Schizophrenia may develop in people of all ages, and the early signs of the disorder vary greatly from person to person. While the symptoms are the same, the presentation of them can change due to age of onset, gender, and severity.

Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore how the early signs of schizophrenia can present differently and specific behaviors to watch for. Joining them is Dr. Gus Alva, a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Geriatrics.

As an author and coauthor, Dr. Alva's work has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals, including the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and the Journal of the American Psychiatric Association. He has been featured on numerous media outlets and has served as an expert guest in various television programs, such as CNN News.

Our guest, Dr. Gus Alva, is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is also Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Geriatrics. He completed his residency training at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, where he served as chief resident during his final year of residency.

He also served as an associate professor and deputy director in the department of psychiatry at U.C. Irvine Medical Center, and he is currently serving as an assistant professor at U.C. Riverside Medical School, Department of Neuroscience.

As author or co-author, his work has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals, including the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Journal of the American Psychiatric Association, and Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. He has published numerous articles and presented at national and international meetings and conferences. He was the recipient of the First Annual Senior Care Humanitarian Award as Outstanding Physician in Dementia Care and the Physician’s Recognition Award by the American Medical Association.

He has been featured in numerous media outlets and has served as an expert guest in various television programs, such as CNN News, Inside OC, Salud Es Vida, Despierta America, The Morning Blend, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind.

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.

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“Schizophrenia” is a scary word. A scary word that 1% of the population manages. Movies and TV shows have long created stigma around those with schizophrenia. But how do you stop fear?

With knowledge.

On a special bonus episode of the Inside Schizophrenia podcast, host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, sits down with Dr. Derin Cobia to break down the symptoms of schizophrenia, current treatments, and what is on the horizon of schizophrenia research.

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 neuropsychiatric diseases, particularly schizophrenia. His interests are in the clinical and biological heterogeneity that exists in schizophrenia by taking a cognitive neuroscience perspective. His work has involved linking cognitive and neurobiological characteristics to important clinical dimensions of the illness.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and 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.

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Psychosis is a state of impaired reality which may include hallucinations and delusions. Experiencing psychosis can impair your functioning and have a negative effect on various aspects of your daily life, such as work, school, and the ability to maintain relationships. Being in a state of psychosis can be extremely frightening and confusing. Many times, it can be difficult for loved ones, caregivers, and even medical professionals to understand what it's like to experience psychosis.

Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard discuss what psychosis is like and how you can help someone who is experiencing psychosis in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Aaron Brinen joins as the guest. Dr. Brinen is the co-developer of recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R), and has been active in adapting CT-R for different settings and training therapists from around the world. He also has a new book out, “Living Well with Psychosis.”

Our guest, Dr. Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice, where he employs evidence-based treatments to help people recover from serious mental health conditions. He is also Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Brinen is a co-developer of recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R), and has been active in adapting CT-R for different settings and training therapists from around the world.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and 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.

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.

To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

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The story of schizophrenia has too often been told through a lens of fear and misunderstanding. But that’s changing. Thanks to relentless advocates, awareness campaigns, and policy reform, stigma is being challenged and access to care is improving. But how do we join this fight? What does real advocacy look like — and where do we even begin?

In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizophrenia, and co-host Gabe Howard share their own advocacy journeys and break down the many ways you can make a difference.

Joining them is Dr. Tracy Hicks, a doctor of nursing practice and dual certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner. With years of hands-on experience pushing for mental health reform, Dr. Hicks offers insight into what effective advocacy really takes — from the clinic to the capitol.

Guest Information:

Dr. Tracy Hicks, MBA, APRN, FNP- BC, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN, FAANP

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Dual Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Founder and CEO, Director of Clinical Services

Founder and CEO of C-Trilogy, Dr. Hicks has been an advocate in the mental health community for many years as well as actively involved in attempts to make changes in legislation to break down barriers to care.

C-Trilogy Comprehensive clinical care was established by Dr. Tracy Hicks as a for-profit entity in 2015, and in 2020 the Non-profit sector C-Trilogy Outreach was founded to answer the needs of the community during and after the pandemic.

Dr. Hicks is an experienced speaker with several appearances and presentations across the country, primarily in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), Emotional Intelligence (EI), Leadership, and substance use disorder treatment. She also serves as an advisor, consultant, and speaker in the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, she is certified in addictions nursing and was inducted into the Fellows of the International Academy of Addiction Nurses in 2019 and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners in 2021.

She is a clinic owner and non-profit founder. She serves as Vice President of Texas Nurse Practitioners.  She believes that “restricted NP practice anywhere is restricted access to care everywhere.”

https://www.ctrilogyoutreach.org

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and 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.

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.

To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

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Up to 70% of people with schizophrenia don’t take their medication as prescribed. This nonadherence is tied to higher risks of psychosis, relapse, ongoing symptoms, and even suicide attempts. So why do so many people with schizophrenia struggle to stay on their meds — despite such serious consequences? And what can actually be done about it?

In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers — who lives with schizophrenia — and co-host Gabe Howard explore the complicated reality behind medication adherence. Rachel shares her own experiences with skipping or stopping meds, shedding light on the emotional and psychological challenges that aren’t often discussed.

They’re joined by Dr. Alberto Augsten, a toxicologist and psychopharmacologist who consults with pharmaceutical companies and helps shape best-practice guidelines for psychiatric medications. Dr. Augsten brings expert insight into how treatment can be improved and what steps can be taken to support long-term recovery. Listen now to learn more!

Our guest, Dr. Alberto Augsten, is a board certified toxicologist and psychopharmacologist. He is a consultant and expert witness specializing in psychopharmacology and clinical toxicology. Offering professional, impactful, and strategic consulting services, Dr. Augsten caters to legal, healthcare, and clinical practice development. His expertise encompasses many areas, ensuring clients receive top-notch guidance and insights.

Dr. Augsten specializes in providing tailored consulting services to assist in the development and optimization of clinical practice standards. His expertise covers many areas crucial for clinic development, allowing for standard of care reviews concerning those matters.

Dr. Augsten's influence extends beyond his clinical practice. He offers consultation and education services to pharmaceutical companies, contributing to the advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge and practices. Through his contributions, he is helping to improve patient outcomes and ensure the highest quality of care.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and 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.

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.

To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

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Many adults with schizophrenia rely on family members for daily support, often depending on parents in their 50s or 60s. As these parents grow older, they face mounting physical and emotional challenges — along with the pressing question of who will care for their child in the future.

In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizophrenia, and co-host Gabe Howard dive into the unique struggles of aging parents caring for an adult child with schizophrenia.

Joining the conversation is Maye Jepson, a mother and caregiver to an adult son with schizophrenia. As a passionate advocate and a master's-level counselor, Maye offers invaluable insights on navigating the caregiving journey and preparing for the future.

Maye Jepson lives in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and, along with her husband Phil, is the caregiver/TRUST PARTNER and parent of Jason Jepson who has a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. Remembering the uncertain days when her family first learned of her son's mental illness, Maye formed a Facebook support group — Parenting Thru Mental Illness — hoping to give and share resources for those who are newly entering the world of mental illness. In the past, Maye has volunteered with several international boards, including Stonecroft Ministries, Imago Dei Arts, and Global Partners in Hope. In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree, Maye has a master’s degree in counseling from Marshall University. Like her son, Maye volunteers with the Share Network where she shares her perspective on mental health as a parent, wanting desperately to help a young adult child maneuver the challenges of schizophrenia. She works as a Care Guide for Johnson and Johnson’s Connected by Hope program. Maye serves on the Advisory Board of Students with Psychosis because she believes in the importance of shedding light on mental health issues from the youngest to the oldest consumer. Maye and her son Jason were Finalists for the Social Health Network’s Best Team award, and they were the recipients of the Students with Psychosis Family Advocacy Award.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and 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.

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.

To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

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Schizophrenia is a complex and often misunderstood mental illness, and misinformation and stigma surrounding the condition are still prevalent in our societies. The stereotypes and the myths of schizophrenia create challenges for people with diagnosed schizophrenia, but also for healthcare workers, family members, and caretakers.

Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard break down the top myths surrounding schizophrenia. Remember, just because society believes that it’s true doesn’t mean it is. 

Guest Psychiatrist Dr. Richard W. Miller joins to discuss the myths he is confronted with daily working in the mental health field.

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Our Guest, Dr. Richard (Rick) W. Miller, is a psychiatrist in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including South County Hospital and Landmark Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and has been in practice for 14 years.

Our Host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and 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.

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.

To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

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Everyone has felt overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells — but for people with schizophrenia, sensory overload can be constant and intense. Sensory processing dysfunction can make everyday sights, sounds, and touches feel overwhelming, leading to a phenomenon called “sensory flooding.” It can also make it harder to filter out background noise, identify sensory sources, and focus on tasks — sometimes even contributing to symptoms of psychosis like hallucinations and delusions.

Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore how schizophrenia affects the senses and what this means for daily life. They’re joined by Dr. Ray Kotwicki, a psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at Hightop Health, who shares expert insights into the science behind sensory processing challenges and how to manage them.

Tune in for a fascinating look at the intersection of schizophrenia, sensory overload, and mental health!

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Our guest, Dr. Ray Kotwicki, MD, MPH, DFAPA, is a psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer at Hightop Health. 

Dr. Kotwicki trained as a Department of Energy Fellow and was a Medical Scholar at the University of Wisconsin Medical School. He completed post-graduate training at Harvard Medical School, the Boston University School of Medicine, and Emory University, where he earned a Master in Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management. He remains a full professor on the adjunctive faculty at both the Emory University School of Medicine as well as the Rollins School of Public Health. Kotwicki has presented more than 425 invited lectures, symposia, and seminars to thousands of attendees. He is recognized as a trusted national expert and renowned speaker on current issues in psychiatry, mental health, professionalism, and wellness.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and 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.

Out co-host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

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The average age of onset for schizophrenia is in early adulthood, late teens to early 30s.

This is an intense stage of life for anyone — graduating high school, first time living on your own, entering the workforce, attending college, and figuring out what you want to do with your life and who you want to be.

Now add experiencing psychosis for the first time, hallucinations, delusions and losing touch with reality.

In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore the challenges of managing early adulthood with a schizophrenia diagnosis.

Why does schizophrenia emerge so often in this time frame, what experiences contribute to schizophrenia symptoms, and what are the challenges for young adults with schizophrenia?

Joining us later in the episode is Jules, a 22-year-old artist and college student studying marine biology at Columbia University who lives with schizophrenia.

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Our guest, 22-year-old Jules, is an accomplished artist and Columbia University freshman who began her studies this fall in both art and marine biology.

Jules’ love for art began when she was just 5 years old. She has continued to nurture this deep passion throughout her life, honing her craft at The New School, and was commissioned by Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC to paint a feature mural. 

But when Jules was in her early teens, she first started experiencing hallucinations. She was afraid to tell anyone what she was experiencing and would try to physically fight her hallucinations. She eventually was admitted to a treatment facility for care and received a schizophrenia diagnosis. Today, Jules is doing well, although she continues to experience symptoms.  

Throughout her journey with schizophrenia, Jules has found her art to be a powerful tool to express how her condition impacts her. She incorporates depictions of the eels and lemons she sees in her hallucinations into her work as a way of illustrating her experience with schizophrenia. Art has become Jules’ coping mechanism, and she credits her creativity partly to her condition.  

Jules is hoping to host an art show next year to showcase her latest projects, in addition to the Mount Sinai mural she’ll be busy working on! 

In partnership with the Live Your PosSCZible campaign (an awareness program by Bristol Myers Squibb), Jules is sharing her story to inspire others who might be living with schizophrenia.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and 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.comm.

Our co-host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

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Approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population lives in a rural area, and about one-fifth of those living in rural areas, or about 6.5 million individuals, have a mental illness. People living in rural areas have a more difficult time getting proper diagnoses and treatment for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia. This is due to multiple factors, including a lack of healthcare providers, costs, and social stigmas surrounding schizophrenia in these areas.

Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard discuss the challenges and solutions about access to schizophrenia treatment in rural areas in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia. 

Guest Tarrah Holliday, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive experience working with people in rural America who live with schizophrenia and helping rural populations get access to care, joins to share her expertise.

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Our guest, Tarrah Holliday, based in Atlantic, IA, is a Masters-prepared ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, providing services to approximately 2,400 patients. She works with two crisis stabilization centers, four residential substance abuse treatment centers and 17 mental health care facilities. She has extensive experience working with people in rural America who live with SMI, advocating for a population that is often overlooked and underrepresented. Her professional goal is to reframe the conversation from mental illness to brain health to help patients increase acceptance in seeking treatment.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and 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.

Our co-host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

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