What if trauma didn’t just break us but could also shape us in powerful ways? In this thought-provoking episode, Krista St-Germain and Gabe Howard dive into the complex world of post-traumatic growth — exploring how some people emerge from life’s darkest moments with deeper purpose, stronger connections, and realigned values.This concept, however, isn’t about being “grateful” for suffering. It’s about rejecting toxic positivity, confronting internal conflicts, and embracing intentional choices. Discover how curiosity, authenticity, and self-reflection can guide you from surviving to thriving — without minimizing pain. If you’ve ever wondered whether growth after trauma is possible (or how it really works), this episode will change the way you think about resilience.“My husband died when I was 40. He was killed by a drunk driver. And that was the most awful thing I ever experienced, right? Bar none. I didn't want it to happen. I'm not grateful that it happened. I used to think that in order to experience post-traumatic growth, when I first learned about it, that would mean I would have to be happy that it happened, 100%, no! Right? No, not at all.” ~Krista St-Germain To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-post-traumatic-growth-can-pain-fuel-transformation-and-purpose/">episode page</a>. Our guest, <a href="https://mailtrack.io/link/29475098510af6a0bbebe6143ecadaf9761a8e8f?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.coachingwithkrista.com%2F&amp;userId=9224060&amp;signature=a04c797d0871f456">Krista St-Germain</a>, is a Master Certified Life Coach, Post-Traumatic Growth and grief expert, widow, mom and host of The Widowed Mom Podcast. When her husband was killed by a drunk driver in 2016, Krista’s life was completely and unexpectedly flipped upside down. After therapy helped her uncurl from the fetal position, Krista discovered Life Coaching, Post-Traumatic Growth and learned the tools she needed to move forward and create a future she could get excited about. Now she coaches and teaches other widows so they can love life again, too. Krista has been featured online and in print in<a href="https://mailtrack.io/link/d84811a72fe74d4fe83f1917d2df906949faf0db?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.psychologytoday.com%2Fus%2Fblog%2Fwidows-walk%2F202204%2Fmaking-it-through-mother-s-day&amp;userId=9224060&amp;signature=47482d470e5ec4bf"> Psychology Today</a>,<a href="https://mailtrack.io/link/9e16d4333c128b565c8447b79b6cb6d55eeb7f51?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2Fauthority-magazine%2Fkrista-st-germain-5-things-you-need-to-heal-after-a-dramatic-loss-or-life-change-197101b0c614&amp;userId=9224060&amp;signature=561e07df94f6b3ab"> Medium</a>,<a href="https://mailtrack.io/link/7360521272d9a6978a83e1870f11f5f7cc68b775?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthriveglobal.com%2Fstories%2Fkrista-st-germain-grief-is-not-linear-and-there-is-no-endpoint%2F&amp;userId=9224060&amp;signature=e775974a4ae25360"> Thrive Global</a>,<a href="https://mailtrack.io/link/943670ac8283f46b05f3d54ab05e0a998c65ea87?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bustle.com%2Fwellness%2Fhelp-friend-going-through-bad-breakup&amp;userId=9224060&amp;signature=ea69362bfc4261c9"> Bustle</a>,<a href="https://mailtrack.io/link/359b42b49baaae20ac5b8cbe6f8ff5d8876c40d4?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fhealth%2Fdisenfranchised-grief&amp;userId=9224060&amp;signature=ff8736a4fd14528e"> Psych Central</a>, and Parents Magazine and on select podcasts such as<a href="https://mailtrack.io/link/437d9ec24730df9a8d54ff06eaca95f00efd1874?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Ftrauma-grief-and-post-traumatic-growth-a%2Fid1166015598%3Fi%3D1000577405413&amp;userId=9224060&amp;signature=a9926b88232a735b"> The SelfWork Podcast</a>,<a href="https://mailtrack.io/link/a2fa3345888c0dae66fe38027dd70361a6d2a03f?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Flessons-in-the-gift-of-post-traumatic-growth-with%2Fid1287315751%3Fi%3D1000554823649&amp;userId=9224060&amp;signature=7d5765952fc659d1"> Seek The Joy</a>,<a href="https://mailtrack.io/link/77f9dffadd59ffc772f7af18d71849066d952c14?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fwith-krista-st-germain-how-to-transform-your-tragedy%2Fid984598599%3Fi%3D1000554465267&amp;userId=9224060&amp;signature=ae6b3e235c03610e"> Life Check Yourself</a>, and<a href="https://mailtrack.io/link/c0005f588dfc145cc3228f61f9816fc16ba65b13?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fgrowth-after-trauma-krista-st-germain-from-the%2Fid477248343%3Fi%3D1000541312929&amp;userId=9224060&amp;signature=a29334d1baa72345"> You Need A Budget</a> to name a few. 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 <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/">directly from the author.</a>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 <a href="http://gabehoward.com/">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>What if trauma didn’t just break us but could also shape us in powerful ways? In this thought-provoking episode, Krista St-Germain and Gabe Howard dive into the complex world of post-traumatic growth — exploring how some people emerge from life’s darkest moments with deeper purpose, stronger connections, and realigned values.
This concept, however, isn’t about being “grateful” for suffering. It’s about rejecting toxic positivity, confronting internal conflicts, and embracing intentional choices. Discover how curiosity, authenticity, and self-reflection can guide you from surviving to thriving — without minimizing pain. If you’ve ever wondered whether growth after trauma is possible (or how it really works), this episode will change the way you think about resilience.
“My husband died when I was 40. He was killed by a drunk driver. And that was the most awful thing I ever experienced, right? Bar none. I didn't want it to happen. I'm not grateful that it happened. I used to think that in order to experience post-traumatic growth, when I first learned about it, that would mean I would have to be happy that it happened, 100%, no! Right? No, not at all.” ~Krista St-Germain

