Hallucinations are the most recognized—and most misunderstood—symptom of schizophrenia. Movies depict them as dramatic, terrifying commands or cinematic visions, but the lived reality is far more complex. In this episode we unravel what hallucinations actually are, why they happen, and how people learn to live with them.
This episode is a special feature from our sister show Inside Schizophrenia. Hosted by Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia), with Gabe Howard as co-host. (Don’t worry, new Inside Mental Health episodes return in 2026.)
In this episode, Rachel shares her own experiences, from everyday “simple” hallucinations like sounds or shifting faces, to more intense, emotion-laden complex hallucinations. She challenges the assumption that hallucinations are always violent or dangerous—and breaks down the critical differences between hallucinations and sensory disturbances.
Expert guest Dr. Paul Fitzgerald joins the conversation to explain how the brain creates these perceptual misfires, why hallucinations in schizophrenia differ from those caused by grief, sleep deprivation, or drugs, and what current research reveals about how universal these experiences are across different cultures and countries.
Listener Takeaways
<ul>
 <li>The difference between simple vs. complex hallucinations</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>Why hallucinations in schizophrenia feel different from drug- or grief-based ones</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>Why reducing—not eliminating—hallucinations is often the realistic recovery goal</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>How CBT and coping strategies help reduce fear and regain control</li>
</ul>
Whether you live with schizophrenia, love someone who does, or are simply curious about how the brain works, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and surprising insights you won’t forget.
 
Guest, Professor Paul Fitzgerald, completed his medical degree at Monash University and subsequently a Master of Psychological Medicine whilst completing psychiatric training. He then undertook a Clinical and Research Fellowship at the University of Toronto and The Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. On returning to Melbourne, he worked as a psychiatrist and completed a PhD in transcranial magnetic stimulation in schizophrenia. Since completing this PhD, he has developed a substantial research program including a team of over 25 psychiatrists, registrars, pos

A deep dive into what hallucinations truly are—and aren’t.

Inside Schizophrenia: What Hallucinations Really Feel Like

Why does happiness always feel one step away? In this episode, we welcome back positive psychology expert Jodi Wellman to explore why so many of us keep “moving the goalposts” on our own success, and learn why accomplishments that once thrilled us eventually feel ordinary.
Jodi breaks down why we convince ourselves that one more thing — a new job, a relationship, a move, a big purchase — will finally deliver lasting happiness. Using Gabe’s own podcasting journey as a case study, the conversation exposes a mental trap familiar to anyone who’s ever felt like their wins “don’t count” for long.
But this episode isn’t just about naming the problem — it’s about fixing it. Jodi offers practical, research-backed strategies to help you savor your accomplishments, find a healthier balance between ambition and contentment, and stop letting your inner critic erase your progress.
Listener takeaways
<ul>
 <li>why humans believe they’re always “one thing away” from feeling fulfilled</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>what the hedonic treadmill is and how it sabotages our happiness</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>how to balance ambition with genuine joy so you can grow without feeling miserable</li>
</ul>
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why don’t I feel successful?” this is the episode that can finally help you understand.
 
“We like to dupe ourselves. It's just one of the features of our psychology. It all comes down to this idea called the hedonic treadmill. We think, and we go for it. We'll buy the pill, we'll make the move, we'll take the job, we'll buy the car, we'll do a thing. And usually it's external stuff, but sometimes it's internal, like, I will become the person that I've been meant to be and that will make me happy. But then, because we adapt so well, this is this hedonic adaptation, hedonic treadmill, we adapt so reliably, damn it. And we end up, over time, some of us shorter than others. Naturally, meh. Okay, well, how come it's not doing it for me anymore?” ~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 an

Understanding why success seldom feels satisfying — and how to celebrate our wins

Chasing Happiness: Why Success Never Feels Like Enough

Can a single conversation help rewrite centuries of racial trauma? In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with award-winning podcaster Dominic Lawson to explore how America’s racial wounds continue to shape our collective mental health — and what it takes to begin healing. From the generational echoes of slavery to the modern-day silencing of diversity and inclusion, Dominic breaks down why talking about race isn’t “divisive” — it’s essential.
 This candid, often uncomfortable, deeply human conversation shows that connection begins when we listen, show up, and see each other fully — no assumptions, no defensiveness, just honesty. Using vivid analogies (like concert tickets and cookouts), they discuss racism and racial trauma in approachable ways.
 
Listeners will learn:
<ul>
 <li>why racial trauma still impacts communities today</li>
 <li>how privilege is better understood through access, not advantage</li>
 <li>how personal conversations can bridge racial divides</li>
 <li>practical ways to “do the work” without causing harm or overstepping</li>
</ul>
If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about race — or where to even start — this episode is your invitation. 
 
Our guest, Dominic Lawson, is a 24x award-winning podcast host, producer, and editor based in Memphis, Tennessee. A U.S. Army veteran, he studied business administration at National American University before discovering his passion for podcasting in 2016. That year, he launched "The Startup Life Podcast,” providing listeners with insights into building businesses and advancing in their careers. Throughout the show's run, Lawson interviewed notable figures such as Marc Randolph, co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, and Tom Golisano, founder and chairman of Paychex.
In 2021, Lawson joined Meadows Behavioral Healthcare as a podcast producer, editor, and host. He took the helm of the "Beyond Theory" podcast, facilitating in-depth conversations with experts in mental health and addiction recovery. His innovative approach led to the launch of "Recovery Replay" in April 2022, a groundbreaking podcast that chronicles personal recovery stories from three distinct perspectives.
Demonstrating his versatility, Lawson introduced the "Black Is America" podcast on February 1, 2022, shedding light on lesser-known African American figures and narratives. The pod

Discussing racial trauma starts with real, uncomfortable, and necessary conversations

How Racial Trauma Shapes Mental Health

Most of us think we’d never fall for a cult. We imagine the followers of Jim Jones as naïve, brainwashed, or broken people who “drank the Kool-Aid.” But what if that’s not the truth at all? In this eye-opening episode, host Gabe Howard speaks with the award-winning author of “Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown,” Candace Fleming, about the real story behind Jonestown, aka the Peoples Temple, and the mass suicide that shocked the world. Fleming reveals how ordinary, intelligent, and socially conscious people were slowly drawn into Jim Jones’s orbit — not because they wanted to die, but because they wanted to belong, to matter, and to change the world.
Listener takeaways:
<ul>
 <li>Discover nine warning signs of a destructive or cult-like group.</li>
 <li>Learn why intelligent, well-intentioned people joined Jim Jones’ cult.</li>
 <li>Explore how to recognize and protect yourself from coercive influences.</li>
</ul>
Listen in as they explore how groupthink, manipulation, and gradual isolation can transform a movement with noble intentions into something deeply destructive. 
Together, they dismantle the myths surrounding cults and reveal the psychological, emotional, and social dynamics that allow them to take hold. Ultimately, their conversation challenges us to confront an unsettling question: Could it happen to any of us?
 
“They had started people with Peoples Temple, some of them back in the ‘50s when it was still in Indianapolis and truly was an integrated church, unheard of in the '50s. They followed Jones to California and then on to Guyana. And all of that was because of their own community. So people came for many reasons, but none of them because they were, as we would like to say, cultists, brainwashed, crazy.” ~Candace Fleming
 
Our host, Candace Fleming, is the prolific and versatile award-winning author of many books for children and young adults. School Library Journal praised her most recent title, Murder Among Friends, which received four starred reviews, as a "chilling page-turner." Her previous book The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh received six starred reviews, was a Kirkus, PW, Booklist, and SLJ Best Book of the Year, and was hailed by the Wall Street Journal as a “fascinating chronicle.” Candace’s The Family R

No one thinks they’d join a cult — until they do.

Why They Drank the Kool-Aid: Psychology of Cults

What happens when a neurodivergent flight attendant trades jet lag for guitar riffs and finds better mental health in the process? In this inspiring and wildly relatable episode, Canadian alt-rock singer-songwriter Harley Olivia joins Gabe Howard to share how embracing her creativity helped her manage ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and why ignoring your passions could make your mental health worse. 
From performing onstage to coping with social anxiety, Harley opens up about how she feels singing “rewired” her nervous system, why creative expression can be therapeutic, and how she finally gave herself permission to pursue music full-time, even when the world told her she was “making a mistake” (a song lyric and a true story!).
 
Listener takeaways:
<ul>
 <li>why ignoring your creativity can worsen ADHD and depression</li>
 <li>the truth behind the “tortured artist” myth</li>
 <li>practical ways to channel anxiety into creative energy</li>
</ul>
 
Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a mental health advocate, or simply trying to reconnect with what fuels you, this conversation will leave you inspired to follow your calling — no matter how unconventional it seems.
 
“When I wrote that song, that was right before I finally made the leap to quit the airline and really focus on my music. Things sort of came to a head at that point of the most depressed, the most anxious, the most chaotic. I feel so bad for my family because I'm like, should I quit? I don't know, should I quit? They’re like, just quit! You want to! Make the decision! But the hardest thing about quitting was, like you were saying, leaving that stability. It's not like I was jumping into an already established music career.”  ~Harley Olivia
 
Our guest, Harley Olivia, is a neurodivergent, Toronto-based alt-rock artist crafting an energetic blend of rock and pop music. With infectious melodies, powerhouse vocals, and relatable lyrics about mental health and self-empowerment, Harley Olivia has carved out a bold and charismatic presence in the music scene.
Formerly a globe-trotting flight attendant with over 50 countries visited and 8,000 hours in the air, Harley Olivia decided to swap the skies for the stage. Since then, she has released her debut EP “Hiding Little Pieces”, showcased at festivals like Canadian Music Week, NXNE, VENUEXVENUE and was crown

How one singer turned ADHD, anxiety, and self-doubt into rock and roll healing

Rock & Roll, ADHD, and Anxiety with Musician Harley Olivia

What can the history of a Jim Crow–era mental asylum teach us about race and mental health today? MSNBC journalist Antonia Hylton joins Gabe Howard to discuss her powerful book “Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum,” a deeply researched look at Crownsville Hospital, once known as The Hospital for the Negro Insane. Antonia reveals how Black patients were forced to build their own hospital, how racism shaped their psychiatric care, and how hope slowly emerged amid cruelty and neglect. But this isn’t a simple story of heroes and villains. As Antonia emphasizes, Black people aren’t always the heroes, and white people aren’t always the villains at Crownsville Hospital. The truth is far more complex and human.
Listener takeaways:
<ul>
 <li>why Crownsville’s story defies easy labels of good versus evil</li>
 <li>how racism shaped early psychiatric institutions</li>
 <li>how history still shapes modern mental health care</li>
</ul>
Blending history, personal family stories, and modern mental health advocacy, Antonia and Gabe explore how Crownsville’s legacy still influences the modern mental health care we see today. This conversation is both haunting and hopeful, reminding us that healing requires courage, empathy, and an honest look at our past. 
“​​The other myth I want to dispel is that it's a black and white book where all the heroes are black and all the villains are white. This is a story where there are incredible and incredibly complicated people on all sides of it. And to me, that is the American story, that there are certainly the people who held on to the Confederate and antebellum attitudes and brought that to the hospital. But then there are people like Paul Lurz, who is a white man still alive, living in Anne Arundel County to this day, who dedicated 40 years of his life to saving and supporting children at this hospital. Black children, and who is beloved and adored in that community.” ~Antonia Hylton
 
Our guest, Antonia Hylton, is a Peabody and Emmy-award-winning journalist, co-anchor of MSNBC / Weekend Primetime, and the co-host of the hit podcast Southlake and Grapevine. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where she received prizes for her investigative research on race, mass incarceration, and the history of psychiatry.
MSNBC journalist Antonia Hylton is the author of “Madness: Race

Discussing Crownsville Hospital — once called “The Hospital for the Negro Insane”

Race, Madness & the Complex History of a Jim Crow Asylum

Imagine everyone around you — family, friends, even your doctors — insisting you have a serious mental illness, yet you’re certain they’re wrong. This isn’t denial — it’s a symptom called anosognosia, a lack of awareness that can make treatment nearly impossible.
In this episode, guest host Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizophrenia, speaks with Dr. Xavier Amador, Founder and President of the LEAP Institute and author of the bestseller “I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!” Together, they unpack what anosognosia is, why it prevents so many people from accepting help, and how loved ones can build trust and connection instead of conflict.
Dr. Amador has trained tens of thousands of professionals and families in his LEAP method — Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner — a practical, compassionate approach that helps bridge the gap between awareness and recovery.
 
Please Note: Our regular host, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/">Gabe Howard</a>, will be back next week!
 
“I refuse to get any help because this is not a diagnosis. I don't need this medication. This medication is bad for me. They really don't understand that they have an illness. We need to help people who have anosognosia... They're being pushed through the cracks. They're ending up homeless. They're ending up in our criminal justice system. They're ending up in back bedrooms alone, not talking to family. I mean, they deserve us, us to be attending to this problem.” ~​​Dr. Xavier Amador, author of I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!
 
Our guest, Dr. Xavier Amador, Founder and President of the LEAP Institute, is a world-renowned clinical psychologist, forensic expert, and author of 9 books, including the bestseller “I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!” His extensive work, books, and clinical research in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses have been translated into 30 languages. Additionally, he has authored over 130 peer-reviewed scientific papers and has contributed his expertise to over 80 death penalty cases. He is also a family caregiver of two close relatives with schizophrenia and another with bipolar disorder.
Dr. Amador has trained tens of thousands of professionals and families on LEAP® (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner), a communication approach that creates trusting relationships with pe

When you don’t know you’re sick: Understanding anosognosia in schizophrenia

Anosognosia in Schizophrenia: Understanding ‘A Lack of Insight’ with Guest Host Rachel Star Withers

Intrusive thoughts are common for new parents — but when do they cross the line into something more serious? In this episode, you’ll learn how obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) latches onto what matters most — in this case, the safety and well-being of the baby — and how evidence-based treatment like exposure and response prevention (ERP) can bring relief. Joining host Gabe Howard is internationally recognized OCD and parenting expert Dr. Jenny Yip, who sheds light on perinatal and postpartum OCD. Dr. Yip explains how obsessions and compulsions can overwhelm expecting and new parents, from fears of accidentally harming the baby to overwhelming guilt about being a “bad” mom or dad. She also discusses the stigma surrounding taboo intrusive thoughts — including forbidden sexual thoughts — and how avoidance can interfere with bonding during the crucial early weeks of parenthood. 
 
Takeaways for listeners:
<ul>
 <li>the difference between usual parenting anxiety and perinatal or postpartum OCD</li>
 <li>common intrusive thoughts new parents experience but rarely discuss</li>
 <li>why avoidance harms bonding and increases OCD’s power</li>
</ul>
Whether you’re a new parent, a clinician, or simply curious, this episode reveals the hidden struggles of perinatal and postpartum OCD — and the hope for recovery.
 
“OCD will tackle whatever it is that you care about. And when a family is pregnant, or when they have their first child, or when they have multiple children, what they're going to care about most is that. The safety, the wellness of the mother, of the unborn, or the newborn. And then that's how OCD starts to build and manifest.” ~Dr. Jenny Yip
 
Our guest, Dr. Jenny Yip, is a board-certified, licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and internationally acclaimed OCD, anxiety, and parenting expert. With nearly three decades of experience, she has treated individuals and families facing severe anxiety disorders, OCD, and parenting stress. In 2008, she founded the Renewed Freedom Center in Los Angeles, followed by the Little Thinkers Center in 2016, offering cutting-edge treatments. She serves on the board of directors for the International OCD Foundation, where she facilitates the Perinatal OCD Task Force and co-directs the BIPOC Behavior Therapy Training Institute. Dr. Yip is the creator of the Strategic Fa

Intrusive thoughts, taboo fears, and the relationship to OCD

Perinatal and Postpartum OCD: When Parenting Anxiety Becomes More

Hollywood has never shied away from portraying obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — but it often gets it wrong. Typically, OCD is reduced to a punchline, a quirky habit, or a stereotype about neatness and handwashing. In this episode, TV &amp; movie actor Rachel Alig and award-winning filmmaker Sam Sabawi take us behind the scenes of their acclaimed short film “For All I Know” to show how OCD can — and should — be portrayed with truth and compassion.
Sam, who lives with OCD, explains why lazy writing has distorted public understanding and how he used his lived experience to create an authentic story. Rachel shares the emotional depth required to embody a character with OCD, and how she avoided the clichés that Hollywood often leans on. Together, they reveal how real therapy techniques — especially exposure and response prevention (ERP) — were brought into the film to highlight the messy, ongoing reality of recovery.
 
Listener takeaways:
<ul>
 <li>how Hollywood depictions have shaped public misconceptions of OCD and why the process of authentically portraying OCD on screen matters</li>
 <li>what OCD actually is — and isn’t
</li>
 <li>why ERP therapy is the gold standard for treatment</li>
</ul>
This is a rare insider look at mental illness through the eyes of two industry leaders determined to change how we see OCD. Listen now!
 
Sam and Rachel's Award-Winning Short Film About OCD, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vwk4UPHKp0">For All I Know</a>, is available on YouTube now. (Viewing Link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vwk4UPHKp0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vwk4UPHKp0</a>) 
 
Our guest, Sam Sabawi, is a two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work spans narrative fiction, documentary, and unscripted formats. A five-time Telly Award winner and two-time Anthem Gold recipient, Sabawi brings over a decade of experience in visual storytelling across scripted film, development, and branded content.
 His recent short film For All I Know explores the interior landscape of OCD to externalize intrusive thoughts. The film is currently on its festival circuit. 
Our guest, Rachel Alig, is quickly establishing herself as a dynamic force in both comedy and drama, with a growing list of standout performances across film, television, and commercial work. With over a decad

A Hollywood actress and filmmaker reveal what pop culture gets wrong about OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)

Hollywood Often Gets OCD Wrong: Actor & Director Speak Out

How are punk rock and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) related? More than you think. In this episode, clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. J.J. Kelly — the “punk rock doc” — joins the conversation to break down DBT with raw honesty, humor, and zero fluff. 
Far from a gimmick, DBT is an evidence-based therapy that blends mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy to help people regulate emotions, improve relationships, and move through life’s inevitable pain without making things worse. DBT isn’t just for young people or people with borderline personality disorder — it’s a practical skill set that anyone can use, from corporate execs to teens, from those struggling with bipolar disorder to anyone wanting stronger emotional intelligence.
 Listener takeaways include:
<ul>
 <li>why DBT isn’t a fad but a powerful, science-backed approach</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>how to use the four DBT modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>how validation, radical acceptance, and even anger can become tools for connection and growth 
</li>
</ul>
Whether you’re curious about mental health treatments, skeptical of “newer” therapies, or just intrigued by the mashup of punk rock and psychology, this episode will leave you rethinking what emotional resilience really means.
 
Cold Open Transcript:
 
Gabe Howard: Behavioral therapy kind of makes sense. But what is DBT?
Dr. J.J. Kelly: It's basically Zen mindfulness meets cognitive behavior therapy.
Gabe Howard: And how do those two things merge? Dr. J.J. Kelly: Oh, beautifully. The mindfulness skills and the distress tolerance skills are the Zen stuff. And then the CBT is emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness skills. The assertiveness training, how to ask for things, how to say no in accordance with your values in the most effective way possible.
 
Our guest, <a href="https://www.drjjkelly.com/">Dr. JJ Kelly, </a>is a licensed clinical psychologist, EQ coach, and bestselling author making mental health accessible, fun, and stigma-free. Known as "The Punk Rock Doc," she blends humor, authenticity, and evidence-based techniques to help people build emotional resilience and take charge of their lives.
As founder of UnorthoDocs,

Learn why DBT isn’t a fad but a powerful, science-backed approach

Punk Rock Meets Therapy: Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

The youth mental health crisis is one of the most urgent challenges facing families today — but what can be done at a policy level to create lasting change? In this episode, former Ohio Governor John Kasich joins host Gabe Howard to share his work with the Bipartisan Policy Center and their recommendations for addressing this national emergency.
Governor Kasich explains why integrating mental health into primary care could be a game-changer for kids and adults alike. He highlights the small but critical legislative victories that are moving the needle and offers practical advice for advocates and parents: how to approach elected officials, how to use your personal story effectively, and how to channel passion into real influence without giving up in frustration.
Three key takeaways for listeners:
 
<ol>
 <li>Why bipartisan cooperation is essential for mental health reform</li>
 <li>How integration of behavioral health into primary care can transform outcomes</li>
 <li>Concrete steps anyone can take to make their voices heard in government</li>
</ol>
If you’ve ever felt powerless to change the system, this episode will inspire you to keep pushing, stay hopeful, and take action for the next generation.
 
“And it's hard to build a relationship with a therapist to begin with. And then when they tell you you can't have it anymore and you got to go find another one. I think it's a lot easier to just say, I'll just try to make my way through this, even when it's really difficult. And that was another one we keep working on.” ~Former Ohio Governor, John Kasich
 
Our guest, John Kasich, is a national leader who has spent a lifetime bringing people together to solve big problems and leaving the world around them just a little bit better than they found it. 
As the 69th Governor of Ohio (2011-2019), John Kasich led the Ohio Comeback. In his time as governor, he established JobsOhio, a first of its kind economic-development entity, and helped Ohio diversify its economy and create approximately 500,000 private-sector jobs. He went on to cut a record $5 billion in taxes, cut wasteful spending, reduce red tape and build Ohio’s rainy-day fund to more than $2 billion.
Gov. Kasich ran for President in 2016. He was the last candidate to leave the GOP primary and finished third in the total delegate count. His message focused on unifying Americans ra

The fight for stronger youth mental health policies and how you can help

Governor John Kasich on Youth Mental Health Crisis

How exactly does a three-time Olympic gold medalist end up with alcohol use disorder? At just 16, Carrie Bates stood on the Olympic podium with a gold medal around her neck. To the world, she had it all — talent, drive, and glory. But behind the scenes, Carrie was fighting a growing battle with alcohol that nearly cost her everything. In this episode, Olympian Carrie Bates opens up about her journey from the top of the podium to nearly losing everything.
Despite her success, Carrie saw many of the same warning signs many people face: denial, escalating drinking, and the belief that achievement meant she couldn’t possibly have a problem. Surrounded by a culture that celebrated alcohol, she ignored loved ones’ concerns and spiraled into dangerous behaviors — until a crisis forced her to confront the truth.
Listen and learn:
<ul>
 <li>how cultural messages about alcohol normalize addiction</li>
 <li>the early warning signs of alcohol misuse, even for high achievers</li>
 <li>why recovery is not instant — and how resilience leads to lasting change</li>
</ul>
Carrie’s story is more than a cautionary tale. It’s proof that recovery is possible, even after relapse and setbacks. By learning to surrender, ask for help, and reframe what strength truly means, she found lasting healing — and now uses her voice to help others do the same.
 
Our guest, Carrie Bates, is an advocate for recovery. As a three-time Olympic gold medalist (OLY) in swimming and a person in recovery, she deeply understands the interplay of the drive for excellence, trauma, life changes, and addiction. Sharing her truth and living her recovery out loud has been at the center of her work. Since 2012, she has helped others access treatment and fought to end the stigma that surrounds the brain disease of substance use disorder.
Carrie came to Caron Treatment Center in 2025 as director of strategic growth and advocacy. In her role, she works with partners in recovery to help more families in need access treatment and support services, promote Caron’s neurorestorative approach to treatment, reduce stigma, and advance awareness about addiction as a brain disease and the benefits of recovery. Carrie is passionate about prevention, the importance of mental wellness, the impact of addiction on families, the difficulties women face in accessing treatment and recovery support, and the role of employers and workplaces to support reco

“Every aspect of my life is connected to my alcoholism.” —Gold Medal Olympian Carrie Bates

Olympic Gold Medalist on Alcoholism, Recovery, and Redemption

Have you ever found yourself halfway through a concert, dinner party, or even a family gathering and thought, “OK, I’m ready to go now,” even though you’re having a good time? You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re antisocial or ungrateful. In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with Jodi Wellman, a positive psychology expert and TEDx speaker, to unpack the surprising psychology behind wanting to leave events early. Together, they explore why both introverts and extroverts can feel this way, introducing concepts like “experience efficiency” and “memory optimization.” Learn how our brains process peak moments, why leaving on a high note can actually enhance our memories, and why you don’t have to “get your money’s worth” by staying until the very end.
Key takeaways:
<ul>
 <li>Find out why some people feel “full” on fun faster and don’t need to stay until the end to enjoy an event.</li>
 <li>Reframe early exits as a smart way to manage energy, time, and joy—without guilt.</li>
 <li>Learn practical language for confidently setting boundaries when you’re ready to go, without shame.</li>
 <li>Discover how even the most outgoing people can feel “peopled out.”</li>
</ul>
If you’ve ever snuck out of a party, left a holiday dinner before dessert, or wondered why you plan your exit before you even arrive — this episode is for you.
 
“And yes, there is a purpose to the dinner and the tasting menu that goes all the way to the end. And yes, of course, we rationally know that. And yet, those of us who are experience minimalists are still OK to say, I got my fill. I got the appetizer and I had part of the entree. And admittedly, not many of us are kicking back our chairs and leaving halfway through dinner. But metaphorically, this works. When we know we've had our fill and we feel truly good that, wow, I got the songs I needed and wanted or look, I did most of the hike and I don't have to get to the top. I'm cool to go back. I feel good about myself. That's the thing. Are you having a good time and do you want to end on a high? That is, to me, sound judgment about living a life worth living.” ~Jodi Wellman, MAPP
 
Our guest, Jodi Wellman, is the founder of Four Thousand Mondays, a speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Her book,

Is it possible you are an “experience minimalist?”

Antisocial Myth: The Case for Leaving Early

For individuals living with schizophrenia, the world can be populated by voices, visions, or other sensory experiences that are intensely real yet imperceptible to others. These hallucinations, which are a defining feature of schizophrenia, are not mere figments of imagination but rather vivid, often distressing, and deeply influential aspects of their daily reality.
Today’s exploration aims to shed light on the phenomenon of hallucinations in schizophrenia, going beyond a diagnostic perspective to consider the actual experience, and the profound impact on an individual's sense of self and connection to the world around them. Guest host, Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and guest Christopher Grant have a real, raw discussion about what experiencing schizophrenia hallucinations is like. Please Note: Our regular host, <a href="http://gabehoward.com/">Gabe Howard</a>, will be back next week!
 
“Just because something is in the uncanny valley, it doesn't always mean it's terrifying or deserves demonization. I’m not blind to that fact that it’s off-putting to people through the perspective of a neurotypical person. I'm glad to say today most of my hallucinations are pretty, I don't even want to say friendly. They're just content, like a neutral energy. But, for a long time, I was constantly in a state of like terror, like fight or flight terror when I'd experience it.” ~Christopher Grant aka XO RAD Magical
 
Our guest, Christopher Grant, is a Mi’gmaw filmmaker from Pabineau First Nation, New Brunswick. Inspired by the intense absurdity of life and death, Chris animates to express the humour and terror of existence. He has worked with the NFB’s Hothouse project, and his work has been exhibited at galleries, museums and film festivals internationally. He is also known for his role on TikTok as XORADMAGICAL, where he creates art and answers questions all relating to his experiences with schizophrenia in daily life.
 
Our guest host, Rachel Star Withers, (<a href="http://www.rachelstarlive.com/">www.rachelstarlive.com</a>) 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 “<a href="http://psychc

Lived experiences reveal the realities behind schizophrenia hallucinations

Schizophrenia Hallucinations, Explained by Those Who Live It

What happens when therapy and medication don’t work? Treatment-resistant depression can feel like a dead end — but it’s not. In this episode, clinical psychologist and ADAA member expert Dr. Jill Emanuele unpacks the nuanced differences between sadness, grief, and major depressive disorder — and why misusing these terms can delay real help. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. What happens when traditional treatments for depression don’t work? You’ve probably heard the term treatment-resistant depression, and it may sound terrifying. Dr. Emanuele and host Gabe Howard dig deep into what this label actually means — and spoiler alert: It’s more about strategy than severity.
You’ll also discover lesser known but evidence-backed options that go beyond talk therapy and antidepressants, including:
<ul>
 <li>transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)</li>
 <li>ketamine and esketamine treatments</li>
 <li>radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO-DBT)</li>
 <li>electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) without the Hollywood horror spin</li>
 <li>psychedelic-assisted therapy using psilocybin </li>
</ul>
Key takeaways:
<ul>
 <li>the difference between sadness, grief, and clinical depression</li>
 <li>what treatment resistant actually means</li>
 <li>a breakdown of advanced, research-backed treatment options</li>
 <li>why individualization is key to recovery</li>
</ul>
This episode is your roadmap for understanding treatment-resistant depression on a deeper level — and for finding hope when treatment doesn’t seem to be working. Whether you’re managing this yourself or supporting someone who is, you’ll walk away knowing there are more options — and find that labels aren’t life sentences.

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.jnj.com/">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a> for providing funding for today's episode.

Our guest, Jill M. Emanuele, PhD, is Founder and Executive Director of Urban Yin Psychology, PLLC, based in New York City.  She is also Secretary and board member for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).  
Dr. Emanuele completed her undergraduate studies with degrees in Psychology and Music from the University of Richmond, and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from George Mason University. Dr. Emanuele has presented at academic medical centers, professional conferences, public and private schools, and community organizations on the topics of mi

What happens when depression treatment isn’t working?

Treatment-Resistant Depression Is Treatable — What You May Be Missing

We’re sold the fairy tale from birth: find “the one,” make them your everything, and you’ll live happily ever after. But what happens if that one person can’t meet all your needs - or ever could? In this convention challenging conversation, sex experts Dr. Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman take aim at America’s deeply rooted ideas about monogamy, intimacy, and what makes for a fulfilling - and lasting - relationship.
Host Gabe Howard points out America’s strange mix of selling sex while shaming it, and together they unpack why so many couples struggle in silence instead of having honest, non-blaming conversations about their desires. Along the way, they reveal how redefining intimacy, owning your choices, and using your “sexual energy” as a navigation system can lead to more connection, better sex, and improved mental health.
Key Take-aways:
<ul>
 <li>Why “the one” isn’t true for everyone and could set you up for failure.</li>
 <li>How monogamy, open relationships, and other structures can all work - if you choose them deliberately.</li>
 <li>Practical tips for starting sensitive sex conversations without triggering alarm bells.</li>
</ul>
If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship rules are helping or hurting your love life, this episode just might change everything.
 
“So monogamy is originated in feudalist society when there was like, someone who had money and, you know, possession. We moved into needing to know who our offsprings are. And that's exactly what monogamy started, because we wanted to know where are we inheriting our money to and the church came in and religion and it started to become like a, a standard to live by. But it's not necessarily our nature and it's not necessarily what everyone should be doing.” ~Dr. Danielle Harel
 
Our guests, <a href="http://www.celesteanddanielle.com">Danielle Harel, Ph.D., and Celeste Hirschman, M.A</a>., are pioneers in intimacy, sexuality, and relationship coaching. Co-founders of the<a href="http://www.somaticainstitute.com"> Somatica® Institute</a>, they’ve transformed how love and connection are taught through their experiential, science-based Somatica Method. Together, they’ve trained over 1,000 coaches and helped countless individuals and couples embrace vulnerability, rediscover desire, and create deeply fulfilling relationships. Authors of three influential books—Making Love Real, Comin

Ever wondered whether your relationship rules are helping or hurting you?

Beyond Monogamy: Sex, Love, and Connections

Ever feel like your fear of judgment is holding you back from college life? In this no-nonsense episode, host Gabe Howard teams up with ADAA member expert Ken Goodman, LCSW, to cut through the noise and tackle social anxiety head-on. Discover how everyday moments — like dropping a napkin or saying hello — can spiral into overwhelming anxiety and how you can flip the script.
 Ken offers real-world strategies that empower you to face your fears, transform awkward encounters into opportunities, and build lasting connections. Whether you're dodging parties or stuck with your head down in class, learn how to challenge your mindset and step boldly into social situations. Tune in and get ready to break free from isolation, unlock your true potential, and make the most out of your college experience.
This episode has been sponsored by the <a href="https://adaa.org/">Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)</a>.
 
“People with social anxiety perceive that other people are judging them constantly, but they're not. They're thinking about their day. They're thinking about their own problems. They're not thinking about you. If they do have a thought about you, it's pretty transient. It's pretty quick. It's not like they're dwelling on it like the person with social anxiety is.” ~Ken Goodman, LCSW
 
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: Your Guide to Overcoming Panic, Worry, Compulsions and Fear, a 12-hour audio course and Break Free from Anxiety, a coloring self-help book. His latest book, The Emetophobia Manual, is the first self-help book for those who suffer with the fear of vomit. Most recently he recorded and produced a ten-session video course for people with emetophobia. 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 I

Avoiding parties or hiding in class? Learn to step boldly into social situations.

Conquering Social Anxiety in College

What do you really know about schizophrenia? Guest host Rachel Star Withers — who lives with schizophrenia — takes us beyond the headlines and horror movies in this powerful, honest, and enlightening episode of Inside Mental Health. Joined by neuropsychologist and schizophrenia researcher Dr. Derin Cobia, Rachel explores what schizophrenia is, what it isn’t, and how it silently shapes the lives of millions.
They break down the real symptoms — including hallucinations, delusions, cognitive disruptions, and depression — and discuss why “positive” and “negative” symptoms are misleading terms. Rachel shares personal stories of psychosis, navigating daily life, and the lifesaving importance of support, while Dr. Cobia unpacks the science: from genetics to stigma to what the media consistently gets wrong.
Whether you’ve never met someone with schizophrenia (spoiler: you have) or you’re supporting a loved one, this episode replaces fear with empathy and misunderstanding with clarity. You’ll come away informed, moved, and maybe even surprised.
Key takeaways:
<ul>
 <li>the truth about schizophrenia’s symptoms and causes</li>
 <li>why stigma is deadly — and how to dismantle it</li>
 <li>what support systems really make a difference</li>
 <li>how schizophrenia affects cognition, not just perception</li>
</ul>
Hit play to get past the stereotypes and meet the human reality.
 
Cold Open Transcript: Rachel Star Withers (guest host): I'm sure there's some listeners right now who are thinking, well, I don't have schizophrenia. No one close to me does. Why should I care?
Dr. Derin Cobia: You know, schizophrenia, it indirectly affects everyone and it affects us economically, socially, and culturally. Even though somebody may not be dealing with somebody with schizophrenia, now, who's to say they won't in the future? And even if they don't, I would say just general education and awareness about it reduces this stigma.
 
Our guest, Dr. Derin Cobia, is a neuropsychologist and neuroscientist with particular interest in utilizing neuroimaging techniques to study how changes in brain structure influence cognition and behavior. He is also a professor at Brigham Young University.
Dr. Cobia's laboratory is focused on the implementation of computational anatomy tools to study

A raw, honest look at schizophrenia from both the lived experience and science perspective

Schizophrenia Unmasked: Facts, Myths, and Lived Reality

Is it trauma? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Or both? Can trauma trigger OCD? Can OCD feel like trauma?
In this episode, Dr. Nathaniel Van Kirk, a ADAA member and leading clinical psychologist and trauma expert, joins Gabe Howard to unpack the complex relationship between trauma and OCD. While both terms are widely used, few understand how deeply they can intertwine — or how often they’re misunderstood.
Dr. Van Kirk explains why a traumatic event might trigger OCD in some people, how OCD symptoms can mimic trauma responses, and why compulsions often become misguided tools for managing fear. He also dives into the surprising statistic that up to 90% of people experience a traumatic event, and explores how our brains are hardwired to both break down and heal.
 
Takeaways include:
<ul>
 <li>the difference between trauma, PTSD, and OCD</li>
 <li>why OCD isn’t usually considered a trauma disorder — but sometimes should be</li>
 <li>how clinicians decide which disorder to treat first</li>
 <li>why healing often means separating fear from fact</li>
</ul>
If you’ve ever had intrusive thoughts or wanted to better understand the mental health impact of trauma, this episode is essential listening.  
This episode has been sponsored by the <a href="https://adaa.org/">Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)</a>.
 
“For about 19% of individuals with OCD, they tend to have a comorbid PTSD diagnosis. I think that's much higher than what we initially thought as a field. Initially we thought it was rare, and part of the challenge is that for many years these two things were treated as silos. You were either a PTSD and trauma therapist or an OCD therapist. And very rarely did we cross over. It turns out that was not the great approach, because in reality, there's actually a lot more overlap than we thought. And finding out that it's actually a very common experience that people just didn't talk about.” ~Nathaniel Van Kirk, PhD
 
Our guest, Nathaniel Van Kirk, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in severe anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and trauma/PTSD. At McLean Hospital, Dr. Van Kirk is the director of psychological services at the OCD Institute. He is a member of the hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory Committee and Interdi

Can OCD lead to trauma or can trauma lead to OCD?

OCD, Trauma, or Both? Understanding the Overlap

Think everyone working in Hollywood is rich, famous, and living the dream? Think again. In this episode, host Gabe Howard pulls back the velvet curtain with therapist and Hollywood insider Shanelle Connell to expose the reality behind the entertainment industry’s glossy facade.
 Forget the multimillion-dollar paychecks and private jets — most working actors, crew members, and directors grapple with constant rejection, financial insecurity, 12- to 15-hour workdays, and the unrelenting pressure to smile through it all. Even finding a therapist can be a minefield when your life is dismissed as glamorous nonsense.
 Takeaways:
<ul>
 <li>The emotional whiplash of booking a gig… and the crash that follows</li>
 <li>How societal judgment can keep performers from getting help</li>
 <li>The hidden cost of “doing what you love” when your work devours your identity</li>
 <li>Why so many stay in the industry — even if it weighs on them</li>
</ul>
Whether you watch tons of movies or just wonder how fame warps mental health, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about Hollywood — and the humans who keep it running.
 
Our guest, Shanelle Connell, completed her BA in Psychology at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan. While there, she briefly served as a UBC Mental Health Network board member and performed research under Dr. Jocelyn Wentland and Dr. Suzanne Holtzman. Additionally, she participated in the <a href="https://students.ok.ubc.ca/career-experience/get-experience/undergraduate-research/aboriginal-undergraduate-research-mentorship-program/">Indigenous Research Mentorship Program</a>, which awards First Nations, Inuit, and Métis undergraduate students (like herself) the possibility to work alongside faculty mentors to gain research experience of their ideal interest. Shanelle also ensured to enroll in many special interest classes at her university, like the Psychology of Creativity, Humour, and Interpersonal Relationship Psychology – contributing to her expansive understanding of how our unique psychology colours every aspect of our lives. 
As a former <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/3774701/okanagan-woman-aims-to-increase-body-diversity-at-miss-universe-canada-competition/">Miss Universe Canada delegate</a> and <a href="https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Kelowna/17/04/04/Kelowna_woman_wins_Miss_Okanagan_and_preps_for_Miss_Universe/">Miss

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Truth About Mental Health in Hollywood

Hollywood’s Struggles: Therapy, Rejection, and the Myth of Fame

Healthline Media

Award-winning weekly podcast that approaches psychology and mental health in an accessible way. Listen as our host Gabe Howard speaks candidly with experts, celebrities, and other notables to break down complex topics into simpler terms.

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