Inside Mental Health

What do you picture when you think of someone who has anorexia?  Today’s guest shares her journey with anorexia, from her sickest points, her diagnosis and treatment, and what life is like now that she is in recovery. She tells us how society’s limited understanding of eating disorders contributes to the care of those most in need being ignored.Anorexia survivor and mental health advocate Alex Carroll shares her firsthand experiences of her recovery journey. She candidly talks about what it was like to be inpatient, what happened to her after getting out of the hospital, and how anorexia is so much more than an out-of-control diet. Join us for a powerful firsthand account of life with anorexia.  To learn more or read the transcript, please visit the official episode page.Guest BioAlex Carroll is a mental health advocate with a passion for educating the community and raising awareness about the reality of eating disorders in society. After being diagnosed with anorexia nervosa during her sophomore year of college, Alex went to an inpatient treatment facility to begin her recovery journey. Now authentically navigating her own recovery, she uses her experience in a positive way by speaking at various universities and events, organizing philanthropic initiatives focused on mental health, mentoring students living with an eating disorder, and supporting families that have a loved one going through treatment. Visit her on Instagram @alexcarroll98.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

Dr. Phil McGraw is one of the most prominent mental health advocates in America. In today’s episode, our host Gabe Howard and Dr. Phil discuss transitioning out of pandemic mode and into post-pandemic mode, all while taking into account that we aren’t out of the woods yet. Topics like vaccination, distrust of doctors, and the politicized nature of COVID-19 are all examined. With many of us struggling to understand the mental health toll of the past 18 months, it can be overwhelming to transition into the “new normal” of a post-pandemic life. Dr. Phil shares his unique blend of straight talk and folksy wisdom to help navigate our way through — and out — of this difficult time. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. Guest Bio Dr. Phil McGraw, one of the most well-known and trusted mental health professionals in the world, is the host of TV’s #1 daytime talk show, “Dr. Phil.” Now in its 19th season, this trailblazing and award-winning show continues to provide the most comprehensive forum on mental health issues in the history of television. Using the medium of television, McGraw presents compelling stories about real people with a variety of emotional and behavioral problems, stripping away the shame and embarrassment that too often keeps people from seeking help. McGraw continues to value his academic training and professional qualifications and insists that the information provided on his show is based on evidence-based treatment options and state-of-the-art research in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and medicine.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

Pop culture tells us that great sex is a natural talent — you either have it or you don’t — and that sex just happens naturally, with zero effort. Today’s guest explodes those myths and tells us that for most people, learning to enjoy having sex takes lots of practice and some trial-and-error. For most people, having and loving sex comes easily, but they’re not in the majority. Great sex is an ongoing exploration, not a singular, fixed destination. And everyone’s sex life changes over time. To learn more or read the transcript, please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus is the co-founder and director of Maze Women's Sexual Health, the country's largest independent women's sexual health center. For 20 years, she has developed and overseen the treatment of thousands of women ages 18–81. A licensed clinical social worker with a master's in public health, a master's degree in social work, a master's degree in Jewish studies, and a PhD in human sexuality, Marcus has been profiled in numerous publications, including the New York Times Magazine and Lenny Letter, and she’s a frequent guest on TV, radio, podcasts, and has lectured both nationally and overseas on a wide variety of women's issues. Learn more at DrBatSheva.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

This podcast explores the definition of narcissism, the impact on relationships, different subtypes of narcissism, and treating self-aware narcissists. The guest emphasizes the importance of healing from negative messages and offers free gifts to create a better life.

Motivational interviewing is a common phrase these days, but what is it? Is it only for counselors, or can anyone use it? And if anyone can use it, how? Today’s guest has trained thousands of people in motivational interviewing techniques. Join us as she explains how motivational interviewing is really just a simple set of conversational practices that can help you at home and at work.To learn more -- or to read the transcript -- please visit our official episode page.Guest Bio Dr. Liz Barnett received her master's of social work from Boston University and her PhD from the University of Southern California’s Department of Preventive Medicine. She has been a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers since 2005 and has since trained and coached thousands of people in the health and mental health arenas. She has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles on the application of MI with adolescent substance users, co-authored two book chapters, produced specialized training videos, and developed the MI Companion™, which offers online practice modules. Her online practice platform has been adopted into academic programs in nursing and social work. Learn more at www.DrLizBarnett.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

Disparities in mental healthcare are well-known in the U.S., with different populations having more or less access to care. Today’s guest, Wilma Mae Basta, is looking to resolve some of those disparities by targeting women of color with her website and pro bono counseling service. In this episode she breaks down the need for culturally competent mental health services, explains barriers to treatment for women of color, and helps us understand that while diversity is important, it needs to be more than just a buzzword.To read the transcript, or learn more, visit the episode page now. Guest BioWilma Mae Basta, the founder and CEO of DRK Beauty, is originally from Philadelphia, a mother of two adult children and the daughter of a civil rights leader. In the early 90s, she built a career in film, TV, consumer tech PR in the U.K. where she resided for almost 30 years. More recently, she launched and built the successful luxury vintage fashion brand, The Gathering Goddess, which was known for its high-end collectibles and whose garments could often be seen on the red carpet.Basta was inspired to create what DRK Beauty is today after her experience with severe depression, which resulted in hospitalization. After that period, she found it difficult to find the right kind of help that would support her as a woman of color. After several years of searching and testing out different modalities, she was able to build her own unique mental health and wellness journey, which ultimately helped to transform her life. DRK Beauty is a direct result of that experience and is now positioned to offer that to other women of color around the world. Basta relocated back to Brooklyn in 2017 to begin building and launching DRK Beauty.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

Are you familiar with the concept of “gender affirming care” in medical treatment? What about the unique mental health needs of this community? Do you know what all the letters in LGBTQIA+ stand for?Join us as today’s guest, from the Sierra Tucson Treatment Center, explains these concepts and helps us better understand — and provide better mental health care to — members of the LGBTQIA+ population.To learn more or to read the transcript, visit the official episode page.Guest BioDavid Cato, LCSW, TCT, SEP, began working at Sierra Tucson in April 2008 and has served many roles, beginning in the mailroom. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M University and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. He’s a Somatic Experiencing® Therapy Practitioner (SEP), certified Transgender Care Therapist (TCT), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Cato completed his master’s coursework through an internship at Sierra Tucson. He has worked with substance use disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, codependency, grief/loss, and trauma. Cato provides individual, group sessions, and consultations for residents. He’s the clinical director at Sierra Tucson and a member of the executive leadership team. Cato enjoys presenting on topics such as trauma disorders and recovery.About the Inside Mental Health 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 all get married fantasizing the happily ever after — after all, we found “the one.” But studies have shown that up to 50% of married people will have an affair, which begs the questions: Why are so many people cheating on their spouses? And how can you stay out of that statistic? Today’s guest explains how to “affair-proof” your relationship.To read the transcript or learn more, please visit the official episode page. Guest Bio Steven Ing, MFT, had a seriously messed up childhood… Like, mobster-shot-to-death-by-police messed up. Out of this beginning came a lifelong fascination with two questions: “Why do people do what they do?” and “How can all of us figure out how to move to what healthier families enjoy and how they get their needs for love met?” A marriage and family therapist for over 30 years, Ing helps people figure out how they too can have healthy sexuality and intimacy. He’s literally written the book on human sexual needs, “We’re All Like This” used in university-level human sexuality classes. Steven is the creator and host of the true crime podcast, Sex Crime Central. He’s also a contributor to Psychology Today, Psych Central Podcast, HuffPost, The Advocate, SheKnows.com, The Rage Monthly, Adelante Magazine, and Gannett newspapers. Published author and TEDx Talk presenter (“What’s Your Magic Sex Number”), Steven talks about sexuality in a way that won't embarrass you (even if your kids are in the car). 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

The risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth is almost 4 times higher than for youth who don't identify as LGBTQ+. If that surprises you, the cause of the increase will be even more shocking.Today we talk with Dr. Amy Green from The Trevor Project as she reveals the findings of the 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health and discusses what we, as a society, can do to reduce the risk of LGBTQ+ youth suicide.Learn more and/or read the transcript on our official episode page.Guest BioDr. Amy Green (she/her) is Vice President of Research at The Trevor Project. Her team supports the organization’s life-saving work by using internal and external data and research findings to advance its crisis services and peer support programs, as well as advocacy and education initiatives. Under Green’s leadership, the research team produces innovative research that brings new clinical implications to the field of suicidology and LGBTQ+ mental health, and which enables the organization to better understand the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and suicidality. In addition to leading The Trevor Project’s annual National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, her team publishes multiple research reports per year, plus monthly research briefs that help inform the work of LGBTQ+ youth serving agencies and mental health organizations.She has spent nearly 20 years conducting research related to youth mental health and well-being and has published over 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Her primary research interests include understanding and promoting resilience among LGBTQ+ youth, examining the social context of suicide risk, and utilizing implementation science to increase the positive impact of programs, policies, and practices, to reduce disparities for LGBTQ+ youth. 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

What exactly is open adoption? Is it psychologically healthy for the child and adoptive parents? Are there lingering fears, like the birth parents will come back to "steal" away the child? Today's guest, Dawn Friedman, an expert on adoption, breaks down the research, shares her experiences, and addresses the fears biological parents often have.Learn more and/or read the transcript by visiting the official episode page. Guest Bio Dawn Friedman, MSEd, is the owner of YouAreNotYouMother.com, a membership site for parents interrupting family patterns of dysfunction in their own parenting. Friedman has been working with families for the past 30 years. She has a masters in clinical mental health counseling and post-grad certification in infant-toddler mental health. She's also completed the certification training for postpartum mood disorders through Postpartum Support International.Friedman regularly speaks about parenting, mental health, and adoption, and her writing on these topics has appeared in publications that include Parenting Magazine, Yoga Journal, Greater Good Magazine, Adoptive Families, and Counseling Today. About the Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard lives with bipolar disorder and is a nationally recognized speaker and podcast host. He’s 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