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Our guest, Krista St-Germain, is a Master Certified Life Coach, Post-Traumatic Growth and grief expert, widow, mom and host of The Widowed Mom Podcast. When her husband was killed by a drunk driver in 2016, Krista’s life was completely and unexpectedly flipped upside down. After therapy helped her uncurl from the fetal position, Krista discovered Life Coaching, Post-Traumatic Growth and learned the tools she needed to move forward and create a future she could get excited about. Now she coaches and teaches other widows so they can love life again, too. Krista has been featured online and in print in Psychology Today, Medium, Thrive Global, Bustle, Psych Central, and Parents Magazine and on select podcasts such as The SelfWork Podcast, Seek The Joy, Life Check Yourself, and You Need A Budget to name a few.

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 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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Trauma is common — but is growth possible in its aftermath?

What if trauma didn’t just break us but could also shape us in powerful ways? In this thought-provoking episode, Krista St-Germain and Gabe Howard dive into the complex world of post-traumatic growth — exploring how some people emerge from life’s darkest moments with deeper purpose, stronger connections, and realigned values.
This concept, however, isn’t about being “grateful” for suffering. It’s about rejecting toxic positivity, confronting internal conflicts, and embracing intentional choices. Discover how curiosity, authenticity, and self-reflection can guide you from surviving to thriving — without minimizing pain. If you’ve ever wondered whether growth after trauma is possible (or how it really works), this episode will change the way you think about resilience.
“My husband died when I was 40. He was killed by a drunk driver. And that was the most awful thing I ever experienced, right? Bar none. I didn't want it to happen. I'm not grateful that it happened. I used to think that in order to experience post-traumatic growth, when I first learned about it, that would mean I would have to be happy that it happened, 100%, no! Right? No, not at all.” ~Krista St-Germain

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Our guest, Krista St-Germain, is a Master Certified Life Coach, Post-Traumatic Growth and grief expert, widow, mom and host of The Widowed Mom Podcast. When her husband was killed by a drunk driver in 2016, Krista’s life was completely and unexpectedly flipped upside down. After therapy helped her uncurl from the fetal position, Krista discovered Life Coaching, Post-Traumatic Growth and learned the tools she needed to move forward and create a future she could get excited about. Now she coaches and teaches other widows so they can love life again, too. Krista has been featured online and in print in Psychology Today, Medium, Thrive Global, Bustle, Psych Central, and Parents Magazine and on select podcasts such as The SelfWork Podcast, Seek The Joy, Life Check Yourself, and You Need A Budget to name a few.

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 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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Post-Traumatic Growth: Can Pain Fuel Transformation and Purpose?

Why won’t mental health professionals share with the public when they suspect a presidential candidate has mental illness? As election cycles intensify, the public often seeks expert opinions on candidates’ mental health, but there’s a reason psychiatrists stay silent.In today’s episode, host Gabe Howard and guest Rachael Beairsto dive into the history of the 1964 Goldwater Rule, which prohibits mental health experts from publicly diagnosing public figures without firsthand evaluation. They explore why this rule was established after the Barry Goldwater controversy, the ethical and practical dilemmas it addresses, and how "post-truth" culture challenges its boundaries.In a world where facts can feel secondary to personal beliefs, this episode unpacks why mental health diagnoses in the political sphere may be more divisive than informative. Tune in to discover the surprising reasons why expert silence might protect both democracy and those living with mental illness.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-diagnosing-politicians-why-mental-health-experts-refuse/">episode page</a>. This episode is sponsored, in part, by <a href="https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/pages/inside-mental-health?discount=INSIDE30">Cornbread Hemp</a>. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30." Guest co-host, Rachael Beairsto, is a senior editor with Healthline Media. She covers many health topics, including mental health, chronic conditions, and skin care. Most recently, she supported the launch of Wellos, a mobile wellness app that helps members reach their stress, nutrition, and weight goals. She’s passionate about sharing accurate, engaging health information to help people lead their healthiest, happiest lives. 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 <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/">directly from the author.</a>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 <a href="http://gabehoward.com/">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>Why won’t mental health professionals share with the public when they suspect a presidential candidate has mental illness? As election cycles intensify, the public often seeks expert opinions on candidates’ mental health, but there’s a reason psychiatrists stay silent.
In today’s episode, host Gabe Howard and guest Rachael Beairsto dive into the history of the 1964 Goldwater Rule, which prohibits mental health experts from publicly diagnosing public figures without firsthand evaluation. They explore why this rule was established after the Barry Goldwater controversy, the ethical and practical dilemmas it addresses, and how "post-truth" culture challenges its boundaries.
In a world where facts can feel secondary to personal beliefs, this episode unpacks why mental health diagnoses in the political sphere may be more divisive than informative. Tune in to discover the surprising reasons why expert silence might protect both democracy and those living with mental illness.
To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30."

Guest co-host, Rachael Beairsto, is a senior editor with Healthline Media. She covers many health topics, including mental health, chronic conditions, and skin care. Most recently, she supported the launch of Wellos, a mobile wellness app that helps members reach their stress, nutrition, and weight goals. She’s passionate about sharing accurate, engaging health information to help people lead their healthiest, happiest lives.

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 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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Why can’t mental health professionals warn us if a politician is mentally unstable? 

Why won’t mental health professionals share with the public when they suspect a presidential candidate has mental illness? As election cycles intensify, the public often seeks expert opinions on candidates’ mental health, but there’s a reason psychiatrists stay silent.
In today’s episode, host Gabe Howard and guest Rachael Beairsto dive into the history of the 1964 Goldwater Rule, which prohibits mental health experts from publicly diagnosing public figures without firsthand evaluation. They explore why this rule was established after the Barry Goldwater controversy, the ethical and practical dilemmas it addresses, and how "post-truth" culture challenges its boundaries.
In a world where facts can feel secondary to personal beliefs, this episode unpacks why mental health diagnoses in the political sphere may be more divisive than informative. Tune in to discover the surprising reasons why expert silence might protect both democracy and those living with mental illness.
To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30."

Guest co-host, Rachael Beairsto, is a senior editor with Healthline Media. She covers many health topics, including mental health, chronic conditions, and skin care. Most recently, she supported the launch of Wellos, a mobile wellness app that helps members reach their stress, nutrition, and weight goals. She’s passionate about sharing accurate, engaging health information to help people lead their healthiest, happiest lives.

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 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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diagnosing Politicians? Why Mental Health Experts Refuse

Today’s guest is a self-described “Grim Reaper’s cheerleader” and author of You Only Die Once. In this episode, we explore a fascinating approach to breaking out of autopilot: counting how many Mondays you have left to live. With a blend of humor and urgency, Jodi Wellman challenges us to think differently about mortality and how it impacts our choices, passions, and the way we live each day.Our host, Gabe Howard, calculates his own remaining Mondays, where he’s hit with the reality of limited time. This sparks a conversation about how the knowledge of a final “deadline” can help us seize the moment. Jodi reveals how facing our own mortality — without an existential crisis — can motivate us to act on our dreams and live with intention. With insights from positive psychology and a unique perspective on life’s ultimate countdown, this episode will change how you look at the life you have left.“It is not remembering we're going to die so that we can just be dour and have a really morbid conversation and talk about how well that sucks. I grew up and my mom had a button that she wore on her lapel, like on her acid-washed jacket. Like, life sucks and then you die. We're not talking like that. No, this is about remembering that you're temporary so that it does help you to refine what your priorities are, to feel a little bit more of that sense again, or maybe that intensity and urgency.” ~Jodi Wellman, MAPPTo learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-countdown-to-death-how-embracing-time-helps-us-live-fully">episode page</a>. This episode is sponsored, in part, by <a href="https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/pages/inside-mental-health?discount=INSIDE30">Cornbread Hemp</a>. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30." Our guest, Jodi Wellman, is the founder of Four Thousand Mondays, a speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Jodi's TEDx talk is called How Death Can Bring You Back to Life; with over 1.3 million views, it is the 14th most-watched TEDx talk released in 2022, out of 15,900! Check her book out, too... “You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets.” 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 <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/">directly from the author.</a>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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>Today’s guest is a self-described “Grim Reaper’s cheerleader” and author of You Only Die Once. In this episode, we explore a fascinating approach to breaking out of autopilot: counting how many Mondays you have left to live. With a blend of humor and urgency, Jodi Wellman challenges us to think differently about mortality and how it impacts our choices, passions, and the way we live each day.
Our host, Gabe Howard, calculates his own remaining Mondays, where he’s hit with the reality of limited time. This sparks a conversation about how the knowledge of a final “deadline” can help us seize the moment. Jodi reveals how facing our own mortality — without an existential crisis — can motivate us to act on our dreams and live with intention. With insights from positive psychology and a unique perspective on life’s ultimate countdown, this episode will change how you look at the life you have left.
“It is not remembering we're going to die so that we can just be dour and have a really morbid conversation and talk about how well that sucks. I grew up and my mom had a button that she wore on her lapel, like on her acid-washed jacket. Like, life sucks and then you die. We're not talking like that. No, this is about remembering that you're temporary so that it does help you to refine what your priorities are, to feel a little bit more of that sense again, or maybe that intensity and urgency.” ~Jodi Wellman, MAPP
To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30."

Our guest, Jodi Wellman, is the founder of Four Thousand Mondays, a speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Jodi's TEDx talk is called How Death Can Bring You Back to Life; with over 1.3 million views, it is the 14th most-watched TEDx talk released in 2022, out of 15,900! Check her book out, too... “You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets.”

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 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 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Wonder what "memento mori" really means? Tune in to find out!

Today’s guest is a self-described “Grim Reaper’s cheerleader” and author of You Only Die Once. In this episode, we explore a fascinating approach to breaking out of autopilot: counting how many Mondays you have left to live. With a blend of humor and urgency, Jodi Wellman challenges us to think differently about mortality and how it impacts our choices, passions, and the way we live each day.
Our host, Gabe Howard, calculates his own remaining Mondays, where he’s hit with the reality of limited time. This sparks a conversation about how the knowledge of a final “deadline” can help us seize the moment. Jodi reveals how facing our own mortality — without an existential crisis — can motivate us to act on our dreams and live with intention. With insights from positive psychology and a unique perspective on life’s ultimate countdown, this episode will change how you look at the life you have left.
“It is not remembering we're going to die so that we can just be dour and have a really morbid conversation and talk about how well that sucks. I grew up and my mom had a button that she wore on her lapel, like on her acid-washed jacket. Like, life sucks and then you die. We're not talking like that. No, this is about remembering that you're temporary so that it does help you to refine what your priorities are, to feel a little bit more of that sense again, or maybe that intensity and urgency.” ~Jodi Wellman, MAPP
To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30."

