Inside Mental Health

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Punk Rock Meets Therapy: Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

How are punk rock and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) related? More than you think. In this episode, clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. J.J. Kelly — the “punk rock doc” — joins the conversation to break down DBT with raw honesty, humor, and zero fluff.

Far from a gimmick, DBT is an evidence-based therapy that blends mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy to help people regulate emotions, improve relationships, and move through life’s inevitable pain without making things worse. DBT isn’t just for young people or people with borderline personality disorder — it’s a practical skill set that anyone can use, from corporate execs to teens, from those struggling with bipolar disorder to anyone wanting stronger emotional intelligence.

Listener takeaways include:

why DBT isn’t a fad but a powerful, science-backed approach

how to use the four DBT modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness

how validation, radical acceptance, and even anger can become tools for connection and growth

Whether you’re curious about mental health treatments, skeptical of “newer” therapies, or just intrigued by the mashup of punk rock and psychology, this episode will leave you rethinking what emotional resilience really means.

Cold Open Transcript:

Gabe Howard: Behavioral therapy kind of makes sense. But what is DBT?

Dr. J.J. Kelly: It's basically Zen mindfulness meets cognitive behavior therapy.

Gabe Howard: And how do those two things merge?
Dr. J.J. Kelly: Oh, beautifully. The mindfulness skills and the distress tolerance skills are the Zen stuff. And then the CBT is emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness skills. The assertiveness training, how to ask for things, how to say no in accordance with your values in the most effective way possible.

Our guest, Dr. JJ Kelly, is a licensed clinical psychologist, EQ coach, and bestselling author making mental health accessible, fun, and stigma-free. Known as "The Punk Rock Doc," she blends humor, authenticity, and evidence-based techniques to help people build emotional resilience and take charge of their lives.

As founder of UnorthoDocs, Inc., Dr. Kelly created a vibrant community where young adults learn to manage emotions, build confidence, and cultivate healthier relationships — without outdated therapy methods. Her expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) empowers people to break free from self-doubt and master their emotions. A sought-after speaker and educator, she’s authored multiple books and helps thousands transform their lives through courses, coaching, and radical honesty. Her mission: disrupt outdated systems and teach people to be their own therapists.

Our host, 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. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.

Governor John Kasich on Youth Mental Health Crisis Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

The youth mental health crisis is one of the most urgent challenges facing families today — but what can be done at a policy level to create lasting change? In this episode, former Ohio Governor John Kasich joins host Gabe Howard to share his work with the Bipartisan Policy Center and their recommendations for addressing this national emergency.

Governor Kasich explains why integrating mental health into primary care could be a game-changer for kids and adults alike. He highlights the small but critical legislative victories that are moving the needle and offers practical advice for advocates and parents: how to approach elected officials, how to use your personal story effectively, and how to channel passion into real influence without giving up in frustration.

Three key takeaways for listeners:

Why bipartisan cooperation is essential for mental health reform
How integration of behavioral health into primary care can transform outcomes
Concrete steps anyone can take to make their voices heard in government

If you’ve ever felt powerless to change the system, this episode will inspire you to keep pushing, stay hopeful, and take action for the next generation.

“And it's hard to build a relationship with a therapist to begin with. And then when they tell you you can't have it anymore and you got to go find another one. I think it's a lot easier to just say, I'll just try to make my way through this, even when it's really difficult. And that was another one we keep working on.” ~Former Ohio Governor, John Kasich

Our guest, John Kasich, is a national leader who has spent a lifetime bringing people together to solve big problems and leaving the world around them just a little bit better than they found it.

As the 69th Governor of Ohio (2011-2019), John Kasich led the Ohio Comeback. In his time as governor, he established JobsOhio, a first of its kind economic-development entity, and helped Ohio diversify its economy and create approximately 500,000 private-sector jobs. He went on to cut a record $5 billion in taxes, cut wasteful spending, reduce red tape and build Ohio’s rainy-day fund to more than $2 billion.

Gov. Kasich ran for President in 2016. He was the last candidate to leave the GOP primary and finished third in the total delegate count. His message focused on unifying Americans rather than dividing them, championing the great potential of our citizens to make positive impacts in their own communities, a strong national defense and the importance of our international alliances.

Today, he runs the Kasich Company strategic consulting firm and serves as a television commentator for NBC and MSNBC. He is also a fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Health Institute.

He is married to Karen Kasich and is the proud father of twin daughters.

Olympic Gold Medalist on Alcoholism, Recovery, and Redemption Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

How exactly does a three-time Olympic gold medalist end up with alcohol use disorder? At just 16, Carrie Bates stood on the Olympic podium with a gold medal around her neck. To the world, she had it all — talent, drive, and glory. But behind the scenes, Carrie was fighting a growing battle with alcohol that nearly cost her everything. In this episode, Olympian Carrie Bates opens up about her journey from the top of the podium to nearly losing everything.

Despite her success, Carrie saw many of the same warning signs many people face: denial, escalating drinking, and the belief that achievement meant she couldn’t possibly have a problem. Surrounded by a culture that celebrated alcohol, she ignored loved ones’ concerns and spiraled into dangerous behaviors — until a crisis forced her to confront the truth.

Listen and learn:

how cultural messages about alcohol normalize addiction
the early warning signs of alcohol misuse, even for high achievers
why recovery is not instant — and how resilience leads to lasting change

Carrie’s story is more than a cautionary tale. It’s proof that recovery is possible, even after relapse and setbacks. By learning to surrender, ask for help, and reframe what strength truly means, she found lasting healing — and now uses her voice to help others do the same.

Our guest, Carrie Bates, is an advocate for recovery. As a three-time Olympic gold medalist (OLY) in swimming and a person in recovery, she deeply understands the interplay of the drive for excellence, trauma, life changes, and addiction. Sharing her truth and living her recovery out loud has been at the center of her work. Since 2012, she has helped others access treatment and fought to end the stigma that surrounds the brain disease of substance use disorder.

Carrie came to Caron Treatment Center in 2025 as director of strategic growth and advocacy. In her role, she works with partners in recovery to help more families in need access treatment and support services, promote Caron’s neurorestorative approach to treatment, reduce stigma, and advance awareness about addiction as a brain disease and the benefits of recovery. Carrie is passionate about prevention, the importance of mental wellness, the impact of addiction on families, the difficulties women face in accessing treatment and recovery support, and the role of employers and workplaces to support recovery.

Before coming to Caron, she served as an outreach manager for Hazelden Betty Ford where she worked directly with employers, patients, and their families to navigate the process of finding the treatment they need for sustainable recovery. Carrie has been a fixture in traditional media, podcasts and as a keynote speaker sharing her personal story, tips for families, and hope.

Carrie spent the better part of her career before entering the treatment and recovery field as a sales and marketing career at Nike, Inc.

She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.

Antisocial Myth: The Case for Leaving Early Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever found yourself halfway through a concert, dinner party, or even a family gathering and thought, “OK, I’m ready to go now,” even though you’re having a good time? You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re antisocial or ungrateful. In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with Jodi Wellman, a positive psychology expert and TEDx speaker, to unpack the surprising psychology behind wanting to leave events early.
Together, they explore why both introverts and extroverts can feel this way, introducing concepts like “experience efficiency” and “memory optimization.” Learn how our brains process peak moments, why leaving on a high note can actually enhance our memories, and why you don’t have to “get your money’s worth” by staying until the very end.

Key takeaways:

Find out why some people feel “full” on fun faster and don’t need to stay until the end to enjoy an event.
Reframe early exits as a smart way to manage energy, time, and joy—without guilt.
Learn practical language for confidently setting boundaries when you’re ready to go, without shame.
Discover how even the most outgoing people can feel “peopled out.”

If you’ve ever snuck out of a party, left a holiday dinner before dessert, or wondered why you plan your exit before you even arrive — this episode is for you.

“And yes, there is a purpose to the dinner and the tasting menu that goes all the way to the end. And yes, of course, we rationally know that. And yet, those of us who are experience minimalists are still OK to say, I got my fill. I got the appetizer and I had part of the entree. And admittedly, not many of us are kicking back our chairs and leaving halfway through dinner. But metaphorically, this works. When we know we've had our fill and we feel truly good that, wow, I got the songs I needed and wanted or look, I did most of the hike and I don't have to get to the top. I'm cool to go back. I feel good about myself. That's the thing. Are you having a good time and do you want to end on a high? That is, to me, sound judgment about living a life worth living.” ~Jodi Wellman, MAPP

Our guest, Jodi Wellman, is the founder of Four Thousand Mondays, a speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Her book, "You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets," made Adam Grant’s Summer Reading List and was a “Top 3 Psychology Book of 2024” by the Next Big Idea Club (curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Dan Pink). Jodi has been featured in The New York Times, Oprah Daily, Fast Company, CNBC, Forbes, Psychology Today, The Los Angeles Times, and more. Jodi’s TEDx talk is called How Death Can Bring You Back to Life; with over 1.3 million views, it is the 14th most-watched TEDx talk released in 2022, out of 15,900!

Schizophrenia Hallucinations, Explained by Those Who Live It Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

For individuals living with schizophrenia, the world can be populated by voices, visions, or other sensory experiences that are intensely real yet imperceptible to others. These hallucinations, which are a defining feature of schizophrenia, are not mere figments of imagination but rather vivid, often distressing, and deeply influential aspects of their daily reality.

Today’s exploration aims to shed light on the phenomenon of hallucinations in schizophrenia, going beyond a diagnostic perspective to consider the actual experience, and the profound impact on an individual's sense of self and connection to the world around them. Guest host, Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and guest Christopher Grant have a real, raw discussion about what experiencing schizophrenia hallucinations is like.
Please Note: Our regular host, Gabe Howard, will be back next week!

“Just because something is in the uncanny valley, it doesn't always mean it's terrifying or deserves demonization. I’m not blind to that fact that it’s off-putting to people through the perspective of a neurotypical person. I'm glad to say today most of my hallucinations are pretty, I don't even want to say friendly. They're just content, like a neutral energy. But, for a long time, I was constantly in a state of like terror, like fight or flight terror when I'd experience it.” ~Christopher Grant aka XO RAD Magical

Our guest, Christopher Grant, is a Mi’gmaw filmmaker from Pabineau First Nation, New Brunswick. Inspired by the intense absurdity of life and death, Chris animates to express the humour and terror of existence. He has worked with the NFB’s Hothouse project, and his work has been exhibited at galleries, museums and film festivals internationally. He is also known for his role on TikTok as XORADMAGICAL, where he creates art and answers questions all relating to his experiences with schizophrenia in daily life.

Our guest host, Rachel Star Withers, (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. (Our regular host, Gabe Howard, will be back next week!)

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.

The Inside Schizophrenia podcast is available on your favorite podcast player.

Treatment-Resistant Depression Is Treatable — What You May Be Missing Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

What happens when therapy and medication don’t work? Treatment-resistant depression can feel like a dead end — but it’s not. In this episode, clinical psychologist and ADAA member expert Dr. Jill Emanuele unpacks the nuanced differences between sadness, grief, and major depressive disorder — and why misusing these terms can delay real help.
But the conversation doesn’t stop there. What happens when traditional treatments for depression don’t work? You’ve probably heard the term treatment-resistant depression, and it may sound terrifying. Dr. Emanuele and host Gabe Howard dig deep into what this label actually means — and spoiler alert: It’s more about strategy than severity.

You’ll also discover lesser known but evidence-backed options that go beyond talk therapy and antidepressants, including:

transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
ketamine and esketamine treatments
radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO-DBT)
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) without the Hollywood horror spin
psychedelic-assisted therapy using psilocybin

Key takeaways:

the difference between sadness, grief, and clinical depression
what treatment resistant actually means
a breakdown of advanced, research-backed treatment options
why individualization is key to recovery

This episode is your roadmap for understanding treatment-resistant depression on a deeper level — and for finding hope when treatment doesn’t seem to be working. Whether you’re managing this yourself or supporting someone who is, you’ll walk away knowing there are more options — and find that labels aren’t life sentences.

Special thanks to Johnson & Johnson for providing funding for today's episode.

Our guest, Jill M. Emanuele, PhD, is Founder and Executive Director of Urban Yin Psychology, PLLC, based in New York City. She is also Secretary and board member for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

Dr. Emanuele completed her undergraduate studies with degrees in Psychology and Music from the University of Richmond, and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from George Mason University. Dr. Emanuele has presented at academic medical centers, professional conferences, public and private schools, and community organizations on the topics of mindfulness, adolescent depression and suicide, adolescent self-injury, DBT, and adolescent borderline personality disorder, and co-authored book chapters on some of these important topics. She also provides education through multiple forms of media including television, radio, internet, and podcasts.

Beyond Monogamy: Sex, Love, and Connections Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

We’re sold the fairy tale from birth: find “the one,” make them your everything, and you’ll live happily ever after. But what happens if that one person can’t meet all your needs - or ever could? In this convention challenging conversation, sex experts Dr. Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman take aim at America’s deeply rooted ideas about monogamy, intimacy, and what makes for a fulfilling - and lasting - relationship.

Host Gabe Howard points out America’s strange mix of selling sex while shaming it, and together they unpack why so many couples struggle in silence instead of having honest, non-blaming conversations about their desires. Along the way, they reveal how redefining intimacy, owning your choices, and using your “sexual energy” as a navigation system can lead to more connection, better sex, and improved mental health.

Key Take-aways:

Why “the one” isn’t true for everyone and could set you up for failure.
How monogamy, open relationships, and other structures can all work - if you choose them deliberately.
Practical tips for starting sensitive sex conversations without triggering alarm bells.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship rules are helping or hurting your love life, this episode just might change everything.

“So monogamy is originated in feudalist society when there was like, someone who had money and, you know, possession. We moved into needing to know who our offsprings are. And that's exactly what monogamy started, because we wanted to know where are we inheriting our money to and the church came in and religion and it started to become like a, a standard to live by. But it's not necessarily our nature and it's not necessarily what everyone should be doing.” ~Dr. Danielle Harel

Our guests, Danielle Harel, Ph.D., and Celeste Hirschman, M.A., are pioneers in intimacy, sexuality, and relationship coaching. Co-founders of the Somatica® Institute, they’ve transformed how love and connection are taught through their experiential, science-based Somatica Method. Together, they’ve trained over 1,000 coaches and helped countless individuals and couples embrace vulnerability, rediscover desire, and create deeply fulfilling relationships. Authors of three influential books—Making Love Real, Coming Together, and Confidence—Danielle and Celeste blend authenticity, humor, and bold honesty to inspire transformation. Their relatable insights into intimacy and connection make them captivating guests, offering audiences practical tools to enhance relationships and live passionately.

Thank you for tuning in! Show ideas? Hit us up at show@psychcentral.com.

Conquering Social Anxiety in College Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like your fear of judgment is holding you back from college life? In this no-nonsense episode, host Gabe Howard teams up with ADAA member expert Ken Goodman, LCSW, to cut through the noise and tackle social anxiety head-on. Discover how everyday moments — like dropping a napkin or saying hello — can spiral into overwhelming anxiety and how you can flip the script.

Ken offers real-world strategies that empower you to face your fears, transform awkward encounters into opportunities, and build lasting connections. Whether you're dodging parties or stuck with your head down in class, learn how to challenge your mindset and step boldly into social situations. Tune in and get ready to break free from isolation, unlock your true potential, and make the most out of your college experience.

This episode has been sponsored by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

“People with social anxiety perceive that other people are judging them constantly, but they're not. They're thinking about their day. They're thinking about their own problems. They're not thinking about you. If they do have a thought about you, it's pretty transient. It's pretty quick. It's not like they're dwelling on it like the person with social anxiety is.” ~Ken Goodman, LCSW

Our guest, Ken Goodman, LCSW, specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD. He is on the board of directors for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and is Founding Director of QuietMindSolutions.com. He has authored and produced several self-help courses and books including The Anxiety Solution Series: Your Guide to Overcoming Panic, Worry, Compulsions and Fear, a 12-hour audio course and Break Free from Anxiety, a coloring self-help book. His latest book, The Emetophobia Manual, is the first self-help book for those who suffer with the fear of vomit. Most recently he recorded and produced a ten-session video course for people with emetophobia. He lectures at universities and organizations across the country. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UCLA and operates his online private practice in Los Angeles.

Schizophrenia Unmasked: Facts, Myths, and Lived Reality Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

What do you really know about schizophrenia? Guest host Rachel Star Withers — who lives with schizophrenia — takes us beyond the headlines and horror movies in this powerful, honest, and enlightening episode of Inside Mental Health. Joined by neuropsychologist and schizophrenia researcher Dr. Derin Cobia, Rachel explores what schizophrenia is, what it isn’t, and how it silently shapes the lives of millions.

