will learn: how to acknowledge someone's fear without confirming their delusions why caregivers must prioritize their own mental health and boundaries to be effective supports lessons from Gail Simmons on using hobbies, like cooking or trail running, to bridge the gap when words aren't enough Whether you are a caregiver, a friend, or living with a diagnosis yourself, this episode offers a roadmap for turning difficult conversations into productive discussions through patience and perseverance.  Special thanks to Cobenfy Connections for connecting us with Gail Simmons. Cobenfy is a sponsor of this podcast and we appreciate them for their partnership and support.  Our guest, Gail Simmons, is a trained culinary expert, food writer, and dynamic television personality. Since the show's inception in 2006, she has lent her expertise as permanent judge, and now executive producer, on Bravo's Emmy- and James Beard Award-winning series “Top Chef.” Now entering its 23rd season, “Top Chef” is rated the #1 food show on cable television. From 2004 to 2019, Gail served as special projects director at FOOD & WINE. Gail's first cookbook, “Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating,” was released by Grand Central Publishing in October 2017. Her first book, a memoir titled “Talking With My Mouth Full,” was published by Hyperion in February 2012. Gail's third book, entitled “Guesting,” will be published in 2026. She is the co-founder of Bumble Pie Productions and lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Jeremy, and their two children. COBENFY Connections is an initiative from Bristol Myers Squibb in partnership with culinary expert, TV host, and author Gail Simmons. The initiative aims to shift the narrative around schizophrenia, one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized mental illnesses, through honest conversation. Sharing her family's experience and inviting others to do the same, Simmons emphasizes how connection and community can help people living with schizophrenia feel seen, supported, and hopeful, as well as the importance of finding the treatment that's right for them. Listeners can learn more by visiting www.connections.bms.com. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC's America's Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI's #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid's mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS ) Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does a woman with schizophrenia manage life as an entertainer, stuntwoman, and “Inside Schizophrenia” podcast host, all while managing a severe mental illness? In this bonus episode (that originally aired for the “Inside Mental Health” podcast series), Rachel Star Withers shares her intense and often shocking journey — from growing up believing her hallucinations were demons to undergoing an exorcism before finally receiving an accurate medical diagnosis. She candidly discusses the stigma she faced and how she overcame it to become a thought leader in schizophrenia advocacy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in psychology, mental health advocacy, or learning more about Rachel's “badass life” as a stunt performer in blockbuster movies like Marvel's “Black Panther.” Rachel's story is a testament to resilience, and she opens up about what it truly means to live with schizophrenia while pursuing your passions and defying expectations. Hit play to learn more about this inspiring story of strength and survival and how you can help yourself — or your loved ones — do the same. Please Note: “Hey listeners, you're about to hear an interview with Rachel Star Withers, host of the “Inside Schizophrenia" podcast, who lives with schizophrenia. She originally appeared on our sister show, “Inside Mental Health.” And we wanted to share that conversation with you as a bonus episode. I hope you enjoy getting to know Rachel a little bit better.” Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia and shares ways to manage it to let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written “Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids” and a tool for schizophrenics, “To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal.” Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com. Gabe Howard lives with bipolar disorder and is a nationally recognized speaker and podcast host. He is the author of the book, Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations, available from Amazon; signed copies available directly from the author. To learn more about Gabe, please visit gabehoward.com. Thank you for listening, please share the show with everyone you know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Studies suggest people with bipolar disorder die 25 years younger than the general population. It's a statistic that hits like a "thump to the chest," but is it a death sentence or a wake-up call — and is it even true? In this episode, host Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board certified psychiatrist) peel back the curtain on the physical toll of living with a serious mental illness. While we spend so much energy managing our minds, we often neglect the “vessel” carrying us through life. From the 50% increased risk of sleep apnea to the increased risk of weight gain and diabetes, the risks are real, but they aren't inevitable. We dive deep into why “bipolar adjacent” issues like diet, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles are the true drivers of the shortened lifespan statistic, and how building a rock-solid relationship with a primary care doctor can literally save your life. Listeners will learn: how sleep apnea mimics — and triggers — mood changes why not every physical symptom is “just bipolar” the truth about medication and your liver how your lifestyle choices and daily habits can rewrite your health statistics Stop treating your physical health as an afterthought. Whether it's vitamin deficiencies mimicking depression or sleep apnea driving mood changes, it's time to recognize that you have far more control over your outcome than the statistics suggest. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As therapy language floods social media, more people are associating friends, partners, and co-workers with mental health disorders, spotting “red flags” everywhere, and labeling regular human flaws as psychological abuse. In this episode, host Gabe Howard is joined by psychologist and author Dr. Isabelle Morley to unpack how therapy speak, short-form content, and armchair psychology are reshaping modern human interaction — and not always for the better. For example, believing your ex is a narcissist might feel validating, but is it actually helping you heal, or quietly harming your ability to connect? Listeners will learn: why increased mental health awareness can both help and harm relationships how “therapy speak” can shut down communication instead of improving it what real red flags look like, and which behaviors require more context Together, they explore the difference between true abuse and imperfect behavior, why nuance gets lost online, how misused labels end conversations, and what happens when everyone becomes an “expert” after a 3-minute video. If you've ever wondered whether awareness has crossed into overdiagnosis, or felt unsure where healthy boundaries end and pathology begins, this conversation will challenge how you think about relationships, self-reflection, and mental health education itself. “Therapy terms don't need to leave the therapy room. They almost never need to be used in person in a conversation with someone. And people, I think, are using words to avoid more vulnerable connection . . .” ~Dr. Isabelle Morley, Author of They're Not Gaslighting You: Ditch the Therapy Speak and Stop Hunting for Red Flags in Every Relationship Our guest, Dr. Isabelle Morley, is a clinical psychologist and EFT-certified couples therapist (Emotionally Focused Therapy). She is a contributing author to Psychology Today in her blog Love Them or Leave Them, where she analyzes on-screen romantic relationships. She is also the co-host of Rom-Com Rescue, a podcast that teaches life and love lessons from romantic comedies. She is co-author of Navigating Intimacy: An Introductory Guide to Couples and Sex Therapy. Dr. Isabelle is frequently sought out by journalists for expert commentary on topics such as relationships, couples therapy, and reality television, and has been featured in The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, Business Insider, Vox, and Very Well Mind, among others. In philanthropic work, Dr. Isabelle is a founding board member of The Unscripted Cast Advocacy Network (UCAN) Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports reality TV cast members in accessing mental health and legal support and advocates for industry change. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If everything you do is labeled a symptom of bipolar disorder, do you ever get to be yourself? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington tackle one of the most frustrating — and rarely discussed — realities of living with bipolar disorder: when regular human behavior gets pathologized by friends, family, and even well-meaning supporters.Want to watch TV the whole weekend? Suddenly it's “depression.”Excited about a new idea or passion? You're being “grandiose.”Stumble over your words or get animated in conversation? Sounds like “mania.”Gabe shares deeply personal stories about having his ideas dismissed, his ambitions questioned, and his successes doubted, not by strangers, but by the people who loved him most. Dr. Nicole explains why loved ones become hypervigilant, how fear and trauma shape their reactions, and where concern crosses the line into harm. Listen and Learn: learn how to tell the difference between bipolar symptoms and typical human behavior understand why loved ones become hyper-alert and how fear drives their reactions how to have hard conversations without losing your support system why community and peer support matter when loved ones can't let go of fear This episode isn't about denying bipolar symptoms; it's about reclaiming your identity beyond the diagnosis. Because people with bipolar disorder deserve full lives, real dreams, and the freedom to be annoying, excited, ambitious, and human — just like everyone else. Cold Open Transcript: Gabe Howard: I don't think we're allowed to have these thoughts. Let's say that I was a person that did not live with bipolar disorder. And I came up with the pie-in-the-sky idea. The conversation is negative, but it also sort of moves forward. People with bipolar disorder don't get that. We just get shut down immediately, told that this is a symptom of our illness and that we need to cease this line of communication. And so they withdraw all that help, they withdraw all that information, and they leave us to fend for ourselves. Which actually puts us in a worse position. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Narcissism has become one of the most misused words in mental health — and social media hasn't helped. In this episode, host Gabe Howard is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton to separate clinical reality from internet myth. Together, they break down what narcissistic personality disorder actually is, why confidence and disagreement don't equal narcissism, and how terms like “gaslighting” and “love bombing” get distorted online.We answer common questions like: Can people with narcissistic personality disorder learn empathy? How can loved ones' support change without sacrificing their safety or boundaries? If narcissism is a mental illness, why do we have trouble feeling compassion for people who have it? Finally, Gabe and Kati discuss whether people with narcissistic personality disorder can change, what meaningful treatment actually looks like, and how loved ones can protect themselves while setting healthy boundaries. “If social media were accurate, narcissism would describe anyone who annoys us. But clinically? It's something very different.” ~Kati Morton, author of “Why Do I Keep Doing This? Unlearn the Habits That Keep You Stuck and Unhappy” Our guest, Kati Morton, is widely recognized as a leading mental health advocate and educator. She holds a masters in clinical psychology and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has a passion for education and empowerment and shares helpful insights through her YouTube channel. Kati is the author of three books “Are You Ok?,” “Traumatized,” and “Why Do I Keep Doing This? Unlearn the Habits Keeping You Stuck and Unhappy.” She hopes that by speaking candidly about mental health and encouraging viewers to reach out to get the support they need, we can remove the stigma associated with getting help. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Sharing the show with the people you know is how we're gonna grow! Thank you in advance. :-) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living with schizophrenia is traumatic — full stop. Hallucinations, delusions, hospitalizations, lost relationships, and stigma can fracture how you see yourself and the world. But how do you process all of that without being labeled dangerous, unstable, or misunderstood? In this episode of “Inside Schizophrenia,” Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) and cohost Gabe Howard explore practical, safe ways to express your schizophrenia journey — without needing to be an artist, writer, or performer. From journaling (even if you hate it) to movement, storytelling, and simple word exercises, they break down how expression can support emotional regulation, restore personal agency, and help organize traumatic experiences. Listeners will learn: why you don't need artistic talent to benefit from expressive outlets how storytelling helps organize traumatic memories into something manageable what caregivers and loved ones should know about encouraging safe expression Later, Rachel is joined by singer, songwriter, and poet Susan Wojnar, who shares her powerful lived experience with late-onset schizophrenia and how creativity both challenged and supported her recovery. Susan discusses hearing voices within music, reclaiming her guitar from psychosis, and why sharing her story through poetry helped her — and others — feel less alone. Susan's new book, "White Darkness: Poetic Tales of the Schizophrenic Experience," is available now. This episode isn't about creating masterpieces. It's about finding your way to release what you've been carrying and take control of your narrative. With 25 years of lived experience with schizophrenia, Susan Wojnar's book debut transcends the traditional boundaries of memoir, diagnosis, and verse to offer readers a profoundly human window into the experience of psychosis. With raw honesty, stark imagery, and a lyrical voice that sings even in silence, “White Darkness” dares readers — caregivers, mental health professionals, those who struggle with mental health issues, and everyday people alike — to step inside a fragmented yet beautifully defiant world. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC's America's Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI's #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid's mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS ) Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. Our cohost, 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. He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, Inside Bipolar, with Dr. Nicole Washington. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paranoia is one of the most misunderstood symptoms in bipolar disorder — and using the wrong word can delay the right treatment. Using real-life examples, this episode explains how psychosis in bipolar disorder is typically tied to mood episodes, how paranoid delusions form, and why people experiencing them often don't report symptoms. In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar disorder) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board certified psychiatrist) break down what paranoia actually is, when it's actually anxiety or hypervigilance, and when it crosses into psychosis and delusional thinking. They explain why “being paranoid” isn't a diagnosis and how paranoid delusions fit under the psychosis umbrella. We answer common questions like: Is paranoia a stand-alone diagnosis in the DSM-5? When does healthy suspicion, anxiety, or hypervigilance get mislabeled as paranoia? Why does psychosis in bipolar disorder usually occur during manic or depressive episodes? What types of medications are commonly used to treat paranoia-related symptoms? How can loved ones spot symptoms the person may not recognize? If you've ever wondered whether paranoia is a typical worry, a trauma response, or something more serious, this episode brings clarity to a topic that's often confusing — and rarely explained well. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Sharing the show with people you know is how we'll grow. Please like, share, and subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Year's resolutions promise hope, but for many people, they quietly deliver shame, stress, and self-blame instead. If resolutions leave you feeling worse about yourself every January, this episode explains why — and what actually works. Host Gabe Howard is joined by returning favorite Jodi Wellman to unpack why traditional goal-setting often backfires, especially when it comes to mental health. They explore the psychology behind the “fresh start effect,” how all-or-nothing thinking sets us up to fail, and why massive lifestyle overhauls rarely stick. More importantly, they offer practical, compassionate alternatives; Like shifting from rigid goals to identity-based habits, process-focused wins, and restarting without guilt when things go off track. Listener Takeaways The mental health cost of setting outcome-based goals Why smaller, process-focused goals actually create lasting change How to restart a goal without guilt or self-punishment Whether you've already ditched your New Year's resolutions or never believed in them to begin with, this episode explores a healthier, more realistic way to create change—without harming your mental well-being. “What is really common, which is set a goal. Don't get there. Feel bad about it. So net net it's not a good experience. For many of us, that's problematic because we feel badly about ourselves [. . .] And maybe that's your version of self-compassion is to let that goal gracefully go.” ~Jodi Wellman, MAPP Our guest, Jodi Wellman, MAPP is a speaker, author, and facilitator on living lives worth living. She founded Four Thousand Mondays to help people make the most of the time they are lucky to be above ground.  With 25 years of corporate leadership experience (most recently as Senior Vice President of Operations at a leading health and lifestyle organization), Jodi has led private CEO advisory boards and coaches teams to work well and live even better. Jodi has a Master's of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she is also an Assistant Instructor and facilitator in the Penn Resilience Program. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach. Her book, "You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets," made Adam Grant's Summer Reading List and was a “Top 3 Psychology Book of 2024” by the Next Big Idea Club (curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Dan Pink). Jodi has been featured in The New York Times, Oprah Daily, Fast Company, CNBC, Forbes, Psychology Today, The Los Angeles Times, and more. Jodi's TEDx talk is called How Death Can Bring You Back to Life; with over 1.3 million views, it is the 14th most-watched TEDx talk released in 2022, out of 15,900! Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Please share the show -- it's how we grow! Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was never supposed to exist. Mental health “rules” say patients and psychiatrists shouldn't share power, shouldn't speak publicly as equals, and definitely shouldn't build a show together. Yet here we are — over 100 episodes in, winning awards, and recording our first-ever in-person episode. In this special behind-the-scenes conversation, we pull back the curtain on “Inside Bipolar”: why so many doctors refused to participate, why patient-led advocacy makes professionals uncomfortable, and why influencer culture both helps and harms people living with bipolar disorder. We talk candidly about distrust of psychiatry, accusations of selling out, the rise of misinformation, and why scared people cling to loud voices over evidence. We also go somewhere rarely discussed in mental health media: self-doubt, self-deprecation, and the reality that success with bipolar disorder often looks painfully ordinary. Listener takeaways why patient-doctor partnerships are rare — and why they scare both sides why “hopeful” mental health messaging often misses the mark how self-doubt and advocacy can exist at the same time how this podcast changed the way both hosts view mental illness No toxic positivity. No “inspiration porn.” No pretending recovery is a mountaintop moment. Just two people — one with lived experience, one with medical expertise — talking honestly about what actually helps, what doesn't, and why this unlikely partnership changed how both of us see mental illness, advocacy, and each other. Cold Open Transcript: Dr. Nicole: Which one is the real Gabe? You put yourself down, actually, quite a bit. Do you really have a low opinion of yourself? Like, are you fundamentally like this guy who really thinks, like, I suck, and I just get up every day and put one foot in front of the other one and do the best I can? Or do you have a lot of confidence because you, almost at the same time, have to have a ton of confidence to get in front of the camera and do the speaking and do all the things. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. PLEASE Share the show with everyone you know as it's how our community will grow. Happy Listening! :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Negative self-talk isn't just annoying — it can quietly shape our decisions, confidence, and impact our mental health. But what if silencing that inner critic isn't about positive affirmations, gratitude journals, or pretending everything is fine?In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with former NBC and CNN Headline News anchor and author Lynn Smith to unpack what negative self-talk really is, why our brains cling to it, and how to reframe it without slipping into toxic positivity. Lynn explains how the brain is wired to protect us through fear-based thinking, why perfectionism and “being realistic” often mask self-sabotage, and how resilience, not positivity, is the skill we actually need. Listener takeaways why negative self-talk is rooted in brain wiring, not personal failure the difference between realistic problem-solving and self-sabotaging thoughts why toxic positivity often backfires what “just keep going” looks like during truly hard moments Together, Gabe and Lynn challenge common mental health clichés, discuss why we should teach resilience earlier in life, and explore what “just keep going” really means when you're trying to get through the next hour — not the next 5 years. If you've ever felt stuck between brutal self-criticism and empty optimism, this conversation offers a realistic, compassionate path forward.“Anyone that might be thinking, I'm just not going to go for the thing because it's easier to stay safe. If you don't raise your hand, if you don't unmute, if you don't turn your video on, all of those things are a lot safer. So to you, I would say, imagine your life five years from now and it looks exactly the same. Five years from now you're stuck in that same place…”~Lynn Smith, Former CNN Headline News anchor Our guest, Lynn Smith, is a media and communication expert who helps high-level leaders turn pressure into presence. A former anchor for NBC News, MSNBC, and CNN Headline News, she now coaches Fortune 500 executives, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs to become magnetic communicators. As founder of Lynn Smith Media & Communications, she helps leaders ditch robotic scripts and deliver messages that move people to action. Her signature framework, The Magnetic CODE, builds trust, clarity, and influence. Lynn is also a keynote speaker, host of the award-winning podcast Strollercoaster, and author of the upcoming children's book Just Keep Going. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Sharing the show with the people you know is how we're going to grow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many people, religion is a source of comfort — but what happens when it becomes a source of fear, shame, or lifelong anxiety? In this episode, author Cassandra Brandt shares her deeply personal journey through religious indoctrination, purity culture, and the hidden mental health consequences that followed her into adulthood.Cassandra unpacks the emotional toll of being raised in an evangelical Christian environment: fearing the end times as a child, internalizing guilt as a spiritual obligation, and believing mental illness was a sign of demonic influence. She explains how these messages shaped her anxiety, self-worth, relationships, and even her sense of identity.Listener takeaways The mental health impact of purity culture on girls and women why religious trauma is often dismissed — and why that's dangerous how religious indoctrination can create lifelong anxiety, guilt, and shame Through honesty and courage, Cassandra highlights the often ignored reality of religious trauma — what it looks like, why it's misunderstood, and why so many people struggle to talk about it without being dismissed as “anti-religion.” She also shares how therapy, education, and new philosophies helped her rebuild her life, develop healthier relationships, and raise her daughter without fear-based teachings.Whether you've experienced religious trauma or want to understand someone who has, this candid conversation sheds light on an uncomfortable but essential mental health topic.“Millions of people find peace in religion. I'm not trying to throw the baby out with the bathwater. But fundamentalist evangelical theology can truly and genuinely hurt people emotionally and intellectually when it's done in this fire and brimstone sort of way, especially toward children. You can tell a child a thousand sweet stories about Jesus, but the one that's going to stick out in their head is the one that you tell them about the hell that they're going to if they don't believe. Some children won't experience sleepless nights and terror about eternal damnation. Some adults won't experience trauma later. But others will.” ~Cassandra Brandt, religious trauma survivor Our guest, Cassandra Brandt is an author, advocate, and aspiring Stoic based in rural Arizona. A steelworker prior to a spinal cord injury in 2015, Cassandra now writes full time, blogging for disability publications and writing for literary magazines. Her multiple books are available on Amazon. Cassandra speaks against ableism and for equity, and believes in the rights of animals and our obligation to the Earth. She writes about deconstruction from religion, utilizing philosophy and what it means to be human. Our 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 is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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. Please like, follow, subscribe, and share! Spread the word about this great free resource. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices