Health
**Inside Mental Health**

Award-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. Listen now and share widely.

Latest Episodes:

What Is Narcissism Exactly? Jul 15, 2021

Show notes

Celebrities, 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 treated. Join us as she explains how to spot a narcissist — and how to heal from one.

To read the transcript, or learn more, visit the episode page now.

Guest Bio

Riana Milne, MA is a certified global life and love trauma recovery coach, certified clinical trauma & addictions professional, certified mindfulness coach, #1 bestselling author, the host of her own podcast called Lessons in Life & Love, an educational speaker, and licensed mental health counselor for over 21 years, living in Palm Beach County, Florida.

She was also a Life & Dating Coach for the Docu-Series Radical Dating — Finding Lasting Love Over 40 (and her client is now happily married!). Riana specializes in helping those who have had past childhood or love relationship trauma to heal, transform, and thrive, leading them to create the life they desire and have the love they deserve! She offers coaching programs for both straight and LGBTQ+ singles and couples globally for ages 16–76.

Riana's #1 bestsellers, “LOVE Beyond Your Dreams — Break Free from Toxic Relationships to Have the Love you Deserve” and “LIFE Beyond Your Dreams — from Fear and Doubt to Personal Power, Purpose, and Success” address life's difficult transitions, personal transformation, the mindset for success, and having loving conscious relationships with yourself and others. Find out more at RianaMilne.com.

About the Inside Mental Health Podcast 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.

What is Motivational Interviewing? Jul 08, 2021

Show notes

Motivational 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 Barnett received her master's of social work from Boston University and her PhD from the University of Southern California’s Department of Preventive Medicine. She has been a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers since 2005 and has since trained and coached thousands of people in the health and mental health arenas.

She has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles on the application of MI with adolescent substance users, co-authored two book chapters, produced specialized training videos, and developed the MI Companion™, which offers online practice modules. Her online practice platform has been adopted into academic programs in nursing and social work. Learn more at www.DrLizBarnett.com.

About the Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

Women of Color and Online Mental Health Jul 01, 2021

Show notes

Disparities 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 more than just a buzzword.

To read the transcript, or learn more, visit the episode page now.

Guest Bio

Wilma Mae Basta, the founder and CEO of DRK Beauty, is originally from Philadelphia, a mother of two adult children and the daughter of a civil rights leader. In the early 90s, she built a career in film, TV, consumer tech PR in the U.K. where she resided for almost 30 years. More recently, she launched and built the successful luxury vintage fashion brand, The Gathering Goddess, which was known for its high-end collectibles and whose garments could often be seen on the red carpet.

Basta was inspired to create what DRK Beauty is today after her experience with severe depression, which resulted in hospitalization. After that period, she found it difficult to find the right kind of help that would support her as a woman of color. After several years of searching and testing out different modalities, she was able to build her own unique mental health and wellness journey, which ultimately helped to transform her life. DRK Beauty is a direct result of that experience and is now positioned to offer that to other women of color around the world. Basta relocated back to Brooklyn in 2017 to begin building and launching DRK Beauty.

About the Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

Transgender and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Jun 24, 2021

Show notes

Are 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 Cato, LCSW, TCT, SEP, began working at Sierra Tucson in April 2008 and has served many roles, beginning in the mailroom. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M University and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. He’s a Somatic Experiencing® Therapy Practitioner (SEP), certified Transgender Care Therapist (TCT), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Cato completed his master’s coursework through an internship at Sierra Tucson. He has worked with substance use disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, codependency, grief/loss, and trauma. Cato provides individual, group sessions, and consultations for residents. He’s the clinical director at Sierra Tucson and a member of the executive leadership team. Cato enjoys presenting on topics such as trauma disorders and recovery.

About the Inside Mental Health Host

Affair-Proof Your Marriage Jun 17, 2021

Show notes

We 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, mobster-shot-to-death-by-police messed up. Out of this beginning came a lifelong fascination with two questions: “Why do people do what they do?” and “How can all of us figure out how to move to what healthier families enjoy and how they get their needs for love met?”

A marriage and family therapist for over 30 years, Ing helps people figure out how they too can have healthy sexuality and intimacy. He’s literally written the book on human sexual needs, “We’re All Like This” used in university-level human sexuality classes.

Steven is the creator and host of the true crime podcast, Sex Crime Central. He’s also a contributor to Psychology Today, Psych Central Podcast, HuffPost, The Advocate, SheKnows.com, The Rage Monthly, Adelante Magazine, and Gannett newspapers. Published author and TEDx Talk presenter (“What’s Your Magic Sex Number”), Steven talks about sexuality in a way that won't embarrass you (even if your kids are in the car).

About the Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Prevention Jun 10, 2021

Show notes

The 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

Dr. Amy Green (she/her) is Vice President of Research at The Trevor Project. Her team supports the organization’s life-saving work by using internal and external data and research findings to advance its crisis services and peer support programs, as well as advocacy and education initiatives. Under Green’s leadership, the research team produces innovative research that brings new clinical implications to the field of suicidology and LGBTQ+ mental health, and which enables the organization to better understand the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and suicidality. In addition to leading The Trevor Project’s annual National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, her team publishes multiple research reports per year, plus monthly research briefs that help inform the work of LGBTQ+ youth serving agencies and mental health organizations.

She has spent nearly 20 years conducting research related to youth mental health and well-being and has published over 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Her primary research interests include understanding and promoting resilience among LGBTQ+ youth, examining the social context of suicide risk, and utilizing implementation science to increase the positive impact of programs, policies, and practices, to reduce disparities for LGBTQ+ youth.

About the Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

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

Is Open Adoption Psychologically Healthy? Jun 03, 2021

Show notes

What 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, a membership site for parents interrupting family patterns of dysfunction in their own parenting. Friedman has been working with families for the past 30 years. She has a masters in clinical mental health counseling and post-grad certification in infant-toddler mental health. She's also completed the certification training for postpartum mood disorders through Postpartum Support International.

Friedman regularly speaks about parenting, mental health, and adoption, and her writing on these topics has appeared in publications that include Parenting Magazine, Yoga Journal, Greater Good Magazine, Adoptive Families, and Counseling Today.

About the Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

Gabe Howard lives with bipolar disorder and is a nationally recognized speaker and podcast host. He’s 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.

Is Plastic Surgery Vain? May 27, 2021

Show notes

Plastic 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 University and later graduated as president of the medical honor society at SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine. He trained at Yale University in head and neck surgery and was recognized as the top surgeon in the program.

Through his fellowship with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marotta volunteers his time and surgical expertise to FACE TO FACE, helping victims of domestic violence with facial injuries and to F2F FACES OF HONOR, helping veterans who had face or neck injuries while deployed overseas. He’s the author of “You're Not a Vanity Purchase: Why You Shouldn't Feel Bad About Looking Good.” Learn more at www.MarottaMD.com.

About the Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

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

The 80/80 Relationship Model May 20, 2021

Show notes

What 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 transcript on the official episode page.

Guest Bio:

Nate Klemp, PhD, is a writer, philosopher, and entrepreneur. Along with his wife Kaley, he’s the author of the newly released “The 80/80 Marriage: A New Model for a Happier, Stronger Marriage” (Penguin Random House). He’s also the co-author, with Eric Langshur, of the New York Times Bestseller “Start Here: Master the Lifelong Habit of Wellbeing” and is a regular contributor for Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, and Mindful. He’s also a founding partner at Mindful, one of the world's largest mindfulness media and training companies. Nate holds a BA and MA in philosophy from Stanford University and a PhD from Princeton University.

Kaley Klemp is one of the nation's leading experts on small-group dynamics and leadership development, a TEDx speaker, and the author of three other books, including the Amazon Bestseller “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership,” “The Drama-Free Office,” and “13 Guidelines for Effective Teams.” A favorite with Young Presidents Organization (YPO) forums and chapters, Kaley has facilitated retreats for more than 400 member and spouse forums throughout the world. Kaley is a graduate of Stanford University where she earned a BA in international relations and MA in sociology with a focus on organizational behavior.

About the Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

Clubhouse Model For People with Mental Illness May 13, 2021

Show notes

Do 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 learn more or to read the transcript, please visit the official episode page here.

Guest Bio:

Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD, is the president and CEO of Fountain House, a national nonprofit organization that serves those living with serious mental illness. Fountain House’s model of psychosocial care has inspired over 300 affiliate locations in 32 states. Dr. Vasan is also a primary care physician and assistant professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. He has over 15 years of experience in improving health, social welfare, and opportunity for those with the greatest need.