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.

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