Inside Mental Health

In this thought-provoking episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with child psychiatrist and author Dr. Sami Timimi to challenge some of the most widely accepted ideas in modern mental health care.

Drawing from his latest book, “Searching for Normal: A New Approach to Understanding Mental Health, Distress, and Neurodiversity,” Dr. Timimi explores why diagnoses like ADHD, depression, and anxiety may be less about biology and more about cultural context. The conversation dives into how labeling distress can sometimes obscure the real drivers of human experience—life experiences, relationships, and environments.



Listeners will learn:


the risks of viewing mental health challenges as lifelong disorders

how context, development, and adversity shape emotional experiences

what a more humane, supportive approach to distress could look like


This episode invites listeners to reconsider what it means to be “normal,” and whether our current mental health framework is helping — or limiting — our understanding of the human condition. If you’ve ever questioned the labels, wondered about overdiagnosis, or wanted a deeper conversation about mental health beyond the surface, this episode is for you.



“We have this fantasy that we can live lives that are devoid of any sort of emotional suffering, but that creates a really artificial idea about what life should be like." ~Dr. Sami Timimi, author of Searching for Normal



Our guest, Dr. Sami Timimi, is a practicing consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist and psychotherapist in the UK's National Health Service. He has contributed to over forty books on subjects related to critical psychiatry, childhood, psychotherapy, depression, behavioral problems, and cross-cultural psychiatry; authored six books, including “Naughty Boys: Anti-Social Behaviour, ADHD, and the Role of Culture” and “Insane Medicine: How the Mental Health Industry Creates Damaging Treatment Traps and How You Can Escape Them”; co-edited four books, including “Liberatory Psychiatry: Philosophy, Politics and Mental Health with Carl Cohen”; and co-authored two others, including “The Myth of Autism: Medicalising Men’s and Boys’ Social and Emotional Competence” with Neil Gardiner and Brian McCabe. His most recent book is “Searching for Normal: A New Approach to Understanding Mental Health, Distress and Neurodiversity.”

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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Members of marginalized communities are often told to be "resilient," but how do you bounce back when the system itself is the weight on your shoulders? When policy is the source of the trauma, the burden of healing shouldn't rest solely on the individual. Joining us for this episode is a powerhouse in the field of psychology: the President of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Debra M. Kawahara.

In this unflinching conversation, we dismantle the myth of individual resiliency and confront the systemic forces shaping our mental well-being. From the healthy paranoia required for survival in marginalized communities to the traumatizing optics of immigration enforcement, we explore how sociopolitical climates act as a direct catalyst for mental health crises.

Listeners will learn:


why focusing solely on individual grit can lead to victim-blaming and ignoring systemic failures

how society takes psychological comfort in believing people “deserve” their circumstances

why viewing healthcare and education as human rights is the first step toward equity


If you’ve ever felt like anxiety is a rational response to an irrational world, this exploration of systemic inequity and the fight for collective wellness is for you. Learn how to stay in the fight without letting the weight of the world knock you out.



"Don't get knocked out because we need you." ~Dr. Debra M. Kawahara, President of the American Psychological Association



Debra M. Kawahara, Ph.D., is a psychologist, scholar, and advocate for justice and mental health resource accessibility. As the 2025 President of the American Psychological Association and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Alliant University, she leads with vision and heart — shaping psychology’s future through cultural humility, intersectional insight, and systemic care.

Her work spans over 20 academic programs across six campuses and online, and her scholarship bridges feminist theory, Buddhist psychotherapy, Asian American mental health, and leadership grounded in equity. Internationally published and recognized, Debra brings both academic excellence and therapeutic wisdom to her teaching, speaking, and clinical practice — where she works with individuals, couples, families, and organizations in cultivating resilience and meaningful change.



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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Most people think "hearing voices" would be a nightmare symptom of mental illness, but for some, it feels more like a friendship. In the medical world, hallucinations and delusions are symptoms to be eliminated. But for Kit Wallis, the reality of living with schizoaffective disorder is far more complicated.

For years, she shared her life with her delusions, including Orion, a "sassy, funny, and supportive" internal voice who helped her study, hyped her up for exams, and ensured she was never truly alone.

In a culture that views psychosis through a lens of fear, Kit saw her symptoms as a lifeline. However, when a life-altering psychotic break required antipsychotic medication, the "recovery" came with a devastating price. As the medication began to work, her voices didn't just fade — they "broke up like a bad phone call." Kit didn't just lose her symptoms; she lost her closest friends.

Listeners will take-a-way:


Understanding the mourning process Kit experienced when medication worked to eliminate her hallucinations

Why the medical community often ignores the "positive" aspects of psychosis

Kit’s conflict surrounding wanting the voices back while knowing the importance of treatment


In this deeply personal conversation, host Gabe Howard and guest Kit Wallis explore the "hard dialectic" of mental health: the grief of getting well and the complicated mourning process that sometimes follows successful treatment. Listen now!

"No one really warns you about losing the good stuff, too … They just think, ‘Oh, psychosis is all bad. We want it all gone.’ But stories like mine aren't really out there very often." ~Kit Wallis aka SchizoKitzo

Our guest, Kit Wallis, who goes by SchizoKitzo, is a content creator who advocates for schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. She uses long-form videos on her YouTube channel and short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her content centers around her personal experience with schizoaffective disorder and often includes deep dives into research topics regarding mental health.

Kit was diagnosed with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder in late 2020 and has struggled with symptoms since she was in middle school. Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition where someone experiences symptoms of schizophrenia--such as delusions and hallucinations--but also symptoms of a mood disorder--either major depression or, in Kit's case, bipolar. Realizing there was a lack of schizoaffective advocates, she decided to start her SchizoKitzo project to raise awareness for this complex condition.

