Inside Schizophrenia

By Healthline Media

Featuring conversations and interviews covering a wide range of topics including caregiving, family dynamics, and getting help for schizophrenia. Hosted by Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizoph... more

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How many episodes does Inside Schizophrenia have?

The podcast currently has 90 episodes available.

Best of Inside Schizophrenia

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Top Schizophrenia Myths Debunked
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
August 19, 202643min
Number 2: Anti-Psychiatry and Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia has long been intertwined with the anti-psychiatry movement. The anti-psychiatry movement is based on the belief that psychiatric treatments often cause more harm than good. It challenges the legitimacy of mental illness diagnoses, medical interventions, and institutional authority. But the anti-psychiatry movement has also helped to significantly transform modern mental health care, patient rights, and legal, ethical, and clinical reforms. Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard break down the core parts of the ever evolving anti-psychiatry movement and how to navigate it as someone with schizophrenia and their loved ones. Guest Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Morehead joins. He is an advocate for mental health and the author of Science Over Stigma: Education and Advocacy for Mental Health, published by the American Psychiatric Association. Our guest, Dr. Daniel Morehead, is a psychiatrist and director of training for the general psychiatry residency at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He frequently speaks as an advocate for mental health and is author of Science Over Stigma: Education and Advocacy for Mental Health, published by the American Psychiatric Association. 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. Please share the show with everyone you know so we can grow! Thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 16, 202646min
Number 3: Systemic Failures Leading to Tragedy with Schizophrenia
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
June 17, 202648min
Number 4: How Peer Support Improves Schizophrenia Outcomes
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
May 20, 202646min
Number 5: Bonus: Avoiding Caregiver Burnout: Supporting a Mentally Ill Loved One
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
June 24, 202623min