Inside Mental Health

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MENTAL HEALTH
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

6 DAYS AGO

Shame as a Feminist Issue: Reclaiming Your Story

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 challenging the stories we've been told. If you're tired of walking the impossible line between “too much” and “not enough,” this episode is for you. Discover how to break free from the labels, live more authentically, and reclaim your power in a world that constantly tries to diminish it. Tune in and start rewriting your own narrative today. “Shame is going to lower treatment adherence. We're not going to follow their orders if we are having feelings of shame. And also, shame, just shame itself is bad for our health. So, when I say shame is killing us, I don't mean it's just really making us feel sad about ourselves. It's not. It's impacting our physical health, and it needs to be addressed on an individual but also societal level.” ~Melissa Petro To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page. Our guest, Melissa Petro, is a journalist whose writing has been featured in The Washington Post, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, Good Housekeeping, The Guardian, InStyle, and many other national publications. She was a finalist for the PEN/Fusion Emerging Writers Prize and she holds a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies from Antioch and an MFA in creative nonfiction from The New School. She lives with her husband and two young children in upstate New York. 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 min
5 SEPT

Election Anxiety: Navigating and Easing the Stress

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 affects people across political parties. Tune in to learn practical strategies for rising above the stress, understanding the broader picture, and maintaining your mental health in the face of uncertainty. This episode is a must listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by this year’s presidential election. “Like watching cars slow down when there's a wreck on the side of a road. It just evokes some emotions. And getting sort of sucked in. I keep using that word because it's so attractive. It's so like interesting and it’s like you get really caught up in it. And instead really kind of thinking about is this someone's opinion? Is this more logic and data driven?” ~Michelle A. Patriquin, PhD To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. Our guest, Dr. Michelle Patriquin, PhD, ABPP, is the Director of Research and a Senior Psychologist at The Menninger Clinic and Associate Professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She is a board certified and licensed psychologist. She has authored over 185 publications and presentations and has been honored with numerous awards for her research and mentorship. She serves as a board member for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), as well as other nonprofits committed to mental health clinical care, research, and education. Across her work, she is committed to building real-world solutions that expedite the translation of mental health scientific discoveries into robust clinical innovation that improve mental health outcomes for all. 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 min
22 AUG

Why We Fall for Fitness Quick Fixes and How to Break Free

Why are we so drawn to the promise of quick fixes in our fitness goals, and why do they often lead to disappointment? In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with Dr. Cedric Bryant, CEO of the American Council on Exercise, to explore the psychological and social factors behind our attraction to these easy solutions. They discuss the evolving science of exercise, the importance of integrating physical and mental health, and practical strategies to help you stay on track with realistic, sustainable fitness goals. Tune in to learn how to spot the fads and focus on what really works for your long-term health. “So rather than focusing on running a four-minute mile or being able to bench press a certain weight, start with goals that are just about, kind of to borrow the old Nike, just doing it. You start with the process of, OK, I'm going to do some form of exercise or physical activity three times a week for 20 minutes a day. And just use that. Don't think about what's going to be the resultant outcome of that, and once you start to master those, then you can start shifting toward setting some performance or outcome-based goals for yourself, because then you're going to have a better framework of what is truly achievable for you.” ~Dr. Cedric Bryant To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit our official episode page. Our guest, Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., FACSM, is the Chief Executive Officer at the American Council on Exercise (ACE). On a typical day, he collaborates with various partners such as the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine to champion increased physical activity based on science and evidence-based practices. When sharing about physical activity Cedric often says, “Some activity is better than none, and more is better than some! Every little bit counts.” Cedric has more than 35 years in the health and fitness industry and has authored more than 300 articles and co-authored or edited more than 40 books. He earned both his doctorate in physiology and master’s degree in exercise science from Pennsylvania State University, where he received Pennsylvania State University’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor presented to its alumni. 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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33 min
8 AUG

Challenging Monogamy: Women Leading the Way in Open Relationships

In this revealing episode, Dr. Tammy Nelson and Gabe Howard delve into the myths and realities of monogamy, infidelity, and open relationships. Discover surprising insights from Ashley Madison data and Dr. Nelson’s extensive research, revealing that women, not men, are often the gatekeepers of monogamy. Explore the dynamics of emotional and physical connections outside traditional boundaries, and learn how couples can navigate discussions about open relationships without damaging trust. Whether you're curious about alternative lifestyles or seeking to understand the evolving landscape of modern relationships, this episode promises to challenge your perceptions and spark thoughtful conversations. Listen now! “I don't know if it's about not being under someone's thumb. I mean, women have always had affairs, even in cultures where you can be beheaded and stoned to death in the street, women still cheat as often as they ever have. So I mean, that's an interesting statistic. Like, why are we looking for alternative relationships even when it could kill us? You know, it's hard to get really good statistics on how often people cheat because cheating is based on dishonesty, right? And so people lie to the researchers. So we don't really know.” ~Tammy Nelson, PhD To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. Our guest, Tammy Nelson, PhD, is a Board Certified Sexologist, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Imago Relationship therapist, and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor with over 30 years of experience working with couples and individuals and flexible monogamy relationships. She is a TEDx speaker and hosts “The Trouble With Sex” podcast. She speaks worldwide and consults with institutes, think tanks, and corporations on communication, integrity, and relationships. At this time of great global stress, Dr. Nelson helps people cope with working from home, disruption across all industries, and social distancing. 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 min
25 JUL

Unmasking Fakes: Is Mental Health the New Excuse? (From Listener Questions)

Dive into a candid discussion on mental health as host Gabe Howard speaks with Rachael Beairsto, a senior editor for Healthline. Together, they tackle tough questions about authenticity and stigma provided by listeners like you. Explore how misconceptions and pop culture blur the lines between genuine struggles and excuses, examining why some may fake mental health issues and the impact on those who truly live with them. From self-harm to artistic stereotypes, they challenge familiar narratives and offer insights into navigating this complex terrain. Join them for an eye-opening exploration that sheds light on the nuances of mental illness in today's society. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- check out the official page. “We're using language that we don't fully understand. The wider conversation doesn't necessarily mean it's a more accurate conversation. If we're just learning a little bit about mental health here and there, it doesn't necessarily mean we understand the nuances. You know, people who have received a diagnosis professionally, the idea that they're faking it is really harmful. And it's a big part of mental health stigma. And it's like people assuming that maybe that that person is faking it can be a really hard part of living with a mental health disorder.” ~Rachael Beairsto, Healthline Senior Editor Our guest, Rachael Beairsto, is a senior editor with Healthline Media. She covers many health topics, including mental health, chronic conditions, and skin care. Most recently, she supported the launch of Wellos, a mobile wellness app that helps members reach their stress, nutrition, and weight goals. She’s passionate about sharing accurate, engaging health information to help people lead their healthiest, happiest lives. 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 min
11 JUL

Discussing Porn Addiction and Anxiety, One (Podcast) Episode at a Time with Paul Gilmartin

Paul Gilmartin, host of the “Mental Illness Happy Hour” podcast, and Gabe discuss Paul’s struggles with anxiety, financial pressures, and porn addiction. They emphasize the importance of support networks, self-compassion, and finding healthy coping mechanisms. Paul shares how he moved past pornography addiction toward more fulfilling hobbies and relationships. A vulnerable and eye-opening story—listen now! “You'll never find out what your body feels like without being shocked by the intensity of pornography if you don't take a break from it. I think it's definitely worth some investigating because I also find I have way more sexual energy and desire to bring to my relationship. Because I'm not dissipating it. And it feels great. In many ways, it feels like self-actualization.” ~Paul Gilmartin To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official page. From 1995 to 2011, our guest Paul Gilmartin co-hosted TBS’ “Dinner and a Movie” and performed his half-hour stand-up special “Comedy Central Presents: Paul Gilmartin.” He is a frequent guest on the “Jimmy Dore Show,” performing political satire as his right-wing U.S. Rep. Richard Martin (R-Ohio). In 2011, he began “The Mental Illness Happy Hour,” a weekly audio podcast consisting of interviews with artists, friends, listeners, and the occasional mental health professional about all the battles in our heads. With a 5/5 Apple Podcasts rating, the show is frequently chosen as an Editor’s Pick. It was chosen by Esquire magazine as one of the best podcasts of 2016 and featured in the PBS Documentary "A New State of Mind." 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 min
27 JUN

