Inside Mental Health

Does mental health treatment work the same for everyone? The answer is more complicated than many people realize.

In this episode, host Gabe Howard is joined by Stephanie Robertson, J.D., Director of Mental Health Equity at NAMI, and Dr. Nicole Washington, psychiatrist and President-Elect of the Black Psychiatrists of America, for an honest conversation about mental health equity, cultural identity, and why representation matters in behavioral health.

Rather than focusing on politics, this conversation centers on practical realities: how clinicians can better understand the people they serve, why patients deserve care that reflects their experiences, and how open conversations can reduce stigma while improving access to treatment. 

Listeners Will Learn:


How implicit bias can affect healthcare decisions even when providers have good intentions

Why mental health equity means providing care that meets people's unique needs—not simply providing identical care for everyone

Why difficult conversations about mental health, culture, and bias are necessary to improve outcomes

Why representation helps people feel understood, respected, and more willing to seek treatment


If you've ever wondered why diversity in mental health care matters—or how to achieve it—this episode explores why increasing diversity among mental health professionals isn't just about representation; it's about improving care, expanding access, and creating a mental health system that works better for everyone. 

Cold Open Transcript:

“Being misdiagnosed happens so often to people of color, to women. It's about understanding what people have experienced throughout their lives, not just because of being a person, but because of being a black person, because of being a woman, because of growing up in a large family, because of growing up in the South. You know, there are just things that are culturally and/or the nuances of how you grew up and what you were exposed to makes such a difference.” ~Stephanie Robertson, Director of Mental Health Equity at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Our guest, Stephanie Robertson, is the Director of Mental Health Equity at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she advances access to community-informed and culturally responsive mental health care. She partners with the NAMI Alliance and community-based organizations to address structural barriers to equitable care. Stephanie holds a BA from Duke University and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center. Her professional background spans corporate law, higher education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership. Outside of work, she enjoys jogging, crafting handmade jewelry, and spending time with her mini Goldendoodle, Indie.

Our guest, Dr. Nicole Washington, is an ABMS board certified psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer of Elocin Psychiatric Services, a primarily virtual practice where she focuses on the mental health needs of women and the busy professional. Dr. Washington also serves as President-Elect of the Black Psychiatrists of America, Inc.

Dr. Washington has spent most of her career caring and advocating for people who aren't typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities and high-performing professionals.



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.

Many people know the term “bipolar disorder,” but few understand what mania actually looks like, how depression presents, or why recognizing the warning signs can be so difficult.

In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) Member expert Bruce M. Cohen, MD, PhD. Dr. Cohen is a psychiatrist, Harvard Medical School professor, and former president and psychiatrist-in-chief of McLean Hospital. Together, they break down the realities of bipolar disorder, including the differences between bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia.

Listeners will learn:


how some risk-taking behaviors could be warning signs



how distinguishing bipolar from personality traits requires careful evaluation

how caregivers need support and self-care to be effective


They also tackle an important question: When is someone simply energetic, dramatic, or outgoing — and when could those traits point to a mental health condition? Using real-world examples and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Cohen explains how mental health professionals distinguish personality from illness.

If you've ever wondered what bipolar disorder really looks like — or how to help someone who may be struggling — this episode is for you.

We would like to thank McLean Hospital for providing educational support for this episode.



“I've been doing this for 50 years and I've focused on psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders. [. . .] Most of them lead good lives and they're successful.” ~Bruce M. Cohen, MD, PhD



Our guest, Bruce M. Cohen, MD, PhD, is the Robertson-Steele Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and President/Psychiatrist-in-Chief Emeritus at McLean Hospital. Currently, as Director of the Program for Neuropsychiatric Research at McLean/Mass General Brigham, he leads a consortium using cell culture, genomic, pharmacologic, brain imaging, and clinical studies to increase understanding and develop new treatments for psychiatric disorders. This work is particularly focused on identifying inherent factors that might be modulated to reduce the risk of illness. Convergent evidence from these studies highlights key factors underlying risk for illness, prominently including abnormalities of energy production and brain cell growth and maturation. These abnormalities affect brain development, brain remodeling during adolescence, and brain repair with age. In addition, his work has documented evidence-based dimensional approaches for diagnosing psychiatric disorders that describe each person seeking treatment more accurately and thoroughly than standard diagnostic models. Collaborating investigators work at McLean, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, and international sites. Following undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduate (molecular genetic) and medical studies at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Cohen completed his residency training at McLean. He was co-founder of a Clinical Research Center, founding Director of McLean’s Brain Imaging Center, and director of McLean’s Residency Training Program, and a Vice President at McLean, before becoming President and Psychiatrist-in-Chief of the hospital. Under his leadership, McLean, which was struggling financially, established over 30 new programs, became financially stable and grew to treat more patients, perform more research, and teach more trainees than at any time in its distinguished history. He has taught locally, at McLean, Harvard Medical School, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as lecturing nationally and worldwide to academic and lay audiences. He has directed continuously funded translational research projects and centers for 48 years.  Dr. Cohen has over 400 publications and 5 awarded patents.  He authored one popular book for lay audiences and has chapters in 19 textbooks. He has consulted to industry and clinical centers. He has been featured in national publications as one of the best doctors in America, been named Psychiatrist of the Year twice by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts, and has won awards for research, teaching, and clinical care.

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.

