Inside Schizophrenia

By: Healthline Media
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  • Summary

  • Featuring engaging conversations and insightful interviews covering a wide range of topics including caregiving, family dynamics, and getting help for schizophrenia. Hosted by Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizophrenia. Inside Schizophrenia brings firsthand experiences from individuals with schizophrenia, family members, caregivers, and medical experts, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of schizophrenia, shed light on its impact, and develop strategies for managing this serious mental illness. Co-hosted by Gabe Howard, new episodes are released on the third Wednesday of every month.
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
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Episodes
  • Aging Parents of Adults with Schizophrenia: Challenges & Realities

    Aging Parents of Adults with Schizophrenia: Challenges & Realities
    Apr 16 2025
    Many adults with schizophrenia rely on family members for daily support, often depending on parents in their 50s or 60s. As these parents grow older, they face mounting physical and emotional challenges — along with the pressing question of who will care for their child in the future. In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizophrenia, and co-host Gabe Howard dive into the unique struggles of aging parents caring for an adult child with schizophrenia. Joining the conversation is Maye Jepson, a mother and caregiver to an adult son with schizophrenia. As a passionate advocate and a master's-level counselor, Maye offers invaluable insights on navigating the caregiving journey and preparing for the future. Maye Jepson lives in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and, along with her husband Phil, is the caregiver/TRUST PARTNER and parent of Jason Jepson who has a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. Remembering the uncertain days when her family first learned of her son's mental illness, Maye formed a Facebook support group — Parenting Thru Mental Illness — hoping to give and share resources for those who are newly entering the world of mental illness. In the past, Maye has volunteered with several international boards, including Stonecroft Ministries, Imago Dei Arts, and Global Partners in Hope. In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree, Maye has a master’s degree in counseling from Marshall University. Like her son, Maye volunteers with the Share Network where she shares her perspective on mental health as a parent, wanting desperately to help a young adult child maneuver the challenges of schizophrenia. She works as a Care Guide for Johnson and Johnson’s Connected by Hope program. Maye serves on the Advisory Board of Students with Psychosis because she believes in the importance of shedding light on mental health issues from the youngest to the oldest consumer. Maye and her son Jason were Finalists for the Social Health Network’s Best Team award, and they were the recipients of the Students with Psychosis Family Advocacy Award. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are 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. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com. Our cohost, 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. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • The Top Myths of Schizophrenia

    The Top Myths of Schizophrenia
    Mar 19 2025
    Schizophrenia is a complex and often misunderstood mental illness, and misinformation and stigma surrounding the condition are still prevalent in our societies. The stereotypes and the myths of schizophrenia create challenges for people with diagnosed schizophrenia, but also for healthcare workers, family members, and caretakers. Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard break down the top myths surrounding schizophrenia. Remember, just because society believes that it’s true doesn’t mean it is. Guest Psychiatrist Dr. Richard W. Miller joins to discuss the myths he is confronted with daily working in the mental health field. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. Our Guest, Dr. Richard (Rick) W. Miller, is a psychiatrist in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including South County Hospital and Landmark Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and has been in practice for 14 years. Our Host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are 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. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com. 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. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • Sensory Overload and Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know

    Sensory Overload and Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know
    Feb 19 2025
    Everyone has felt overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells — but for people with schizophrenia, sensory overload can be constant and intense. Sensory processing dysfunction can make everyday sights, sounds, and touches feel overwhelming, leading to a phenomenon called “sensory flooding.” It can also make it harder to filter out background noise, identify sensory sources, and focus on tasks — sometimes even contributing to symptoms of psychosis like hallucinations and delusions. Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore how schizophrenia affects the senses and what this means for daily life. They’re joined by Dr. Ray Kotwicki, a psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at Hightop Health, who shares expert insights into the science behind sensory processing challenges and how to manage them. Tune in for a fascinating look at the intersection of schizophrenia, sensory overload, and mental health! To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. Our guest, Dr. Ray Kotwicki, MD, MPH, DFAPA, is a psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer at Hightop Health. Dr. Kotwicki trained as a Department of Energy Fellow and was a Medical Scholar at the University of Wisconsin Medical School. He completed post-graduate training at Harvard Medical School, the Boston University School of Medicine, and Emory University, where he earned a Master in Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management. He remains a full professor on the adjunctive faculty at both the Emory University School of Medicine as well as the Rollins School of Public Health. Kotwicki has presented more than 425 invited lectures, symposia, and seminars to thousands of attendees. He is recognized as a trusted national expert and renowned speaker on current issues in psychiatry, mental health, professionalism, and wellness. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage and let others like her know they are 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. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com. Out co-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 learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
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Profile Image for Eric Osborn

Thank You

I'm a week out from telling a professional for the first time the depth and width of my illness. I won't self-diagnose, but 1+1=2 most of the time and I expect the prognosis.

I'm lucky that I've made it so long with only one hospitalization, and this show has eased some of my anxiety with being honest to a doctor. Thank you.

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Profile Image for Angelique Surguy-Hershey

Wonderful Topics and Hosts Inspire Hope

The topics covered have all been important ones and very helpful! What's more though is that Gabe and Rachel have such wonderful personalities and with all that they do inspire hope in me that even with my SZ I can have a life of quality and purpose. I am at the beginning of the journey since being diagnosed and was feeling so lonely but this podcast has really been a lifesaver! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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Profile Image for Ryan

Great topic for upcoming advocate

I loved this episode. 1st though, your podcast has helped ground me in a new direction I've been focusing on in my journey. Being dually diagnosed with SUD, schizoaffective, asd, & adhd I've gone through some rigorous gauntlets in working towards figuring me out. Growing in my recovery I have found that I connect well with others in the midst of psychosis and have developed the desired to also work with the dually diagnosed.

As an ambassador for legitimizing both mental health and SUD as medical issues, hearing this podcast has encouraged me in focusing on this direction.

Making light out of this misunderstood illness the way you've done in this episode is awesome. I mean, I don't struggle with mental illness, because I'm really good at it. And I don't quite understand my friends distaste of my meds either, but they do tend to go away when I take them. 🤪🤣

Thanks for what you are doing Rachel. you are awesome and such an encouragement.

Ryan

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Profile Image for mauibug

Empowering, inspiring & upbeat

This podcast is so well done! I'm grateful to have found it. The audio quality, the content, the resources given and the guest speakers are excellent! Rachel and Gabe discuss the difficult topic of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders in a straightforward yet entertaining, humorous and upbeat way. I finish each episode feeling good and empowered. Rachel and Gabe are true and unapologetic and it's comforting to know that real people are living successfully with the challenges and limits that mental disorders bring. The podcast has been a tremendous help and reassurance to me and my family because we're new to the lifestyle and challenges of schizophrenia disorders. I truly enjoy listening to and sharing the episodes.

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Profile Image for Babbsi

Incredibly thorough and easy to follow!

Because the hosts shared their experience with mental illness with such candor, it felt as if we were sitting in a coffee shop enjoying conversation. I have listened the podcast about the history of Schizophrenia several times because although it is fascinating it is heart wrenching. Thank you for these incredible podcasts and for sharing so much about your own lives.

Susana

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