Inside Mental Health

What can the history of a Jim Crow–era mental asylum teach us about race and mental health today? MSNBC journalist Antonia Hylton joins Gabe Howard to discuss her powerful book “Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum,” a deeply researched look at Crownsville Hospital, once known as The Hospital for the Negro Insane.Antonia reveals how Black patients were forced to build their own hospital, how racism shaped their psychiatric care, and how hope slowly emerged amid cruelty and neglect. But this isn’t a simple story of heroes and villains. As Antonia emphasizes, Black people aren’t always the heroes, and white people aren’t always the villains at Crownsville Hospital. The truth is far more complex and human.

Listener takeaways:


why Crownsville’s story defies easy labels of good versus evil

how racism shaped early psychiatric institutions

how history still shapes modern mental health care


Blending history, personal family stories, and modern mental health advocacy, Antonia and Gabe explore how Crownsville’s legacy still influences the modern mental health care we see today. This conversation is both haunting and hopeful, reminding us that healing requires courage, empathy, and an honest look at our past.

“​​The other myth I want to dispel is that it's a black and white book where all the heroes are black and all the villains are white. This is a story where there are incredible and incredibly complicated people on all sides of it. And to me, that is the American story, that there are certainly the people who held on to the Confederate and antebellum attitudes and brought that to the hospital. But then there are people like Paul Lurz, who is a white man still alive, living in Anne Arundel County to this day, who dedicated 40 years of his life to saving and supporting children at this hospital. Black children, and who is beloved and adored in that community.” ~Antonia Hylton



Our guest, Antonia Hylton, is a Peabody and Emmy-award-winning journalist, co-anchor of MSNBC / Weekend Primetime, and the co-host of the hit podcast Southlake and Grapevine. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where she received prizes for her investigative research on race, mass incarceration, and the history of psychiatry.

MSNBC journalist Antonia Hylton is the author of “Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum,” a deeply researched look at Crownsville Hospital, once known as The Hospital for the Negro Insane.

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.
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Imagine everyone around you — family, friends, even your doctors — insisting you have a serious mental illness, yet you’re certain they’re wrong. This isn’t denial — it’s a symptom called anosognosia, a lack of awareness that can make treatment nearly impossible.

In this episode, guest host Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizophrenia, speaks with Dr. Xavier Amador, Founder and President of the LEAP Institute and author of the bestseller “I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!” Together, they unpack what anosognosia is, why it prevents so many people from accepting help, and how loved ones can build trust and connection instead of conflict.

Dr. Amador has trained tens of thousands of professionals and families in his LEAP method — Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner — a practical, compassionate approach that helps bridge the gap between awareness and recovery.



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



“I refuse to get any help because this is not a diagnosis. I don't need this medication. This medication is bad for me. They really don't understand that they have an illness. We need to help people who have anosognosia... They're being pushed through the cracks. They're ending up homeless. They're ending up in our criminal justice system. They're ending up in back bedrooms alone, not talking to family. I mean, they deserve us, us to be attending to this problem.” ~​​Dr. Xavier Amador, author of I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!



Our guest, Dr. Xavier Amador, Founder and President of the LEAP Institute, is a world-renowned clinical psychologist, forensic expert, and author of 9 books, including the bestseller “I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!” His extensive work, books, and clinical research in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses have been translated into 30 languages. Additionally, he has authored over 130 peer-reviewed scientific papers and has contributed his expertise to over 80 death penalty cases. He is also a family caregiver of two close relatives with schizophrenia and another with bipolar disorder.

Dr. Amador has trained tens of thousands of professionals and families on LEAP® (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner), a communication approach that creates trusting relationships with people who have serious mental illness and anosognosia.

www.leapinstitute.org

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.

Also, you can now check out her kids' mental health comic book line "The Adventures of ____, Vol. I. The Fearless Star, The Unstoppable Light, The Ambitious Focus,” now available on Amazon. The Adventures of series explores what it is like for children struggling with mental health and physical differences, while teaching simple coping techniques. The series helps children understand those around them who are different and empowers them.

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



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.
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Intrusive thoughts are common for new parents — but when do they cross the line into something more serious? In this episode, you’ll learn how obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) latches onto what matters most — in this case, the safety and well-being of the baby — and how evidence-based treatment like exposure and response prevention (ERP) can bring relief.Joining host Gabe Howard is internationally recognized OCD and parenting expert Dr. Jenny Yip, who sheds light on perinatal and postpartum OCD. Dr. Yip explains how obsessions and compulsions can overwhelm expecting and new parents, from fears of accidentally harming the baby to overwhelming guilt about being a “bad” mom or dad. She also discusses the stigma surrounding taboo intrusive thoughts — including forbidden sexual thoughts — and how avoidance can interfere with bonding during the crucial early weeks of parenthood. 



Takeaways for listeners:


the difference between usual parenting anxiety and perinatal or postpartum OCD

common intrusive thoughts new parents experience but rarely discuss

why avoidance harms bonding and increases OCD’s power


Whether you’re a new parent, a clinician, or simply curious, this episode reveals the hidden struggles of perinatal and postpartum OCD — and the hope for recovery.



“OCD will tackle whatever it is that you care about. And when a family is pregnant, or when they have their first child, or when they have multiple children, what they're going to care about most is that. The safety, the wellness of the mother, of the unborn, or the newborn. And then that's how OCD starts to build and manifest.” ~Dr. Jenny Yip



Our guest, Dr. Jenny Yip, is a board-certified, licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and internationally acclaimed OCD, anxiety, and parenting expert. With nearly three decades of experience, she has treated individuals and families facing severe anxiety disorders, OCD, and parenting stress. In 2008, she founded the Renewed Freedom Center in Los Angeles, followed by the Little Thinkers Center in 2016, offering cutting-edge treatments. She serves on the board of directors for the International OCD Foundation, where she facilitates the Perinatal OCD Task Force and co-directs the BIPOC Behavior Therapy Training Institute. Dr. Yip is the creator of the Strategic Family Boundaries and the Stress-Less Life™ brand, which includes her popular podcast and Stress-Less Mama masterclass. She has authored several books, with her most recent, Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts, ranking as a top new release.



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.

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Hollywood has never shied away from portraying obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — but it often gets it wrong. Typically, OCD is reduced to a punchline, a quirky habit, or a stereotype about neatness and handwashing. In this episode, TV & movie actor Rachel Alig and award-winning filmmaker Sam Sabawi take us behind the scenes of their acclaimed short film “For All I Know” to show how OCD can — and should — be portrayed with truth and compassion.

Sam, who lives with OCD, explains why lazy writing has distorted public understanding and how he used his lived experience to create an authentic story. Rachel shares the emotional depth required to embody a character with OCD, and how she avoided the clichés that Hollywood often leans on. Together, they reveal how real therapy techniques — especially exposure and response prevention (ERP) — were brought into the film to highlight the messy, ongoing reality of recovery.



Listener takeaways:


how Hollywood depictions have shaped public misconceptions of OCD and why the process of authentically portraying OCD on screen matters

what OCD actually is — and isn’t


why ERP therapy is the gold standard for treatment


This is a rare insider look at mental illness through the eyes of two industry leaders determined to change how we see OCD. Listen now!



Sam and Rachel's Award-Winning Short Film About OCD, For All I Know, is available on YouTube now. (Viewing Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vwk4UPHKp0)



Our guest, Sam Sabawi, is a two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work spans narrative fiction, documentary, and unscripted formats. A five-time Telly Award winner and two-time Anthem Gold recipient, Sabawi brings over a decade of experience in visual storytelling across scripted film, development, and branded content.

His recent short film For All I Know explores the interior landscape of OCD to externalize intrusive thoughts. The film is currently on its festival circuit.

Our guest, Rachel Alig, is quickly establishing herself as a dynamic force in both comedy and drama, with a growing list of standout performances across film, television, and commercial work. With over a decade of experience, she has shared the screen with acclaimed talent including John Magaro (The Big Short, PastLives, Carol), Lou Diamond Phillips, Nick Jonas, Jason Biggs, Rob Riggle, and Master P.

Her most recent film, OMAHA—starring John Magaro—premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the prestigious U.S. Dramatic Competition category and was acquired by Greenwich Entertainment for a theatrical release in early 2026. She also appears in FOUND FOOTAGE, distributed by Vertical Entertainment, which hit theaters nationwide on June 20, 2025. Rachel stars opposite of Lou Diamond Phillips and Malcolm McDowell in, ET TU, which started streaming on all major platforms this summer.  And today, September 2, 2025, INVISIBLE, is streaming on Amazon Prime, where Rachel has the lead female role.

Rachel’s craft is rooted in a strong foundation of training, including The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in West Hollywood and The Groundlings. She further honed her skills through ongoing work with Lesly Kahn & Co. and two years of master classes at The Margie Haber Studio.



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.
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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.
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