Our guest, Jodi Wellman, is the founder of Four Thousand Mondays, a speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Jodi's TEDx talk is called How Death Can Bring You Back to Life; with over 1.3 million views, it is the 14th most-watched TEDx talk released in 2022, out of 15,900! Check her book out, too... “You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets.”

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 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 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Countdown to Death: How Embracing Time Helps Us Live Fully

Mental health professionals often provide support, but what happens when they need help themselves? In this episode, Dr. Jessi Gold and Gabe Howard explore burnout, emotional exhaustion, and the unique challenges doctors and therapists face. Using humor and honesty, they discuss the stigmas around mental health care providers seeking treatment themselves and the importance of "practicing what you preach."Dr. Gold reveals how burnout can manifest emotionally and physically, from depersonalization to feeling disconnected from personal accomplishments. She explains why mental health workers, who deal in emotions daily, often avoid addressing their own emotional struggles. The episode explores the delicate balance between maintaining empathy and protecting oneself from burnout, and Dr. Gold shares practical strategies for self-care – for professionals and patients.Whether you're a healthcare worker, a patient, or someone curious about the inner lives of mental health professionals, this episode offers a candid look into the emotional toll of caregiving. Listen Now!“And it did not help my burnout. I think that I do what a lot of people do, which is actually a symptom of burnout, which is depersonalization, which is disconnecting as much as humanly possible. And I think we learn that in training as a way to protect ourselves. But what happens with burnout or what happens when story after story after story is resonating too much is we kind of disconnect completely. And so we're no longer like that person is a person. We're sort of like, that's just another, like it's an object.” ~Jessi Gold, MD, MS This episode is sponsored, in part, by <a href="This%20episode%20is%20sponsored,%20in%20part,%20by%20Cornbread%20Hemp.%20They%20produced%20the%20first-ever%20USDA-certified%20organic%20CBD%20gummies%20in%20America.%20Save%2030%%20on%20your%20first%20order%20using%20code%20%22Inside30.%22">Cornbread Hemp</a>. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD and THC gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30." To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-when-healers-need-healing-burnout-in-mental-healthcare-workers/">episode page</a>. Our guest, Jessi Gold, MD, MS, is the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System and an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. This inaugural leadership position encompasses all five University of Tennessee campuses, UT Knoxville, UT Chattanooga, UT Southern, UT Martin, and UT Health Science Center, and includes up about 59,000 students and 19,0000 faculty and staff. In her clinical practice, she sees healthcare workers, trainees, and young adults in college. Dr. Gold is also a fierce mental health advocate and highly sought-after expert in the media on everything from burnout to celebrity self-disclosure. She has written widely for the popular press, including for The New York Times, The Atlantic, InStyle, Slate, and Self. Her first book, “HOW DO YOU FEEL? One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine” is out available now from Simon Element. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in anthropology), the Yale School of Medicine, and the Stanford University Department of Psychiatry, she spends her free time traveling with her friends, watching live music (especially Taylor Swift) or mindless television, and on walks with her dog, Winnie. Find her on X, Instagram, TikTok, or Threads @DrJessiGold. 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 <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/">directly from the author.</a>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 <a href="http://gabehoward.com/">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>Mental health professionals often provide support, but what happens when they need help themselves? In this episode, Dr. Jessi Gold and Gabe Howard explore burnout, emotional exhaustion, and the unique challenges doctors and therapists face. Using humor and honesty, they discuss the stigmas around mental health care providers seeking treatment themselves and the importance of "practicing what you preach."
Dr. Gold reveals how burnout can manifest emotionally and physically, from depersonalization to feeling disconnected from personal accomplishments. She explains why mental health workers, who deal in emotions daily, often avoid addressing their own emotional struggles. The episode explores the delicate balance between maintaining empathy and protecting oneself from burnout, and Dr. Gold shares practical strategies for self-care – for professionals and patients.
Whether you're a healthcare worker, a patient, or someone curious about the inner lives of mental health professionals, this episode offers a candid look into the emotional toll of caregiving. Listen Now!
“And it did not help my burnout. I think that I do what a lot of people do, which is actually a symptom of burnout, which is depersonalization, which is disconnecting as much as humanly possible. And I think we learn that in training as a way to protect ourselves. But what happens with burnout or what happens when story after story after story is resonating too much is we kind of disconnect completely. And so we're no longer like that person is a person. We're sort of like, that's just another, like it's an object.” ~Jessi Gold, MD, MS

This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD and THC gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30." 

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Our guest, Jessi Gold, MD, MS, is the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System and an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. This inaugural leadership position encompasses all five University of Tennessee campuses, UT Knoxville, UT Chattanooga, UT Southern, UT Martin, and UT Health Science Center, and includes up about 59,000 students and 19,0000 faculty and staff. In her clinical practice, she sees healthcare workers, trainees, and young adults in college. 
Dr. Gold is also a fierce mental health advocate and highly sought-after expert in the media on everything from burnout to celebrity self-disclosure. She has written widely for the popular press, including for The New York Times, The Atlantic, InStyle, Slate, and Self. Her first book, “HOW DO YOU FEEL? One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine” is out available now from Simon Element. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in anthropology), the Yale School of Medicine, and the Stanford University Department of Psychiatry, she spends her free time traveling with her friends, watching live music (especially Taylor Swift) or mindless television, and on walks with her dog, Winnie. Find her on X, Instagram, TikTok, or Threads @DrJessiGold.

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 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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Who do mental healthcare workers call when they are stressed out?

Mental health professionals often provide support, but what happens when they need help themselves? In this episode, Dr. Jessi Gold and Gabe Howard explore burnout, emotional exhaustion, and the unique challenges doctors and therapists face. Using humor and honesty, they discuss the stigmas around mental health care providers seeking treatment themselves and the importance of "practicing what you preach."
Dr. Gold reveals how burnout can manifest emotionally and physically, from depersonalization to feeling disconnected from personal accomplishments. She explains why mental health workers, who deal in emotions daily, often avoid addressing their own emotional struggles. The episode explores the delicate balance between maintaining empathy and protecting oneself from burnout, and Dr. Gold shares practical strategies for self-care – for professionals and patients.
Whether you're a healthcare worker, a patient, or someone curious about the inner lives of mental health professionals, this episode offers a candid look into the emotional toll of caregiving. Listen Now!
“And it did not help my burnout. I think that I do what a lot of people do, which is actually a symptom of burnout, which is depersonalization, which is disconnecting as much as humanly possible. And I think we learn that in training as a way to protect ourselves. But what happens with burnout or what happens when story after story after story is resonating too much is we kind of disconnect completely. And so we're no longer like that person is a person. We're sort of like, that's just another, like it's an object.” ~Jessi Gold, MD, MS

This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD and THC gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30." 

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Our guest, Jessi Gold, MD, MS, is the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System and an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. This inaugural leadership position encompasses all five University of Tennessee campuses, UT Knoxville, UT Chattanooga, UT Southern, UT Martin, and UT Health Science Center, and includes up about 59,000 students and 19,0000 faculty and staff. In her clinical practice, she sees healthcare workers, trainees, and young adults in college. 
Dr. Gold is also a fierce mental health advocate and highly sought-after expert in the media on everything from burnout to celebrity self-disclosure. She has written widely for the popular press, including for The New York Times, The Atlantic, InStyle, Slate, and Self. Her first book, “HOW DO YOU FEEL? One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine” is out available now from Simon Element. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in anthropology), the Yale School of Medicine, and the Stanford University Department of Psychiatry, she spends her free time traveling with her friends, watching live music (especially Taylor Swift) or mindless television, and on walks with her dog, Winnie. Find her on X, Instagram, TikTok, or Threads @DrJessiGold.

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 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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Healers Need Healing: Burnout in Mental Healthcare Workers

How does a woman with schizophrenia manage life as an entertainer, stuntwoman, and podcast host all while managing a severe mental illness? In this episode, Rachel Star Withers shares her intense and often shocking journey—from growing up in the Bible Belt believing her hallucinations were demons, to undergoing an exorcism before finally receiving a medical diagnosis of schizophrenia.She candidly discusses the stigma she faced, including being told she was "choosing Satan," 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 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.“You know, I always think every thought that I have is dipped in schizophrenia. It’s all I've ever known. I grew up seeing monsters. It's not something that I've ever lived without. There's monsters with me right now. I hallucinate a good 90% of the time. I'm always kind of not 100% sure if something I saw or experienced is all real. It's very much a part of me. For me, this is part of who I am.” ~Rachel Star WithersTo learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-schizophrenia-survival-a-marvel-stuntwomans-journey-with-rachel-star-withers/">episode page</a>. This episode is sponsored, in part, by <a href="https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/pages/inside-mental-health?discount=INSIDE30">Cornbread Hemp</a>. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30." Our guest, 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 <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lil-Broken-Star-Understanding-Schizophrenia/dp/1537023454">Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids</a> and a tool for schizophrenics, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/See-Dark-Hallucination-Delusion-Journal/dp/0692924744">To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal</a>. Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.Rachel grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. She creates videos documenting her schizophrenia and ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, <a href="https://www.rachelstarlive.com/">RachelStarLive.com</a>. 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 <a href="http://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/">directly from the author.</a>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 <a href="http://gabehoward.com/">gabehoward.com</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>How does a woman with schizophrenia manage life as an entertainer, stuntwoman, and podcast host all while managing a severe mental illness? In this episode, Rachel Star Withers shares her intense and often shocking journey—from growing up in the Bible Belt believing her hallucinations were demons, to undergoing an exorcism before finally receiving a medical diagnosis of schizophrenia.
She candidly discusses the stigma she faced, including being told she was "choosing Satan," 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 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.
“You know, I always think every thought that I have is dipped in schizophrenia. It’s all I've ever known. I grew up seeing monsters. It's not something that I've ever lived without. There's monsters with me right now. I hallucinate a good 90% of the time. I'm always kind of not 100% sure if something I saw or experienced is all real. It's very much a part of me. For me, this is part of who I am.” ~Rachel Star Withers
To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30."

Our guest, 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.
Rachel grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. She creates videos documenting her schizophrenia and ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. 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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

A firsthand account of embracing life fearlessly despite living with schizophrenia

How does a woman with schizophrenia manage life as an entertainer, stuntwoman, and podcast host all while managing a severe mental illness? In this episode, Rachel Star Withers shares her intense and often shocking journey—from growing up in the Bible Belt believing her hallucinations were demons, to undergoing an exorcism before finally receiving a medical diagnosis of schizophrenia.
She candidly discusses the stigma she faced, including being told she was "choosing Satan," 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 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.
“You know, I always think every thought that I have is dipped in schizophrenia. It’s all I've ever known. I grew up seeing monsters. It's not something that I've ever lived without. There's monsters with me right now. I hallucinate a good 90% of the time. I'm always kind of not 100% sure if something I saw or experienced is all real. It's very much a part of me. For me, this is part of who I am.” ~Rachel Star Withers
To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30."

Our guest, 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.
Rachel grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. She creates videos documenting her schizophrenia and ways to manage and let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. 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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Schizophrenia & Survival: A Marvel Stuntwoman’s Journey with Rachel Star Withers

Award-winning weekly podcast that approaches psychology and mental health in an accessible way. Listen as our host Gabe Howard speaks candidly with experts, celebrities, and other notables to break down complex topics into simpler terms.

Inside Mental Health

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