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 ...
Jul 31, 2025•31 min
What if the sudden mood changes, crushing fatigue, or unexpected anxiety you’re experiencing aren’t just stress or part of getting older, but signs of depression linked to perimenopause? In this episode, ADAA member expert and psychiatrist Dr. Crystal Clark joins host Gabe Howard to shine a light on one of the most overlooked mental health issues affecting women: the biological storm of perimenopause and its deep connection to depression and anxiety. They break down why up to 40% of women experi...
Jul 24, 2025•19 min
What if the biggest obstacle holding you back isn’t your past but your mindset? Psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, challenges everything you think you know about trauma, resilience, and personal growth. In this episode, you’ll discover why labeling every setback as “trauma” can keep you stuck, how social media turns psychology terms into empty buzzwords, and why blaming the world won’t set you free. Host Gabe Howard dives deep into the difference between being a victim and living with a vict...
Jul 17, 2025•18 min
What if giving birth left you with nightmares, hypervigilance, and a constant sense of dread — and no one believed you? Worse, what if you didn’t think it mattered because, after all, the baby is healthy? In this eye-opening episode, host Gabe Howard talks with ADAA member expert Dr. Lauren Sippel about a condition many have never heard of: postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Sippel explains what postpartum PTSD really looks like, why it's often misdiagnosed, and how to tell th...
Jul 10, 2025•21 min
We all know about physical fitness, but what if we treated mental fitness with the same urgency and structure? In this episode, psychiatrist and author Dr. Drew Ramsey joins Gabe Howard to reveal how everyday choices like eating more vegetables or going on a daily walk can profoundly reshape our brains and protect our mental health. No fancy meds or complicated therapy — just smart, doable actions that turn your mind into a powerhouse. Discover why mental fitness is the missing piece in our ment...
Jul 03, 2025•26 min
Is your child a picky eater, or is it something more serious — and how can you tell? Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) goes far beyond food preferences. It’s driven by deep-seated fears of choking, vomiting, or other anxieties that can lead to dangerous nutritional deficiencies. In this episode, Gabe Howard sits down with ADAA member expert Dr. Jacqueline Sperling, a clinical psychologist and Harvard Medical School professor, to break down the signs of ARFID, outline how it diffe...
Jun 26, 2025•22 min
Cults don’t always start with Kool-Aid or crime scenes — sometimes, they begin with yoga classes, utopian promises, or someone saying you’re special . In this episode, Gabe Howard sits down with journalist and author Wendy Biddlecombe Agsar, whose book “Cults: A True Crime Collection” explores how seemingly “normal” people fall into manipulative groups. From love bombing and spiritual seduction to sleep deprivation and isolation, Wendy unpacks the subtle tactics cults use to recruit and retain f...
Jun 19, 2025•27 min
Dive into a no-holds-barred conversation that shatters common myths about self-harm. Join host Gabe Howard and renowned psychologist and ADAA member expert Dr. Gillian C. Galen as they explore the intricate world of self-harm and emotional regulation. Delving into the neuroscience behind adolescent brain development and its impact on behavior, Dr. Galen explains why self-injurious behaviors are more prevalent during youth and how they evolve — or sometimes subside — in adulthood. They discuss th...
Jun 12, 2025•22 min
Looking to turn your big dreams into reality? You’re not alone — and it might not be your willpower that’s holding you back, but the way you set your goals. In this episode, host Gabe Howard welcomes Dr. Ross G. White, clinical psychologist, author of “The Tree That Bends,” and founder of Strive to Thrive, to demystify the SMART framework and help you build goals that stick. Together, Gabe and Dr. White unpack each letter of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-limited) to...
Jun 05, 2025•26 min
Today we peel back the layers of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) — a condition far beyond simple vanity. Host Gabe Howard and ADAA member expert Scott M. Granet tear apart the facade of BDD — a mental battle where the mirror becomes your worst enemy. This episode exposes a disorder that distorts reality, making you question every reflection. Forget cosmetic fixes — plastic surgery rarely provides salvation. Scott bares his soul, recounting his harrowing struggle from a college crisis over a few s...