They break down the real symptoms — including hallucinations, delusions, cognitive disruptions, and depression — and discuss why “positive” and “negative” symptoms are misleading terms. Rachel shares personal stories of psychosis, navigating daily life, and the lifesaving importance of support, while Dr. Cobia unpacks the science: from genetics to stigma to what the media consistently gets wrong.

Whether you’ve never met someone with schizophrenia (spoiler: you have) or you’re supporting a loved one, this episode replaces fear with empathy and misunderstanding with clarity. You’ll come away informed, moved, and maybe even surprised.

Key takeaways:

the truth about schizophrenia’s symptoms and causes
why stigma is deadly — and how to dismantle it
what support systems really make a difference
how schizophrenia affects cognition, not just perception

Hit play to get past the stereotypes and meet the human reality.

Cold Open Transcript:
Rachel Star Withers (guest host): I'm sure there's some listeners right now who are thinking, well, I don't have schizophrenia. No one close to me does. Why should I care?

Dr. Derin Cobia: You know, schizophrenia, it indirectly affects everyone and it affects us economically, socially, and culturally. Even though somebody may not be dealing with somebody with schizophrenia, now, who's to say they won't in the future? And even if they don't, I would say just general education and awareness about it reduces this stigma.

Our guest, Dr. Derin Cobia, is a neuropsychologist and neuroscientist with particular interest in utilizing neuroimaging techniques to study how changes in brain structure influence cognition and behavior. He is also a professor at Brigham Young University.

Dr. Cobia's laboratory is focused on the implementation of computational anatomy tools to study neuropsychiatric diseases, particularly schizophrenia. His interests are in the clinical and biological heterogeneity that exists in schizophrenia by taking a cognitive neuroscience perspective. His work has involved linking cognitive and neurobiological characteristics to important clinical dimensions of the illness.

Our guest host, Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and let others like her know they’re not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written “Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids” and a tool for schizophrenics, “To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal.” Learn more at RachelStarLive.com.

To listen to the Inside Schizophrenia podcast, please visit the official show page at psychcentral.com/IS or use your favorite podcast player.

Please Note: Our regular host, Gabe Howard, will be back next week!

OCD, Trauma, or Both? Understanding the Overlap Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Is it trauma? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Or both? Can trauma trigger OCD? Can OCD feel like trauma?

In this episode, Dr. Nathaniel Van Kirk, a ADAA member and leading clinical psychologist and trauma expert, joins Gabe Howard to unpack the complex relationship between trauma and OCD. While both terms are widely used, few understand how deeply they can intertwine — or how often they’re misunderstood.

Dr. Van Kirk explains why a traumatic event might trigger OCD in some people, how OCD symptoms can mimic trauma responses, and why compulsions often become misguided tools for managing fear. He also dives into the surprising statistic that up to 90% of people experience a traumatic event, and explores how our brains are hardwired to both break down and heal.

Takeaways include:

the difference between trauma, PTSD, and OCD
why OCD isn’t usually considered a trauma disorder — but sometimes should be
how clinicians decide which disorder to treat first
why healing often means separating fear from fact

If you’ve ever had intrusive thoughts or wanted to better understand the mental health impact of trauma, this episode is essential listening.

This episode has been sponsored by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

“For about 19% of individuals with OCD, they tend to have a comorbid PTSD diagnosis. I think that's much higher than what we initially thought as a field. Initially we thought it was rare, and part of the challenge is that for many years these two things were treated as silos. You were either a PTSD and trauma therapist or an OCD therapist. And very rarely did we cross over. It turns out that was not the great approach, because in reality, there's actually a lot more overlap than we thought. And finding out that it's actually a very common experience that people just didn't talk about.” ~Nathaniel Van Kirk, PhD

Our guest, Nathaniel Van Kirk, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in severe anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and trauma/PTSD. At McLean Hospital, Dr. Van Kirk is the director of psychological services at the OCD Institute. He is a member of the hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory Committee and Interdisciplinary Recovery Oriented Practice Committee, and also serves as the site facilitator for McLean’s Schwartz Rounds Committee.

Dr. Van Kirk’s clinical research focuses on the role of motivation across treatment and the impact of trauma on treatment outcomes, and on promoting innovative methods to assess and conceptualize recovery. Additionally, he is involved in efforts to reduce mental health stigma (such as participating in McLean Hospital’s Deconstructing Stigma campaign), emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between therapists, researchers, and those with mental health challenges, including individuals who work in the mental health field.

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