Lonely Together: Unpacking the Silent Epidemic with Dr. Margaret Rutherford

On today’s episode, Gabe interviews Dr. Margaret Rutherford, a clinical psychologist and the host of “The SelfWork Podcast.” They discuss the pressing issue of loneliness as a global health threat, likening its mortality effects to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and explore its close relationship with depression. Rutherford emphasizes the importance of practicing social interaction, reevaluating perceptions of being alone, and taking small proactive steps to combat loneliness and build meaningful connections. “I think you have to look at your definition of alone. And what are you telling yourself about being alone? I'm alone because, what? Because I'm a failure? Because I am undesirable? What are you heaping on yourself about being alone that is detrimental to you? As long as you are engaged in constant negative appraisal of you spending an evening alone or a week alone or whatever it is, as long as you are calling that highly undesirable and actually that means you are less than, then you're going to run into trouble.” ~Dr. Margaret Rutherford To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. Our guest, Margaret Robinson Rutherford, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with 30 years of experience, an author, TEDx speaker, and podcast host. Her book, “Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression,” has reached thousands in the United States and is having an international impact, with translations reaching Korea to Italy, Turkey to Germany. Her podcast, “The SelfWork Podcast,” has been continuously rated as one of the best podcasts for mental health and depression. 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 min
13 JUN

Blind Survivor of Suicide Shares his Story of Triumph

Zach Tidwell transformed his life after a self-inflicted gunshot wound left him blind and deaf in one ear. Through perseverance, he has pursued numerous adventurous activities, including skiing and white water rafting. He demonstrated that with determination and support, one can regain independence and achieve remarkable goals despite significant challenges. Tidwell now focuses on inspiring others, promoting mental health awareness, and aiding in the creation of blind accessibility technology. He emphasizes that life improvement comes through active effort and resilience. Hear his story now! To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. “That first snowboarding trip was eight and a half months after I shot myself. That next month, I got back into college. Six months later, I moved into downtown Denver to live on the college campus and had to learn to navigate the city with just my cane. It has been incremental, and those sports have been sprinkled in along the way, where even though I didn't have the skill to cook, I got a taste of independent snowboarding. And then when I moved out on my own, I got to OK, now the river was the new thing. And it's kind of supported all of the personal growth that I've had.” ~Zach Tidwell Zach Tidwell is a blind Marine Corps veteran and suicide survivor best known for his lighthearted approach to the hard topics in life and his ability to inspire others. Having shot himself in the head in an attempt to take his own life, he woke up blind and deaf in one ear and with a new perspective on life. At only 28 years old, Zach now shares his story and the lessons he’s learned along the way to save lives and motivate others to take control and write the stories of their futures. In addition to sharing his hard-learned lessons, Zach has gone on to found his own software development company so he can lead the way in inclusive design by creating software everyone can use, regardless of disability or lack thereof. Outside of work, he breaks down barriers and social perceptions of what the world thinks a disabled person can do. He skis, rock climbs, whitewater kayaks, skydives, and even competes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu against other practitioners without disabilities. 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 min

See All (425)

Channel

Healthline Media
Creator

Healthline Media
Years Active

2016 - 2024
Episodes

425
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Inside Mental Health

Inside Mental Health

Shame as a Feminist Issue: Reclaiming Your Story

Election Anxiety: Navigating and Easing the Stress

Why We Fall for Fitness Quick Fixes and How to Break Free

Challenging Monogamy: Women Leading the Way in Open Relationships

Unmasking Fakes: Is Mental Health the New Excuse? (From Listener Questions)

Discussing Porn Addiction and Anxiety, One (Podcast) Episode at a Time with Paul Gilmartin

Lonely Together: Unpacking the Silent Epidemic with Dr. Margaret Rutherford

Blind Survivor of Suicide Shares his Story of Triumph

About

Information

More From Healthline Media

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Inside Mental Health

Episodes

Shame as a Feminist Issue: Reclaiming Your Story

Election Anxiety: Navigating and Easing the Stress

Why We Fall for Fitness Quick Fixes and How to Break Free

Challenging Monogamy: Women Leading the Way in Open Relationships

Unmasking Fakes: Is Mental Health the New Excuse? (From Listener Questions)

Discussing Porn Addiction and Anxiety, One (Podcast) Episode at a Time with Paul Gilmartin

Lonely Together: Unpacking the Silent Epidemic with Dr. Margaret Rutherford

Blind Survivor of Suicide Shares his Story of Triumph

About

Information

More From Healthline Media

You Might Also Like