May 29, 2025•23 min
Why would a person make their own child sick — or lie about it — for attention? In this gripping and eye-opening episode, retired detective Mike Weber joins Gabe Howard to expose the disturbing reality behind Munchausen syndrome by proxy, now medically known as factitious disorder imposed on another. With 40 years of law enforcement experience and over 50 cases investigated, Weber pulls back the curtain on a form of child abuse that's more prevalent — and more chilling — than most people realize...
May 22, 2025•29 min
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 ADAA member expert 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...
May 15, 2025•22 min
What does it really mean to grieve — and when does grief become a danger to your life? In this weighty episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, a leading authority in psychology and ADAA member expert, whose work on grief and loss has touched millions. Dr. O’Connor shares groundbreaking insights on the subtle yet critical differences between the stereotypical grief process and prolonged grief, revealing why your heart can literally stop functioning due to loss. From st...
May 01, 2025•24 min
When children grieve, the adults around them are often grieving, too—but how do we help them process loss when we’re struggling ourselves? In this powerful conversation, author Lindsay Bonilla shares the deeply personal story behind her children’s book “The Hole,” written to help young readers understand and express grief. With host Gabe Howard, together they explore the challenges of discussing death with kids, why grief shouldn’t be “filled in” and forgotten, and how storytelling can create sp...
Apr 17, 2025•24 min
Ready to revolutionize the way you parent your newly minted adult children? In this episode, host Gabe Howard teams up with award-winning speaker Dr. Michael Ayalon to unravel the art of transforming traditional parenting into a dynamic, adult-to-adult dialogue. With insights honed over decades in leadership, higher education, and fraternity life, Michael offers practical strategies for balancing love, respect, and guidance while letting go of outdated rules. If you’re seeking fresh insights to ...
Apr 03, 2025•25 min
Mental health influencers are everywhere — but can they be trusted? Kody Green, known online as Schizophrenic Hippie, joins Gabe Howard to tackle the controversy head-on. Kody shares how he balances advocacy with accuracy, why fact-checking matters, and how respectful conversations can combat misinformation. They also explore the impact of social media restrictions on topics like schizophrenia and suicide, and why open dialogue is essential for breaking stigma. Tune in for an honest conversation...
Mar 20, 2025•25 min
In this episode, our host interviews Dr. David Burns about his methods for overcoming negative thoughts and promoting joy using CBT techniques. Dr. Burns discusses various techniques and introduces his new digital tool, the Feeling Great app, which tracks personal feelings to facilitate quick and effective therapy, using advanced methods to help users change their thought patterns and emotions. Additionally, Dr. Burns emphasizes the importance of measurements in therapy for accountability and op...
Mar 06, 2025•26 min
Ever wonder why some of the smartest people, like doctors, can still get it wrong? In this eye-opening episode, Gabe Howard talks with Dr. Marty Makary, author of “Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong,” to uncover how groupthink and cognitive biases influence not just medicine but also parenting and our everyday decisions. In this episode, Dr. Makary reveals why questioning authority is essential for better health outcomes. Parents, this episode is a must-listen! Learn why you don’t need t...
Feb 20, 2025•25 min
Do you often feel exhausted, resentful, or underappreciated in your relationships? In this episode, Gabe Howard and licensed psychotherapist Terri Cole explore the complexities of codependency, including its less-talked-about form: “high functioning codependency.” Terri shares practical tools like the “resentment inventory” to identify unhealthy relational patterns and explains how overgiving can be an unconscious attempt to control chaos. You’ll also learn how societal pressures, especially on ...
Feb 06, 2025•28 min
Is your child moody — or is it something more serious? Dr. Christine Crawford, associate medical director at NAMI, joins Gabe Howard to break down the subtle signs of mental health struggles in kids and teens. Learn how to spot red flags, approach tough conversations, and take action without overreacting. From understanding brain development to navigating crises, this episode offers expert tips and practical tools to help parents feel confident supporting their child’s mental health. Tune in for...
Jan 23, 2025•26 min
How does trauma-informed mental health care save lives and improve long-term recovery? Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal, psychiatrist and suicide prevention advocate, joins Gabe Howard to explain this vital yet often overlooked approach. With compassion and clarity, Dr. Chhatwal shares her personal story of losing her father to suicide, highlighting the ripple effects of trauma and the urgent need for systemic change. She reveals how healthcare systems — often unintentionally — can retraumatize vulnerable i...
Jan 09, 2025•28 min
Why do kids freak out, and how can adults guide them through it without just saying, "Stop it?” Dr. Carla Naumburg, clinical social worker and author of How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids, joins Gabe Howard to unpack the science of emotional outbursts. Learn the surprising reasons behind freak-outs, how to manage them with humor (learn about acronyms FART and BuRP), and why telling kids to calm down often backfires. This episode is packed with practical advice for parents, teachers, and...
Dec 26, 2024•27 min
What if trauma didn’t just break us but could also shape us in powerful ways? In this thought-provoking episode, Krista St-Germain and Gabe Howard dive into the complex world of post-traumatic growth — exploring how some people emerge from life’s darkest moments with deeper purpose, stronger connections, and realigned values. This concept, however, isn’t about being “grateful” for suffering. It’s about rejecting toxic positivity, confronting internal conflicts, and embracing intentional choices....
Dec 12, 2024•25 min
Why won’t mental health professionals share with the public when they suspect a presidential candidate has mental illness? As election cycles intensify, the public often seeks expert opinions on candidates’ mental health, but there’s a reason psychiatrists stay silent. In today’s episode, host Gabe Howard and guest Rachael Beairsto dive into the history of the 1964 Goldwater Rule, which prohibits mental health experts from publicly diagnosing public figures without firsthand evaluation. They exp...
Nov 28, 2024•26 min
Today’s guest is a self-described “Grim Reaper’s cheerleader” and author of You Only Die Once. In this episode, we explore a fascinating approach to breaking out of autopilot: counting how many Mondays you have left to live. With a blend of humor and urgency, Jodi Wellman challenges us to think differently about mortality and how it impacts our choices, passions, and the way we live each day. Our host, Gabe Howard, calculates his own remaining Mondays, where he’s hit with the reality of limited ...
Nov 14, 2024•28 min
Mental health professionals often provide support, but what happens when they need help themselves? In this episode, Dr. Jessi Gold and Gabe Howard explore burnout, emotional exhaustion, and the unique challenges doctors and therapists face. Using humor and honesty, they discuss the stigmas around mental health care providers seeking treatment themselves and the importance of "practicing what you preach." Dr. Gold reveals how burnout can manifest emotionally and physically, from depersonalizatio...
Oct 31, 2024•27 min
How does a woman with schizophrenia manage life as an entertainer, stuntwoman, and podcast host all while managing a severe mental illness? In this episode, Rachel Star Withers shares her intense and often shocking journey—from growing up in the Bible Belt believing her hallucinations were demons, to undergoing an exorcism before finally receiving a medical diagnosis of schizophrenia. She candidly discusses the stigma she faced, including being told she was "choosing Satan," and how she overcame...
Oct 17, 2024•28 min
How does the patriarchy shape women’s thoughts and actions, often without them realizing it? In this episode, Gabe Howard sits down with feminist thought leader Kara Loewentheil to discuss how patriarchal conditioning impacts women, both at work and at home. Kara explains the concept of the “brain gap” — the internal conflict between societal expectations and personal beliefs — and how women can work toward overcoming it. Through practical tools like her “10% Less (Crappy) Thought” technique, sh...
Oct 03, 2024•25 min
Shame is everywhere, and for women, it’s a constant, uninvited guest. Join host Gabe Howard and writer Melissa Petro as they explore how shame functions as a tool to keep women in line—dictating what they can be, how they should look, and who they’re allowed to become. Melissa reveals the hidden forces at play that make women feel “not good enough,” no matter what they do. She introduces “shame resilience,” a powerful strategy to transform how we see ourselves by embracing our feelings and chall...
Sep 19, 2024•27 min
As political campaigns ramp up, many of us feel the pressure and anxiety that come with the constant stream of fear-based rhetoric. In this timely episode, Gabe Howard sits down with Dr. Michelle A. Patriquin, the director of research at the Menninger Clinic and an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine, to explore the phenomenon of election stress. Dr. Patriquin sheds light on how these tactics prey on our core fears, the psychological impact of election-related anxiety, and why it a...
Sep 05, 2024•27 min
