Inside Schizophrenia Podcast Por Healthline Media arte de portada

Inside Schizophrenia

Inside Schizophrenia

De: Healthline Media
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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.374467 Copyright 2019-2024 Psych Central/Healthline Media. All rights reserved. Enfermedades Físicas Higiene y Vida Saludable Psicología Psicología y Salud Mental
Episodios
  • What Do I Say? Communication Strategies for Schizophrenia

    What Do I Say? Communication Strategies for Schizophrenia
    Mar 18 2026
    “How do I talk to my loved one?” It is the most frequent question the show receives. In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) and co-host Gabe Howard dive deep into the nuances of communication, moving away from reactionary "crisis mode" toward intentional, empathetic connection. They explore why validating emotions and feelings — rather than schizophrenia symptoms — is the key to building trust and how to ask for permission before broaching difficult topics. Later in the show, Gail Simmons, culinary expert and judge on Bravo's Top Chef, joins the conversation to share her personal story. Gail opens up about her brother’s schizophrenia diagnosis and how her family used the universal language of food and the dinner table to maintain their bond during challenging years. Listeners will learn: how to acknowledge someone's fear without confirming their delusions why caregivers must prioritize their own mental health and boundaries to be effective supports lessons from Gail Simmons on using hobbies, like cooking or trail running, to bridge the gap when words aren't enough Whether you are a caregiver, a friend, or living with a diagnosis yourself, this episode offers a roadmap for turning difficult conversations into productive discussions through patience and perseverance. Special thanks to Cobenfy Connections for connecting us with Gail Simmons. Cobenfy is a sponsor of this podcast and we appreciate them for their partnership and support. Our guest, Gail Simmons, is a trained culinary expert, food writer, and dynamic television personality. Since the show’s inception in 2006, she has lent her expertise as permanent judge, and now executive producer, on Bravo’s Emmy- and James Beard Award-winning series “Top Chef.” Now entering its 23rd season, “Top Chef” is rated the #1 food show on cable television. From 2004 to 2019, Gail served as special projects director at FOOD & WINE. Gail’s first cookbook, “Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating,” was released by Grand Central Publishing in October 2017. Her first book, a memoir titled “Talking With My Mouth Full,” was published by Hyperion in February 2012. Gail’s third book, entitled “Guesting,” will be published in 2026. She is the co-founder of Bumble Pie Productions and lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Jeremy, and their two children. COBENFY Connections is an initiative from Bristol Myers Squibb in partnership with culinary expert, TV host, and author Gail Simmons. The initiative aims to shift the narrative around schizophrenia, one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized mental illnesses, through honest conversation. Sharing her family’s experience and inviting others to do the same, Simmons emphasizes how connection and community can help people living with schizophrenia feel seen, supported, and hopeful, as well as the importance of finding the treatment that’s right for them. Listeners can learn more by visiting www.connections.bms.com. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: 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. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 m
  • Bonus: A Personal Interview with Our Host Who Lives with Schizophrenia

    Bonus: A Personal Interview with Our Host Who Lives with Schizophrenia
    Mar 10 2026
    How does a woman with schizophrenia manage life as an entertainer, stuntwoman, and “Inside Schizophrenia” podcast host, all while managing a severe mental illness? In this bonus episode (that originally aired for the “Inside Mental Health” podcast series), Rachel Star Withers shares her intense and often shocking journey — from growing up believing her hallucinations were demons to undergoing an exorcism before finally receiving an accurate medical diagnosis. She candidly discusses the stigma she faced and how she overcame it to become a thought leader in schizophrenia advocacy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in psychology, mental health advocacy, or learning more about Rachel’s “badass life” as a stunt performer in blockbuster movies like Marvel’s “Black Panther.” Rachel’s story is a testament to resilience, and she opens up about what it truly means to live with schizophrenia while pursuing your passions and defying expectations. Hit play to learn more about this inspiring story of strength and survival and how you can help yourself — or your loved ones — do the same. Please Note: “Hey listeners, you’re about to hear an interview with Rachel Star Withers, host of the “Inside Schizophrenia" podcast, who lives with schizophrenia. She originally appeared on our sister show, “Inside Mental Health.” And we wanted to share that conversation with you as a bonus episode. I hope you enjoy getting to know Rachel a little bit better.” Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia and shares ways to manage it to 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. 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. Thank you for listening, please share the show with everyone you know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 m
  • Expressing Your Schizophrenia Journey

    Expressing Your Schizophrenia Journey
    Feb 18 2026
    Living with schizophrenia is traumatic — full stop. Hallucinations, delusions, hospitalizations, lost relationships, and stigma can fracture how you see yourself and the world. But how do you process all of that without being labeled dangerous, unstable, or misunderstood? In this episode of “Inside Schizophrenia,” Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) and cohost Gabe Howard explore practical, safe ways to express your schizophrenia journey — without needing to be an artist, writer, or performer. From journaling (even if you hate it) to movement, storytelling, and simple word exercises, they break down how expression can support emotional regulation, restore personal agency, and help organize traumatic experiences. Listeners will learn: why you don’t need artistic talent to benefit from expressive outlets how storytelling helps organize traumatic memories into something manageable what caregivers and loved ones should know about encouraging safe expression Later, Rachel is joined by singer, songwriter, and poet Susan Wojnar, who shares her powerful lived experience with late-onset schizophrenia and how creativity both challenged and supported her recovery. Susan discusses hearing voices within music, reclaiming her guitar from psychosis, and why sharing her story through poetry helped her — and others — feel less alone. Susan’s new book, "White Darkness: Poetic Tales of the Schizophrenic Experience," is available now. This episode isn’t about creating masterpieces. It’s about finding your way to release what you’ve been carrying and take control of your narrative. With 25 years of lived experience with schizophrenia, Susan Wojnar’s book debut transcends the traditional boundaries of memoir, diagnosis, and verse to offer readers a profoundly human window into the experience of psychosis. With raw honesty, stark imagery, and a lyrical voice that sings even in silence, “White Darkness” dares readers — caregivers, mental health professionals, those who struggle with mental health issues, and everyday people alike — to step inside a fragmented yet beautifully defiant world. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: 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. 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. 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. He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, Inside Bipolar, with Dr. Nicole Washington. 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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    49 m
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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!

Wonderful Topics and Hosts Inspire Hope

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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.

Thank You

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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

Great topic for upcoming advocate

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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.

Empowering, inspiring & upbeat

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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

Incredibly thorough and easy to follow!

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