Most people can buy a lottery ticket, join an office March Madness pool, or place an occasional sports bet without it becoming a problem. So why do some people lose their savings, relationships, careers, and even homes because they can't stop gambling?

In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with certified gambling counselor Eric Webber, MA, to explore the realities behind gambling addiction and why it deserves to be treated as a serious mental health condition.

This conversation examines the explosion of legal sports betting, in-game prop bets, fantasy sports, and gambling advertisements that have made betting more accessible — and more difficult to avoid — than ever before. Eric explains how modern betting platforms are intentionally designed to deliver frequent rewards that keep people engaged, and why "just stop gambling" is no more helpful than telling someone with depression to "just cheer up."

Listeners will learn:


how treatment for gambling addiction works and what to expect

why gambling addiction is a real behavioral addiction, even without substances involved

the critical role of peer support in long-term recovery

potential warning signs that casual gambling may be turning into compulsive behavior


If you've ever wondered when gambling crosses the line from entertainment to addiction, this conversation may change the way you think about betting forever."People don't lose everything because they enjoy gambling. They lose everything because they can't stop — and that's what makes it an addiction." ~Eric J. Webber, MA



Our guest, Eric J. Webber, MA,  is the Caron Legal Professionals Program Coordinator and Senior Behavioral Health Therapist at Caron Treatment Center.  He provides direct care through individual and group counseling sessions, as well as specialty lectures focused on the disease of addiction, relapse, addiction interaction disorders, work/professional related issues, and other targeted needs. He conducts the Legal Professionals group and meets with legal professionals individually to provide counsel.  Mr. Webber is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and holds a Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling, all through the Pennsylvania Certification Board; he is also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and a Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals. He holds a master’s degree from Alvernia University.  



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.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply ignored — leaving many people feeling isolated, frustrated, and afraid to speak up. In this episode, we share the deeply personal story of Sherland Peterson, a woman living with tardive dyskinesia, while exploring the physical, emotional, and social impact of this complex movement disorder.

Whether you are living with TD yourself, caring for someone who is, or simply trying to better understand the realities of long-term mental health treatment, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical understanding. Our guest discusses what it was like to first notice the symptoms, the challenges of getting answers, and how TD affected confidence, relationships, communication, and daily life.

Listeners will learn:


the emotional toll of living with visible involuntary movements 

how psychiatric medication side effects can create complicated treatment decisions 

what caregivers and loved ones should know about supporting someone 

how stigma and shame can prevent people from seeking help 



If you’ve ever wondered what TD actually feels like beyond the clinical definition — or if you’re searching for hope, support, and real-world perspective — this episode delivers an authentic and compassionate look at life with TD.We would like to thank Teva Pharmaceuticals for providing educational support for this episode.



“In my case, my mouth was so affected by TD (tardive dyskinesia), my jaw would quiver, my speech would be slurred.” ~Sherland Peterson



Our guest, Sherland Peterson, is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has appeared in numerous podcasts, TV, and radio interviews in which she shares her mental health journey. Ms. Peterson attended Hunter College and City College of NYC. She has taught English at LaGuardia Community College, City College of NYC, and DeVry Institute in NYC. She has also served as a Schedule C in the Obama administration’s Administrative Conference of the US.

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.

Grammy-nominated singer, actress, and mental health advocate Carnie Wilson joins Gabe Howard to discuss one of the most misunderstood conditions in mental health: tardive dyskinesia (TD).

In this candid conversation, Wilson opens up about her own experiences with depression, postpartum depression, addiction recovery, and the isolation that often accompanies mental health challenges. She explains why vulnerability can become a source of strength and why speaking up may be the most important first step toward healing.

Listeners will learn:


why many people wait months or years before discussing symptoms with a healthcare professional



Carnie Wilson’s personal history with mental health struggles 



why people fear judgment for their diagnosis and for visible symptoms of TD


Together, Gabe and Carnie explore the stigma surrounding mental illness, the unique challenges faced by people living with TD, and the emotional impact these conditions can have on relationships, self-esteem, and daily life. They also discuss why so many people delay seeking help and what can happen when fear gives way to action.

Whether you're living with a mental health condition, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand TD, this episode offers a powerful message of empathy, education, and hope. Listen now!

Cold Open Transcript:

“They become an advocate for themselves. They finally say, when I look in the mirror, I see my tongue darting from right, left, right, left. And I don't want to go to work today because I think my students at the school will judge me. These are everyday people that have these jobs that are affected. And I'm here to say, don't be ashamed. There's nothing wrong with you.” ~Carnie Wilson, Grammy Nominated Pop Sensation



Our guest, Carnie Wilson, is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and mental health advocate. 

Carnie Wilson has always been an advocate for helping and empowering others. Now, it means so much to her to be able to use her voice to be open about her own mental health journey, with the hope that she can help people facing their own challenges. 

In the past, she's openly shared her experiences with postpartum depression and addiction and found strength by being open about her mental health challenges, as well as seeking treatment and support. 

Carnie Wilson, born into the music world, has made her own mark on the entertainment world as a singer, TV personality, and actress. She is a founding member of the pop trio Wilson Phillips. Beyond her music career, Carnie has appeared on television as a host and guest star and even made a memorable cameo in the comedy film “Bridesmaids.” Her diverse talents continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. She loves cooking and baking with her family and resides in California with her family. 



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.