Inside Mental Health

Do you understand concepts like code-switching and why the BIPOC community sees the need to do so? While we’re beginning to understand that the overall needs of the BIPOC community are different from the needs of the white community, that doesn’t mean it’s being applied everywhere — like in the workplace. Join us as today’s guests, the founders of the mental health app Shine, explain their personal journeys as BIPOC women in corporate America and how they came together to offer a unique mental health space to their communities.To read the transcript -- or learn more -- visit the official episode page here. Guest BioMarah Lidey is the co-founder and co-CEO of Shine. She earned a spot in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2018 for Consumer Technology, and she was featured in Vanity Fair as one of the 26 Black female entrepreneurs who have raised more than $1 million in venture capital. She previously built her career in product and content at companies like American Express, Viacom, and Autotrader.com. Marah lives in Atlanta with her partner, daughter, and two cats, and in her free time enjoys cooking, binge-watching new Netflix series, and listening to podcasts.Naomi Hirabayashi is the co-founder and co-CEO of Shine. Naomi was named one of the "40 under 40 Marketers'' by DMN and the “Top 35 People to Watch in NYC Tech." Prior to co-founding Shine, Naomi built her career in digital marketing for mission-based companies, as one of the first employees at Attention, the first boutique social media marketing agency. Naomi lives in DC with her husband, daughter, and cat Angus.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe 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

When it comes to addiction treatment, many people believe you need to start a 12-step program and practice complete abstinence. The general belief is that these are the only treatment options and ways to judge success. If you have a relapse and start using again, you’ve failed and need to start over. But is that true?Join us as today’s guest, Dr. Michael Tkach, explains that there’s more to treating addiction than just the well-known abstinence-only approach. Listen as he discusses how important concepts like harm reduction, social support, and family and friends are to the recovery process.To read the transcript or learn more, please visit the official episode page here. Guest BioDr. Michael Tkach is the chief behavioral health officer for Affinity. He oversees the integration of mental health-informed practice and related research initiatives for select divisions of Affinity, as well as leads the Return-to-Work division where Affinity is an industry leader in providing enterprise-wide COVID-19 testing to employers, universities, and other business partners.Tkach has 15+ years of mental health and addiction treatment experience and is a published researcher on addiction treatment, semiotics, mobile therapeutics, employee recruitment and retention, evidence-based practice, and trauma-informed care. He’s also a seasoned presenter to a variety of audiences on numerous clinical and research related topics. He has been the recipient of professional awards for his work including the Distinguished Alumni Award and a Clinical Innovation Award, and has appeared on radio and other media platforms for professional interviews on a variety of topics.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe 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

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be scary, and being told it’s terminal even more so. If it goes unaddressed, this kind of trauma can — and often does — lead to a mental health crisis. While the medical community does a stellar job addressing our physical needs, mental health is often ignored.  Today’s guest, Bershan Shaw, featured on this season of “The Real Housewives of New York” shares her journey from a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis to reality TV star. She tells how during her cancer treatment her physical health was cared for, but her mental health was not. Listen in as she shares how we can do better to help people who are diagnosed with serious and terminal conditions manage their mental health.To learn more (or read the transcript) visit the official episode page here.Guest BioBershan Shaw is an international motivational speaker, business coach, author, entrepreneur, and tech founder who is appearing on this season of Bravo's “The Real Housewives of New York City.”Bershan is a powerhouse tech founder, recently launching a new health and wellness app, URAWARRIOR. She wants to bring some diversity to the tech space. The platform is centered on four pillars: personal development, self-improvement, motivation, and support, and is a one-stop-shop for mental health and wellness including resources, coaching, chat rooms, self-help quizzes, and more.Bershan has an incredible story. After being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, Bershan’s experience with depression and loneliness led her to look to many places to find the answers and support she needed. After beating cancer (twice), it was important for her to create one dedicated platform where those in need could connect with others. The app is for all people and was coded by a team of Black women and is women-invested.Bershan recently released her new book, “The Unstoppable Warrior Woman,” highlighting the stories of incredible women who have survived unthinkable odds and found strength to succeed through their struggles. She also hosts her own podcast Buckle Up with Bershan where she challenges her listeners to live life on purpose. She also runs an interior design business, Shaw & Shaw Design.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe 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

Did you buy a lottery ticket this week? Did you contribute to the major league sports office pool? Gambling is an accepted part of our culture, but how do you know when a trip to the casino stops being fun and becomes a problem? Listen as Allison Henning, LCSW, LCAS breaks down gambling and helps us understand the nuances of this common pastime. Where’s the line between recreation and addiction and how to help someone who has crossed it?To read the transcript, or learn more, please visit the official episode page here.Guest BioAllison Henning, LCSW, LCAS, is employed by MindPath Care Centers. MindPath Care Centers is committed to supporting the highest quality and most comprehensive outpatient mindcare available to help people navigate life's challenges, whenever and wherever they need it. Their unique, collaborative care approach and integration of the latest mental health treatments and technologies ensure patients receive the continuum of care required for optimal outcomes. MindPath’s services are delivered at more than 25 locations in the Carolinas and include medication management and individual therapy both in office and via telehealth, addiction recovery services at the Addiction Recovery Center (ARC), group therapy sessions and TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit mindpathcare.com. About the Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know someone who believes in QAnon? Are you afraid of QAnon? Have you been wondering where it comes from and what it even means? Join us as today’s guest explains how seemingly normal, intelligent, sane people believe in lizard people, pedophile cabals, and micro-chipped trackers delivered via vaccines.Want to learn more? Visit the official episode page here.Guest Bio Sophia Moskalenko is a social and clinical psychologist studying mass identity and conspiracy theories at the Georgia State University’s Evidence-Based Cyber Security group. Dr. Moskalenko’s research on psychology of radicalization and terrorism has been presented in scientific conferences, government briefings, radio broadcasts and international television newscasts. As a research fellow at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (NC-START) she has led research projects commissioned by the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State. She has written several books, including award-winning “Friction: How conflict radicalizes them and us,” “The Marvel of Martyrdom: The power of self-sacrifice in the selfish world,” and “Pastels and Pedophiles: Inside the mind of QAnon.”About the Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest, Gregory Zarian, is an Emmy-nominated actor with starring roles in TV and movies, most recently "Westworld." Join us as he shares his insecurities working in a cut-throat industry, struggles with sobriety, and history of being bullied as a child. A candid look at the human side of celebrity, he reminds us that even “rich and famous” Hollywood celebrities can struggle with mental illness, addiction, and trauma. Read the transcript or learn more on the official episode page.Guest information Gregory Zarian is an award winning actor who most recently appeared on the third season of the hit HBO series “Westworld.” He can currently be seen in the film, “86 Melrose Avenue.” In 2020, Gregory was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding performance by a supporting actor in a digital drama for his role on the Emmy-winning web series, "Venice the Series.” His Emmy submission clip can be viewed here. The role deals with issues of bullying, which hits close to home, as that is something he dealt with growing up as a twin. He’s an anti-bullying advocate and an active supporter of The Trevor Project. Gregory has a recurring role on the first and second current season of "The Family Business" (BET+). He’s also reoccurred on “Days of Our Lives” and “General Hospital,” and guest starred on “Counterpart,” “Criminal Minds,” “Bones,” "Castle,” “Revenge,” “The Mentalist,” and “Entourage,” among others.About the Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Menstruation is one of those topics that has long been surrounded by misunderstanding and stigma. Join us as Dr. Sara C. Flowers tells us why. Listen in as she explains how this common biological function can affect one’s mood and mental health, while sharing personal experiences of her own.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio  Sara C. Flowers, DrPH, MPH, became Vice President of Education at Planned Parenthood Federation of America in 2018. An advocate for evidence-informed practice and emotional intelligence in sex education, Sara’s research focuses on fidelity and adaptation of sex education curricula, dismantling sexual and reproductive health disparities, serving youth of color, and strengthening abortion access. In this role, Sara sets the vision, priorities, and strategy for sex education and training at Planned Parenthood. She’s the spokesperson for sex education, providing contextualization and grounding for the nuanced ways sex education works to support and progress our federation’s vision and mission.Sara holds a doctorate in public health, a BA in psychology, and a Masters of Public Health.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe 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

In this episode, television producer Joel Relampagos discusses the intersectionality of his identities — Asian American, former addict, and gay man — and how the wave of hate crimes against Asian people has impacted him and his community. We discuss his latest project, which was developed to stop Asian hate, titled “Recipe for Change,” featuring interviews with luminaries Michelle Kwan, BD Wong, and Lisa Ling.Joel was born in Manila, Philippines, and immigrated to America on his 6th birthday. At age 19, Joel opened up about his sexuality on MTV’s “True Life: I’m Coming Out.” Since that time, he has become a prominent hollywood producer, producing such shows as “The Biggest Loser” and “Hell’s Kitchen.”To read the transcript, or learn more, please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Joel Relampagos was born in Manila, Philippines, and immigrated to America on his 6th birthday. At age 19, Joel opened up about his sexuality on MTV’s True Life: I’m Coming Out. After national recognition from the LGBTQ+ and AAPI communities, Joel decided to pursue a career in entertainment. He has been the executive producer on shows such as FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen, NBC’s The Biggest Loser, ABC’s Boy Band, and, most recently, YouTube Originals’ special on Stop Asian Hate titled Recipe for Change.In his early 30s, Joel battled depression, anxiety, and alcohol addiction. A stay at an inpatient rehabilitation facility not only helped Joel recover from his struggles with addiction but also inspired him to launch a free mental health program called Change Your Algorithm. “CYA” offers its services online at changealgorithm.com, where mental health classes are led by certified therapists. About the Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to Prentis Hemphill, "Healing justice is active intervention in which we transform the lived experience of Blackness in our world." But it’s important to understand what those words mean. Today’s guest, Yolo Akili Robinson, the executive director of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective), explains how his organization utilizes healing justice to engage with marginalized communities. Yolo explains why he advocates for discussions surrounding mental health and mental illness in the Black community to include how racism, sexism, and other biases are deeply intertwined with psychology and psychiatry. To read the transcript, or learn more, please visit the official episode page here.Guest Bio Yolo Akili Robinson is an award-winning writer, healing justice worker, yogi, and the founder and executive director of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective). Yolo has worked primarily in three areas: Batterers intervention/family counseling with Black men and boys, HIV/AIDS, and healing justice/wellness. In 2018, Yolo was awarded the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation "Health Equity Award" for his work. He was also featured at the 2020 BET Awards as an "Empowerful Spotlight," highlighting his work facilitating the vision of BEAM. His writings and work have appeared on Shondaland, GQ, Women's Health, USA Today, Vice, BET, Huffington Post, Cassius, Ebony, Everyday Feminisms, and more. He’s the author of the social justice themed affirmation book, "Dear Universe: Letters of Affirmation & Empowerment for All of Us" and a contributor to Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown's anthology on Black vulnerability and shame resilience, "You are Your Best Thing." You can find Yolo on Twitter @YoloAkili.About the Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We commonly hear things like “We only use 10% of our brains” and “The brain is divided into the emotional right brain and our rational left brain.” But is that true, or just myths passed down as facts from generation to generation? Our brains make us who we are, but science knows surprisingly little about arguably the most important organ we have. Join us as today’s guest, neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, explains what’s fact and fiction when it comes to our gray matter, and delves into what, if anything, was so special about Einstein’s brain.  To learn more or read the transcript, please visit the official episode page here. Guest BioDr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard trained and published neuroanatomist. In 1996, she experienced a severe hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of her brain, causing her to lose the ability to walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. Her memoir, “My Stroke of Insight,” documenting her experience with stroke and 8-year recovery spent 63 weeks on the New York Times nonfiction best seller list, and is still routinely the #1 book about stroke on Amazon.Taylor is a dynamic teacher and public speaker who loves educating all age groups, academic levels, as well as corporations, about the beauty of our human brain and its ability to recover from trauma. In 2008, she gave the first TED talk that ever went viral, which now has well over 26 million views. Also in 2008, Taylor was chosen as one of TIME Magazine's “100 Most Influential People in the World” and was the premiere guest on Oprah Winfrey’s “Soul Series” webcast. Find out more at: DrJillTaylor.com.About the Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices