Inside Schizophrenia

“Paranoid schizophrenic admits to attacking dog walker.” When we watch a horror movie, we know the “madman” on screen is a work of fiction. But when the nightly news leads with a diagnosis to explain a tragedy, the fear it creates is very real — and often permanent.Why does the media lead with schizophrenia only when the story involves violence, yet remain silent when it comes to stories of recovery, hope, and humanity?

In this hard-hitting episode, host Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) explores the Lead with Fear phenomenon — the dangerous journalistic trend of linking a diagnosis to a crime before the facts are even in — and why schizophrenia seems to have the worst PR team in the world.

Later in the show, we sit down with two media heavyweights who are using their platforms to overhaul how the world views mental health.:

Janet Yang, an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning producer and former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Frank Kosa, an Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker for National Geographic, the History Channel, and A&E.

Listener Take-A-Ways:

why "paranoid schizophrenia" is an obsolete clinical term that journalists refuse to let go of

the startling statistic that fewer than 20% of news stories about schizophrenia include themes of recovery

practical ways you can hold news outlets accountable and promote stories of hope

Our guest, Frank Kosa, is an award-winning documentary producer-writer-director, and a journalist. He produced National Geographic’s “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman,” wrote the inaugural season of Travel Channel’s hit show “Booze Traveler,” produced the award-winning “The Revolutionary War,” a mini-series for A&E, “Christianity: The Second Millennium” and multiple shows of TV’s most engaging documentary series including “Life Without People,” “The Universe,” and “Game Changers.”

His shows have aired on The Science Channel, The History Channel, Discovery, A&E, TLC, Animal Planet, The Travel Channel, The Weather Channel, Lifetime, Bloomberg TV, HGTV, and National Geographic. His print journalism has appeared in The LA Times, USA Today, Sacramento Bee, The Christian Science Monitor, and numerous magazines. He has also worked for films and TV shows produced by Universal, Warner Bros., & Sony. He is Emmy-nominated, has won a Cable Ace and other awards, and strives to tell stories that deeply connect with audiences. 

Our guest, Janet Yang, is an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning Hollywood producer, former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and has been named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Hollywood” by the Hollywood Reporter. Yang’s extensive film and television credits include “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “The Weight of Water,” “Shanghai Calling,” “High Crimes,” “Zero Effect,” and “Over the Moon.” Yang began her career by running the first distribution company to market Chinese films into North America. She also brokered the reintroduction of American studio films to the Chinese marketplace after a decades-long hiatus. This, in turn, led to joining Steven Spielberg on the historic production of “Empire of the Sun.” This was followed by long-term partnership with multiple Academy-Award winning writer/director, Oliver Stone.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: ⁠www.rachelstarlive.com⁠) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV’s Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI’s #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “⁠Inside Schizophrenia⁠”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself.

Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid’s mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS⁠ )

Our cohost, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available ⁠directly from the author.⁠

He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, ⁠Inside Bipolar⁠, with Dr. Nicole Washington.

To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, ⁠gabehoward.com⁠.

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“How do I talk to my loved one?” It is the most frequent question the show receives. In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) and co-host Gabe Howard dive deep into the nuances of communication, moving away from reactionary "crisis mode" toward intentional, empathetic connection. They explore why validating emotions and feelings — rather than schizophrenia symptoms — is the key to building trust and how to ask for permission before broaching difficult topics.

Later in the show, Gail Simmons, culinary expert and judge on Bravo's Top Chef, joins the conversation to share her personal story. Gail opens up about her brother’s schizophrenia diagnosis and how her family used the universal language of food and the dinner table to maintain their bond during challenging years.

Listeners will learn:

how to acknowledge someone's fear without confirming their delusions

why caregivers must prioritize their own mental health and boundaries to be effective supports

lessons from Gail Simmons on using hobbies, like cooking or trail running, to bridge the gap when words aren't enough

Whether you are a caregiver, a friend, or living with a diagnosis yourself, this episode offers a roadmap for turning difficult conversations into productive discussions through patience and perseverance. 

Special thanks to Cobenfy Connections for connecting us with Gail Simmons. Cobenfy is a sponsor of this podcast and we appreciate them for their partnership and support. 

Our guest, Gail Simmons, is a trained culinary expert, food writer, and dynamic television personality. Since the show’s inception in 2006, she has lent her expertise as permanent judge, and now executive producer, on Bravo’s Emmy- and James Beard Award-winning series “Top Chef.” Now entering its 23rd season, “Top Chef” is rated the #1 food show on cable television. From 2004 to 2019, Gail served as special projects director at FOOD & WINE. Gail’s first cookbook, “Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating,” was released by Grand Central Publishing in October 2017. Her first book, a memoir titled “Talking With My Mouth Full,” was published by Hyperion in February 2012. Gail’s third book, entitled “Guesting,” will be published in 2026. She is the co-founder of Bumble Pie Productions and lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Jeremy, and their two children.

COBENFY Connections is an initiative from Bristol Myers Squibb in partnership with culinary expert, TV host, and author Gail Simmons. The initiative aims to shift the narrative around schizophrenia, one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized mental illnesses, through honest conversation. Sharing her family’s experience and inviting others to do the same, Simmons emphasizes how connection and community can help people living with schizophrenia feel seen, supported, and hopeful, as well as the importance of finding the treatment that’s right for them. Listeners can learn more by visiting www.connections.bms.com.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV’s Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI’s #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself.

Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid’s mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS )

Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.
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How does a woman with schizophrenia manage life as an entertainer, stuntwoman, and “Inside Schizophrenia” podcast host, all while managing a severe mental illness? In this bonus episode (that originally aired for the “Inside Mental Health” podcast series), Rachel Star Withers shares her intense and often shocking journey — from growing up believing her hallucinations were demons to undergoing an exorcism before finally receiving an accurate medical diagnosis.

She candidly discusses the stigma she faced and how she overcame it to become a thought leader in schizophrenia advocacy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in psychology, mental health advocacy, or learning more about Rachel’s “badass life” as a stunt performer in blockbuster movies like Marvel’s “Black Panther.”

Rachel’s story is a testament to resilience, and she opens up about what it truly means to live with schizophrenia while pursuing your passions and defying expectations. Hit play to learn more about this inspiring story of strength and survival and how you can help yourself — or your loved ones — do the same.

Please Note:

“Hey listeners, you’re about to hear an interview with Rachel Star Withers, host of the “Inside Schizophrenia" podcast, who lives with schizophrenia. She originally appeared on our sister show, “Inside Mental Health.” And we wanted to share that conversation with you as a bonus episode. I hope you enjoy getting to know Rachel a little bit better.”

Rachel Star Withers creates videos documenting her schizophrenia and shares ways to manage it to let others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has written “Lil Broken Star: Understanding Schizophrenia for Kids” and a tool for schizophrenics, “To See in the Dark: Hallucination and Delusion Journal.” Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.

To learn more about Rachel, please visit her website, RachelStarLive.com.

Gabe Howard lives with bipolar disorder and is a nationally recognized speaker and podcast host. He is the author of the book, Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations, available from Amazon; signed copies available directly from the author.

To learn more about Gabe, please visit gabehoward.com.

Thank you for listening, please share the show with everyone you know.
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Living with schizophrenia is traumatic — full stop. Hallucinations, delusions, hospitalizations, lost relationships, and stigma can fracture how you see yourself and the world. But how do you process all of that without being labeled dangerous, unstable, or misunderstood?

In this episode of “Inside Schizophrenia,” Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) and cohost Gabe Howard explore practical, safe ways to express your schizophrenia journey — without needing to be an artist, writer, or performer. From journaling (even if you hate it) to movement, storytelling, and simple word exercises, they break down how expression can support emotional regulation, restore personal agency, and help organize traumatic experiences.

Listeners will learn:

why you don’t need artistic talent to benefit from expressive outlets

how storytelling helps organize traumatic memories into something manageable

what caregivers and loved ones should know about encouraging safe expression

Later, Rachel is joined by singer, songwriter, and poet Susan Wojnar, who shares her powerful lived experience with late-onset schizophrenia and how creativity both challenged and supported her recovery. Susan discusses hearing voices within music, reclaiming her guitar from psychosis, and why sharing her story through poetry helped her — and others — feel less alone. Susan’s new book, "White Darkness: Poetic Tales of the Schizophrenic Experience," is available now.

This episode isn’t about creating masterpieces. It’s about finding your way to release what you’ve been carrying and take control of your narrative.

With 25 years of lived experience with schizophrenia, Susan Wojnar’s book debut transcends the traditional boundaries of memoir, diagnosis, and verse to offer readers a profoundly human window into the experience of psychosis. With raw honesty, stark imagery, and a lyrical voice that sings even in silence, “White Darkness” dares readers — caregivers, mental health professionals, those who struggle with mental health issues, and everyday people alike — to step inside a fragmented yet beautifully defiant world.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV’s Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI’s #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself.

Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid’s mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS )

Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.

Our cohost, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, Inside Bipolar, with Dr. Nicole Washington.

To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, the narrative surrounding schizophrenia has focused almost exclusively on controlling symptoms. But with no cure, can someone actually get better? Recovery in the context of schizophrenia isn’t about the absence of symptoms. It’s a deeply personal process — one that centers on restoring hope, self-determination, and a meaningful life, even when hallucinations, delusions, and setbacks continue to exist.

In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers, who lives openly with schizophrenia, and co-host Gabe Howard explore what recovery really means for people with serious mental illness. From clinical symptom remission and functional abilities to redefining purpose and identity, they unpack how recovery can look — and why it rarely fits the “back to normal” expectation held by loved ones and society.

Later in the episode, Dr. Mark Ragins, who is a pioneer and leading voice in person-centered, recovery-based psychiatry, joins the conversation.

Listener takeaways 

why people — not illness — should be at the center of treatment

how recovery can include setbacks and still be real progress

how the psychosis triangle explains both breakdown and healing

how relationships can stabilize psychosis even when symptoms persist

Listen now as this episode challenges outdated ideas of recovery, validating lived experience and showing how a meaningful life is possible with schizophrenia, symptoms and all.

Our guest, Mark Ragins, MD, has been a psychiatrist for 40 years, working in community mental health centers, as the Medical Director for 27 years at the Mental Health America Village in Long Beach, California, an award-winning model of recovery-based mental health services, as the students’ psychiatrist at Cal State Long Beach, and on street medicine teams working with homeless people on the streets throughout LA county. His book, “Journeys Beyond the Frontier: A Rebellious Guide to Psychosis and Other Extraordinary Experiences,” is based on true stories of working with some of the most underserved and difficult-to-engage people in our community. Countless people have come to experience the work being done at the Village firsthand and Mark has given hundreds of presentations and lectures to wide-ranging audiences nationally and internationally. He is one of the true pioneers and leaders of person-centered, recovery-based psychiatry. Many of his writings are posted online at markragins.com, including his short book A Road to Recovery. He was also featured in Steve Lopez’s book The Soloist. Over the years, Mark has won a number of awards, including from the American Psychiatric Association, the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, NAMI, and Mental Health Advocacy Services.

Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV’s Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI’s #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself.

Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid’s mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS )

Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators.

Our cohost, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.
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