The mission of SchizoKitzo is to raise awareness of schizoaffective disorder and all of its aspects, from the mood side to the psychotic side. Kit works to bridge the gap between life and science so she can help break the stigma around mental health.

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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In 2012, Jon McCann was sitting in a car weeping and preparing to end his life. He was struggling with a failing marriage, alcoholism, and a recent bipolar diagnosis that he feared was a "death sentence." Fast forward to today, and Jon—better known as "The Philly Captain"—is the subject of the Emmy Award-winning Netflix documentary “The Turnaround,” produced by Barack and Michelle Obama.

How does a man go from the brink of suicide to having a former President tell part of his story? It started with a single, viral act of empathy. When Philadelphia Phillies star Trea Turner was mired in a massive slump, Jon didn't call for boos; he called for "love love." He convinced an entire city to give a struggling athlete a standing ovation, proving that grace often achieves what "tough love" can’t.

Listeners Will Learn:

·  How supporting others helps silence your own inner critic

·  The accidental origin story of "The Philly Captain"

·  Turning unique hobbies into a healthy, stable routine

·  The difference between "love love" and “tough love”

In this moving and often hilarious interview, Jon joins host Gabe Howard to discuss the "story behind the story." He opens up about the terrifying moments of his mental health crisis, the power of a supportive family (including his mother’s bipolar awareness tattoo), and the life-changing realization that his story was worth telling. Whether you are navigating your own mental health journey or just looking for a reason to believe in yourself, Jon’s transformation from self-hate to self-worth is the inspiration you need to keep moving forward."The fact that (Barack and Michelle) Obama produced a movie (about me for Netflix), it made me believe in myself that I'm not a pile of garbage." ~Jon McCann, The Philly Captain

Our guest, The Philly Captain, aka Jon McCann, is a charismatic YouTuber, lifelong Phillies fan, and the unexpected face of a powerful mental health comeback story. Known for his high-energy vlogs across the streets of Philadelphia—from neighborhood deep dives to rowdy baseball recaps—he also carries a quieter truth: he almost didn’t make it. 

In the Emmy Award winning Netflix short documentary The Turnaround (produced by Barack and Michelle Obama via Higher Ground), viewers get a raw look at the moment he nearly ended his life—and the unlikely path that brought him back: connection, community, and a camera.

Today, The Philly Captain speaks openly about suicidal ideation, depression, and what it really means to fight

your way back when hope feels impossible. Blending brutal honesty, street-smart humor, and unfiltered heart, his talks leave audiences inspired, entertained, and more willing to speak their own truth.

He’s not a doctor. He’s not perfect. He’s living proof that survival is worth it—and that you don’t have to be fixed” to keep showing up.

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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Most movies treat mental health like a plot twist—something dramatic, visible, and easily explained. But real depression and anxiety don’t work that way, and filmmaker Olivia Nash is determined to flip the script and show a more realistic portrayal.

In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with the actor, writer, and director of the indie film “Hi.” to tease out what it really means to portray mental health authentically on screen. The conversation goes beyond the film itself, diving into the realities of mental health in Hollywood, how Nash fostered open conversations on set, and what it takes to center people over productivity in an industry that rarely slows down.

Why You Should Listen


Discover how Nash’s personal experience with depression and anxiety changed her storytelling — and why that matters for audiences

Hear how Hollywood’s most common mental health tropes can do real harm, even when intentions are good

Understand why functioning, successful people are often the most misunderstood when it comes to mental health

Understand why authentic representation in pop culture can be life-changing for viewers


If you’re tired of seeing mental health reduced to stereotypes, or you’ve ever been told you “can’t be depressed” because you’re functioning, this episode offers a refreshing, validating perspective you won’t want to miss.“Mental health isn’t a plot twist—it’s just part of who people are.”~Olivia Nash, Hollywood Actor and Director

Olivia Nash is a multifaceted creative professional with extensive experience in acting,producing, directing, and production design. Based in Austin, TX, she has worked on awide array of projects across film, television, theater, commercials, music video, andowns the film production company, Fox Adrift Productions. Her versatility and passionfor storytelling shine through her collaborations with esteemed production companieslike Taylor Butler Productions, Fox Adrift Productions, Reed Street Films, David BittnerProductions, and Skeptical Optimist Productions.

As a Producer/Director, Olivia has helmed projects such as Toby (won for Best FemaleDirector at Palm Beach Shorts, Best Dramedy at Georgia Shorts Film Festival, and BestNarrative Short Film at Austin Under The Stars), Hi., and El Delirio. Her expertise inProduction Design is evident in works like The Gold Lament, Goodwill, Constellation,and The Last Pedal. In the commercial space, she has served as Art Director for HHSTraining Videos. She has also brought her creative vision to music videos, includingCobblestone Streets and Unknown to You.

Olivia's acting credits span leading roles in films such as Hickory, Hi., Meteor, and FGAas well as theater performances in productions like The Taming of the Shrew,Cinderella, and Booby Trap where she won best supporting actress. Her training inon-camera workshops, musical theater, and dance further complements her on-screenand stage presence.

With a distinctive aesthetic and expertise in styles like Boho Decor, Dystopian, CottageCore, Bloom Core, Dark Academia, and Fantasy, Olivia is skilled at crafting immersiveand evocative worlds. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to adapt to diversecreative challenges compliments her mission to bring to life stories that relate to thehuman condition, while allowing us to escape into a world of beauty.



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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