Inside Mental Health
423 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 446 ratingsAward-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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Episodes
Westworld Star on Addiction, Bullying, and Mental Illness
September 09, 2021 09:30 - 25 minutesToday's guest, Gregory Zarian, is an Emmy-nominated actor with starring roles in TV and movies, most recently "Westworld." Join us as he shares his insecurities working in a cut-throat industry, struggles with sobriety, and history of being bullied as a child. A candid look at the human side of celebrity, he reminds us that even “rich and famous” Hollywood celebrities can struggle with mental illness, addiction, and trauma. Read the transcript or learn more on the official episode page. Gues...
The Menstrual Cycle, Stigma, and Mental Health
September 02, 2021 09:30 - 29 minutesMenstruation is one of those topics that has long been surrounded by misunderstanding and stigma. Join us as Dr. Sara C. Flowers tells us why. Listen in as she explains how this common biological function can affect one’s mood and mental health, while sharing personal experiences of her own. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Sara C. Flowers, DrPH, MPH, became Vice President of Education at Planned Parenthood Federation of Amer...
Asian Mental Health with The Biggest Loser Executive Producer
August 26, 2021 09:30 - 24 minutesIn this episode, television producer Joel Relampagos discusses the intersectionality of his identities — Asian American, former addict, and gay man — and how the wave of hate crimes against Asian people has impacted him and his community. We discuss his latest project, which was developed to stop Asian hate, titled “Recipe for Change,” featuring interviews with luminaries Michelle Kwan, BD Wong, and Lisa Ling. Joel was born in Manila, Philippines, and immigrated to America on his 6th birthday...
Marginalized Communities and the Healing Justice Model
August 19, 2021 09:30 - 28 minutesAccording to Prentis Hemphill, "Healing justice is active intervention in which we transform the lived experience of Blackness in our world." But it’s important to understand what those words mean. Today’s guest, Yolo Akili Robinson, the executive director of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective), explains how his organization utilizes healing justice to engage with marginalized communities. Yolo explains why he advocates for discussions surrounding mental health and mental ill...
Busting Common Brain Myths
August 12, 2021 09:30 - 21 minutesWe commonly hear things like “We only use 10% of our brains” and “The brain is divided into the emotional right brain and our rational left brain.” But is that true, or just myths passed down as facts from generation to generation? Our brains make us who we are, but science knows surprisingly little about arguably the most important organ we have. Join us as today’s guest, neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, explains what’s fact and fiction when it comes to our gray matter, and delves into...
Real Life with Anorexia: One Woman's Journey
August 05, 2021 09:30 - 29 minutesWhat do you picture when you think of someone who has anorexia? Today’s guest shares her journey with anorexia, from her sickest points, her diagnosis and treatment, and what life is like now that she is in recovery. She tells us how society’s limited understanding of eating disorders contributes to the care of those most in need being ignored. Anorexia survivor and mental health advocate Alex Carroll shares her firsthand experiences of her recovery journey. She candidly talks about what it ...
Dr. Phil McGraw Talks Transitioning Out of the Pandemic
July 29, 2021 09:00 - 29 minutesDr. Phil McGraw is one of the most prominent mental health advocates in America. In today’s episode, our host Gabe Howard and Dr. Phil discuss transitioning out of pandemic mode and into post-pandemic mode, all while taking into account that we aren’t out of the woods yet. Topics like vaccination, distrust of doctors, and the politicized nature of COVID-19 are all examined. With many of us struggling to understand the mental health toll of the past 18 months, it can be overwhelming to transi...
Is Sex a Skill We Are Born With?
July 22, 2021 09:30 - 30 minutesPop culture tells us that great sex is a natural talent — you either have it or you don’t — and that sex just happens naturally, with zero effort. Today’s guest explodes those myths and tells us that for most people, learning to enjoy having sex takes lots of practice and some trial-and-error. For most people, having and loving sex comes easily, but they’re not in the majority. Great sex is an ongoing exploration, not a singular, fixed destination. And everyone’s sex life changes over time. ...
What Is Narcissism Exactly?
July 15, 2021 09:30 - 27 minutesCelebrities, politicians, and bosses are constantly being referred to as narcissists. But what does that really mean? Is there an official medical definition of a “narcissist” or is it just a random insult hurled at people we dislike? Today’s guest has spent decades working with narcissists and those who are recovering from them. She explains narcissistic personality disorder and answers vital questions like whether this is an actual psychological disorder and, if so, how it’s diagnosed and t...
What is Motivational Interviewing?
July 08, 2021 09:30 - 25 minutesMotivational interviewing is a common phrase these days, but what is it? Is it only for counselors, or can anyone use it? And if anyone can use it, how? Today’s guest has trained thousands of people in motivational interviewing techniques. Join us as she explains how motivational interviewing is really just a simple set of conversational practices that can help you at home and at work. To learn more -- or to read the transcript -- please visit our official episode page. Guest Bio Dr. Liz Bar...
Women of Color and Online Mental Health
July 01, 2021 09:30 - 27 minutesDisparities in mental healthcare are well-known in the U.S., with different populations having more or less access to care. Today’s guest, Wilma Mae Basta, is looking to resolve some of those disparities by targeting women of color with her website and pro bono counseling service. In this episode she breaks down the need for culturally competent mental health services, explains barriers to treatment for women of color, and helps us understand that while diversity is important, it needs to be...
Transgender and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health
June 24, 2021 09:30 - 26 minutesAre you familiar with the concept of “gender affirming care” in medical treatment? What about the unique mental health needs of this community? Do you know what all the letters in LGBTQIA+ stand for? Join us as today’s guest, from the Sierra Tucson Treatment Center, explains these concepts and helps us better understand — and provide better mental health care to — members of the LGBTQIA+ population. To learn more or to read the transcript, visit the official episode page. Guest Bio David Cat...
Affair-Proof Your Marriage
June 17, 2021 09:30 - 29 minutesWe all get married fantasizing the happily ever after — after all, we found “the one.” But studies have shown that up to 50% of married people will have an affair, which begs the questions: Why are so many people cheating on their spouses? And how can you stay out of that statistic? Today’s guest explains how to “affair-proof” your relationship. To read the transcript or learn more, please visit the official episode page. Guest Bio Steven Ing, MFT, had a seriously messed up childhood… Like...
LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Prevention
June 10, 2021 09:30 - 29 minutesThe risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth is almost 4 times higher than for youth who don't identify as LGBTQ+. If that surprises you, the cause of the increase will be even more shocking. Today we talk with Dr. Amy Green from The Trevor Project as she reveals the findings of the 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health and discusses what we, as a society, can do to reduce the risk of LGBTQ+ youth suicide. Learn more and/or read the transcript on our official episode page. Guest Bio D...
Is Open Adoption Psychologically Healthy?
June 03, 2021 09:30 - 28 minutesWhat exactly is open adoption? Is it psychologically healthy for the child and adoptive parents? Are there lingering fears, like the birth parents will come back to "steal" away the child? Today's guest, Dawn Friedman, an expert on adoption, breaks down the research, shares her experiences, and addresses the fears biological parents often have. Learn more and/or read the transcript by visiting the official episode page. Guest Bio Dawn Friedman, MSEd, is the owner of YouAreNotYouMother.com, ...
Is Plastic Surgery Vain?
May 27, 2021 09:30 - 26 minutesPlastic surgeon, Dr. James C. Marotta has repeatedly heard patients, particularly women, express shame and guilt about wanting to change their appearance. They second-guess themselves and worry about seeming superficial or vain. Listen in as he explains why you should never feel bad about wanting to look how you choose. Learn more and/or read the transcript on the official episode page. Guest Bio Dr. James C. Marotta is a dual board certified facial plastic surgeon. He attended Columbia Univ...
The 80/80 Relationship Model
May 20, 2021 09:30 - 28 minutesWhat are your goals in your marriage? Are you trying to make sure everything’s fair and that you and your spouse are contributing equally to the relationship? Today’s guests explain why that could be a recipe for failure. Dr. Nate Klemp and Kaley Klemp are married researchers and relationship experts who have developed the 80/80 method of managing marriages and relationships. Listen as they explain how their method can lead to more closeness and a better connection. Learn more and/or read the...
Clubhouse Model For People with Mental Illness
May 13, 2021 09:30 - 30 minutesDo you know what a peer clubhouse is? What about a member’s only clubhouse for people living with mental illness? These types of clubhouses have existed since 1949 and there are over 200 in the United States alone. Join us as we chat with Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the CEO of the oldest clubhouse in America, Fountain House. Dr. Vasan tells us the theories behind the clubhouse model, the importance of respect in our communities, and what kind of results Fountain House has been able to achieve. To lear...
Juilliard Conductor with Bipolar Disorder
May 06, 2021 09:30 - 24 minutesThe Me2/Orchestra was co-founded and is conducted by Juilliard graduate Ronald Braunstein, who lives with bipolar disorder. His orchestra is featured in the new documentary, “Orchestrating Change,” that tells the inspiring story of the only orchestra in the world created by and for people living with mental illness, and those who support them. The mission of Me2/ is to erase mental health stigma one concert at a time and create an environment where acceptance and understanding are both an ex...
Welcome to the New Psych Central Website
April 29, 2021 09:30 - 23 minutesAfter 25 years, Psych Central has received a makeover. Some things are the same, some are new, and some are different. Now that Psych Central’s founder, Dr. John Grohol, has retired from running the website, for the first time in our history, we have a new Editor in Chief. Join us for today’s show as we learn about the new Psych Central and meet our newly minted — and super cool — Editor in Chief, Faye McCray. Listen Now! To learn more, visit the official podcast episode page here. Guest inf...
Psychology of Atheist Funerals
April 22, 2021 09:30 - 23 minutesHow do families and friends of an atheist or nonbeliever mourn their passing when the majority of our traditions are religion-based? Additionally, can someone build a community without religion — and is it even important to do so? Today’s guest is a “non-theist chaplain.” Join us as we find out what that means as he explains that atheism and ritual are not mutually exclusive. Listen Now! View the transcript and official episode page here. Guest Information D.S. Moss is a recently endorsed C...
Psychology of Forensics
April 15, 2021 09:30 - 27 minutesMost people believe that forensic science is an exact science that can always find the right perpetrator. But is that actually true? Today’s expert explains the reality behind fingerprint analysis, DNA, and other forensic sciences. Professor Brandon L. Garrett shares how a variety of cognitive biases and our basic psychology can cause crime labs to make devastating errors that destroy lives. Not only can innocent people be falsely imprisoned, but the guilty can go free and possibly commit fut...
Are Mental Health Apps Safe?
April 08, 2021 09:30 - 25 minutesAt last count, there were over 300 mental health-related apps in the app stores. With this many, how do you choose? How do they differ from each other, and do they actually help? Most importantly, how do we know which ones are safe? On today’s episode, we discuss mental health apps with clinical psychologist, Dr. Nathaan Demers, and digital health marketer, Joe Conrad, who created the mental health app Nod. Together, they explain what it takes to make an effective mental health app and how ...
Are Introverts Good Leaders?
April 01, 2021 09:30 - 29 minutesIf you’re an introvert, can you become a leader? Are quiet people capable of leading at all or is a loud, charismatic personality a requirement of leadership? The author of “Quietly Powerful: How Your Quiet Nature Is Your Hidden Leadership Strength,” Megumi Miki, answers these questions and tells us more about introversion and extroversion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bringing Out Your Inner Child
March 25, 2021 09:30 - 22 minutesMany people have heard the phrase “inner child,” but what does that really mean? Today’s guest explains how she has reinterpreted the inner child archetype for the modern reader — delving into how metaphors of the sun child, shadow child, and inner adult will help you improve your life and relationships. Stefanie Stahl is a national board certified psychologist, bestselling author, and one of the most well-known psychotherapists in her home country of Germany. Learn more about your ad choic...
One Decision to a Better Life with Coach Mike Bayer
March 18, 2021 09:30 - 24 minutesIn today’s episode, life coach Mike Bayer from the Dr. Phil show shares his philosophy on how to live authentically. Can one decision really be the key to a better life? What does living authentically even mean? Coach Mike shares exercises from his new book that he’s used with Dr. Phil, J.Lo, and other celebs. Coach Mike’s first book “Best Self” was a runaway success, hitting the New York Times Bestseller list. His newest book is “ONE DECISION: The First Step to a Better Life.” Listen Now L...
Adoption and Mental Health Issues
March 11, 2021 10:30 - 29 minutesWhen it comes to adoption, our understanding of the mental health needs of those involved seems to take a backseat. Concepts such as abandonment and trust issues, as well as acknowledging trauma, often remain unaddressed. Listen as our guest experts, Debbie B. Riley, LCMFT (Center for Adoption Support and Education) and Rita Soronen (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption) help us understand mental health needs for children and adults who have been adopted or are currently in foster care. Learn...
Trauma's Impact on Police Officers
March 04, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutesPolice officers are much more likely to die by suicide than they are to be killed in the line of duty. While society works hard to prevent law enforcement fatalities, mental health and suicide often remain overlooked. Constable James Jefferson, a 13-year law enforcement veteran, shares his story of being involved in a fatal shooting and how that experience led him to have untreated PTSD for years. Learn how he believes law enforcement could better protect him and his fellow officers. Learn mo...
What is ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)?
February 25, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutesWhat is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)? Is it just for select issues or can everyone benefit from ACT? Is there any evidence to support that ACT works at all? Learn about this form in of therapy in this episode. Steven C. Hayes is a Nevada Foundation professor of psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 46 books and nearly 650 scientific articles, he’s ranked among the most cited psychologists in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What Are Boundaries and Why Do They Matter?
February 18, 2021 11:00 - 21 minutesMost people think they have good boundaries. But when pressed, they can’t often explain what their boundaries are, let alone maintain positive ones. Today's guest explains the importance of setting boundaries to show the world how we expect to be treated, and how to communicate these boundaries without offending our loved ones. Our guest, Nancy Kalina Gomez, currently helps clients through her website, http://www.CouchIssues.org/. Hosted by Gabe Howard. A Healthline Media Podcast. Learn mo...
Is Grieving a Lifelong Process?
February 11, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutesWhen Hope Edelman was 17, her mother died. Like many families in the 1980s, Hope’s family grieved her mother's death in silence. This climate of silence around death made her feel shame around the topic and disconnected from her mother. In this episode, Hope answers the question “Is grieving a lifelong process?” and helps us understand the importance of openly discussing death. Learn more about NYTimes bestselling author Hope Edelman at HopeEdelman.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
Understanding Self-Injury
February 04, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutesFinding out that someone you know is self-harming can be confusing and unsettling. In today’s episode, Dr. Mark Mayfield, a board certified counselor and founder of Mayfield Counseling Centers tells us more about this behavior and what causes people to self-injure. How common is it? What type of person self-injures? Most importantly, is this something people can overcome, and how? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Different Name, Same Podcast
February 01, 2021 11:00 - 3 minutesI'm here to tell you that The Psych Central Podcast is changing its name to Inside Mental Health and we are now associated with Healthline Media. Don’t worry, it’ll stay the same great podcast complete with the same host and simple explanations to help you better understand mental health and psychology. If you are already subscribed to The Psych Central Podcast, you don't have to do a thing. It'll become Inside Mental Health all on its own. Thank you, Host, Gabe Howard Learn more about yo...
Recognizing Suicidal Behavior
January 28, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutesSuicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US and over 3x more people will die by suicide than will be murdered every year. What types of people die by suicide? Is it only people with mental illness who consider this tragic step? And most importantly, if someone is suicidal, what can you do -- is suicide preventable? Join today’s guest, Dr. Doreen Marshall, vice-president of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to learn about some of these damaging myths. Learn more abou...
Stigma of Borderline Personality Disorder
January 21, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutesThe stigma associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is well documented and undeserved. In this week’s episode, Dr. James Seymour explains this complicated condition, discusses the “borderline” label, and explores the role past traumas may have in the development of BPD. Psychiatrist Dr. Seymour is the director of the Sierra Tucson’s Chrysalis Program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus Content: Schizoaffective Disorder vs Schizophrenia
January 20, 2021 11:00 - 54 minutesWhile schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia both share the prefix “schizo,” they remain two separate diagnoses. Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard divulge their personal experiences with schizophrenia and mental health conditions as they explore the newer-termed condition of schizoaffective disorder. Guest Dr. Michelle Maust from MindPath Care Centers joins to give a medical perspective on the differences in diagnosing these disorders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
Inside Borderline Personality Disorder
January 14, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutesBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common and misunderstood psychiatric disorder. In this episode, Dr. Joseph W. Shannon describes the hallmarks of BPD, and shares best practices for treatment. Dr. Shannon is an expert on personality disorders, and works to train fellow clinicians on diagnosing and treating BPD, and advocates a different approach to achieve better treatment results. Joseph W. Shannon received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in 1982 from The Ohio State University....
How to Stop Doubting Yourself
January 07, 2021 12:00 - 23 minutesDo you suffer from self doubt? Do you want to make changes in your life and develop new habits but find yourself repeating old patterns over and over? Today's guest, NY Times best selling author Jen Sincero, offers frank advice from her new book, Badass Habits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?
December 31, 2020 11:00 - 28 minutesAre you curious about TMS therapy? What is it, exactly? In today’s show, two psychiatrists explain how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation works and how it can help many patients with depression, OCD or smoking addiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Beating Addiction (From An Ex-Addict)
December 24, 2020 11:00 - 23 minutesIs there hope after a heavy drug addiction? What if you quit but then relapse? Can you quit again? Absolutely. In today’s show, our guest Daniel McGhee shares his long, but ultimately victorious, journey through alcohol and heroin addiction, incarceration, treatment centers and relapses. Now he is giving back to the community that he feels he took so much from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inside Bipolar Disorder
December 17, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutesLet’s discuss bipolar disorder. How have treatments evolved over the last two decades? In today’s podcast, we welcome Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore, a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins and the author of Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for You and Your Loved Ones, which is now in its fourth edition. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-inside-bipolar-disorder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Loneliness and Litigation: A Lawyer's Case Study
December 10, 2020 11:00 - 29 minutesChronic loneliness is on the rise. But how can this be when we’re more connected now than ever? In today’s show, Dr. J.W. Freiberg, a social psychologist-turned-lawyer, explains that loneliness is not an emotion like happiness or anger. It’s a sensation like hunger or thirst. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-loneliness-and-litigation-a-lawyers-case-study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus Content: Evolution of Schizophrenia Treatment
December 09, 2020 11:00 - 1 hourSchizophrenia has been around since the dawn of time but actually treating it has only been around the past 100 years. In this episode host and schizophrenic Rachel Star Withers takes you through the dark and disturbing evolution of schizophrenia treatments. From systematic euthanasia to hydrotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy to the infamous lobotomy. Were these doctors "mad scientists" torturing the mentally ill or were they the only ones trying to help a population of people seen as a bur...
Celebrating a COVID Christmas
December 03, 2020 11:00 - 23 minutesWe’ve made it to the end of 2020! From polarizing politics to raging fires to COVID-19, it’s been a real doozy. And now the Holidays… Do we celebrate with loved ones and risk COVID or take a pass? Today, Dr. John Grohol, founder of Psych Central, explains how this isn’t going to be our regular holiday season and that’s okay: We can make lemonade out of lemons. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-celebrating-a-covid-christmas Learn more ...
Reframing Past Traumas
November 26, 2020 11:00 - 28 minutesWhat is your life story? Do you feel like a victim of your circumstances? And if so, how does this affect your future? In today’s show, our guest James Sweigert, who struggled out of a traumatic childhood, shares how the power of his thoughts and the spoken word changed his life. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-reframing-past-traumas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is Telehealth Effective?
November 19, 2020 11:00 - 25 minutesIn today’s COVID world, many mental health patients are finding themselves “forced” into seeing their doctors online, rather than in person. But how effective is telehealth? What are the benefits and disadvantages? Today’s guest, psychiatrist Dr. Frank Chen, thoroughly explains the whole new world of telemedicine and why it doesn’t have to be scary. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-is-telehealth-effective Learn more about your ad choi...
Can Swearing Improve Mental Health?
November 12, 2020 11:00 - 27 minutesOuch! You stub your toe or burn your finger and a curse word comes flying out. It’s automatic -- and it probably makes you feel a little better. But have you ever considered specifically using curse words as a way to improve your mental health? That’s the idea behind our guest’s new book “Move On MF'er.” For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-can-swearing-improve-mental-health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Understanding Emotional Abuse
November 05, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutesWhat are the signs of emotional abuse? Can you be a victim or a perpetrator and not even know it? In today’s podcast, we welcome psychotherapist Beverly Engel who explains how emotional abuse can sometimes slide under the radar and may even be mistaken as care. In truth, it’s all about control. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-understanding-emotional-abuse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Therapist or Patient: Who's in Charge?
October 29, 2020 10:00 - 30 minutesLet’s talk about psychotherapy. Why hasn’t it changed much in the last century? And if a patient isn’t getting well, is it the fault of the patient, the therapist, or the therapy itself? In today’s podcast, Gabe and psychologist Barry L. Duncan discuss the idea of holding therapists more accountable when the patient isn’t getting better. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-therapist-or-patient-whos-in-charge Learn more about your ad choi...
How to Mentally Prepare for Anything
October 22, 2020 10:00 - 27 minutesWhat’s the worst that could happen? And who will you still be regardless of the outcome? In today’s podcast, Gabe talks with author Shira Gura about her newest method CLEAR, a tool we can all use to prepare for an upcoming event or situation that is causing anxiety. For more information and a complete transcript, visit https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-how-to-mentally-prepare-for-anything Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices