rachelstarlive

12/23/2025

Go through a Psychiatric Evaluation with me
Many people manage symptoms of serious mental illness but hesitate to seek help. Fear, embarrassment, and uncertainty about what actually happens during a psychological assessment can keep someone from taking that crucial first step.

In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) undergoes an initial psych evaluation with psychologist Dr. Aaron Brinen to show you exactly what the process looks like for someone experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia. Their conversation demystifies the assessment, removes fear from the unknown, and helps you understand what professionals are really looking for.

Dr. Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice who uses evidence-based treatments to support people living with serious mental health conditions. He is the co-developer of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) and trains clinicians worldwide. Dr. Brinen is also the author of the new book Living Well With Psychosis.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-inside-your-first-psych-evaluation-for-schizophrenia PsychCentral.com Healthline Gabe Howard

Learn how a psychological assessment for schizophrenia actually works on this podcast episode

12/14/2025

When You Don’t Know You’re Sick: Understanding Anosognosia

What if you were certain you were perfectly healthy — but everyone around you insisted you had schizophrenia? This may not be denial; it could be anosognosia— a neurological symptom that prevents people from recognizing they have a mental illness.

In this special bonus episode, host Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizophrenia, sits down with Dr. Xavier Amador, world-renowned psychologist and founder of the LEAP Institute, to unravel one of the most misunderstood symptoms in psychiatry.

Dr. Amador, author of the bestselling book “I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!,” shares the science behind anosognosia, why logic and education often fail, and how empathy and connection can bridge the gap between awareness and treatment. Drawing from his own family’s experience, Dr. Amador introduces the LEAP method (Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner) — a revolutionary communication strategy proven to help loved ones accept treatment, even when they don’t believe they’re ill.

Listen and learn:

The brain science behind why some people can’t recognize their own illness
How to tell the difference between denial and anosognosia
Why love and empathy — not confrontation — are the keys to connection
Practical steps for families to rebuild trust and encourage treatment
This episode offers understanding, hope, and tools for anyone supporting a loved one living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other serious mental illnesses.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-when-you-dont-know-youre-sick-understanding-anosognosia PsychCentral.com Healthline

What is lack of insight? When schizophrenia hides in plain sight is explored on this podcast episode featuring Rachel Star Withers

12/11/2025

AI Therapy and Schizophrenia: What’s Possible (and What’s Not)

The integration of artificial intelligence, AI, in mental healthcare holds promise for enhancing treatments, diagnosing, personalizing care, and more. An emerging new use of AI is in therapy, but is it ready for schizophrenia?

In today’s episode, host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard are going to explore the benefits and dangers of AI therapy in schizophrenia care.

Our guest is Dr. Nick Haber. Dr. Haber is a researcher and assistant professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education. His research group develops artificial intelligence systems meant to mimic and model the ways that people learn in early life, exploring their environments through play, social interaction, and curiosity. He is the senior author of a new study about exploring the dangers of AI in mental healthcare.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-ai-therapy-and-schizophrenia-whats-possible-and-whats-not
PsychCentral.com Healthline

Can people with schizophrenia benefit from AI (Artificial Intelligence) interventions is discussed on this podcast episode. Listen now!

12/10/2025

Now available on Amazon!

11/17/2025

Anosognosia in Schizophrenia: Understanding ‘A Lack of Insight’ with Guest Host Rachel Star Withers
Imagine everyone around you — family, friends, even your doctors — insisting you have a serious mental illness, yet you’re certain they’re wrong. This isn’t denial — it’s a symptom called anosognosia, a lack of awareness that can make treatment nearly impossible.

In this episode, guest host Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizophrenia, speaks with Dr. Xavier Amador, Founder and President of the LEAP Institute and author of the bestseller “I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!” Together, they unpack what anosognosia is, why it prevents so many people from accepting help, and how loved ones can build trust and connection instead of conflict.

Dr. Amador has trained tens of thousands of professionals and families in his LEAP method — Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner — a practical, compassionate approach that helps bridge the gap between awareness and recovery.

“I refuse to get any help because this is not a diagnosis. I don’t need this medication. This medication is bad for me. They really don’t understand that they have an illness. We need to help people who have anosognosia… They’re being pushed through the cracks. They’re ending up homeless. They’re ending up in our criminal justice system. They’re ending up in back bedrooms alone, not talking to family. I mean, they deserve us, us to be attending to this problem.” ~​​Dr. Xavier Amador, author of I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!

https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-anosognosia-in-schizophrenia-understanding-a-lack-of-insight-with-guest-host-rachel-star-withers
PsychCentral.com Healthline

When you don’t know you’re sick: Understanding anosognosia in schizophrenia is covered on this podcast episode

10/15/2025

Childhood Schizophrenia: Controversy and What Parents Should Know
Childhood schizophrenia is one of the rarest — and most controversial — diagnoses in psychiatry. In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) and co-host Gabe Howard, joined by board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington, explore the complexities of diagnosing schizophrenia in children and teens.

Together, they unpack the challenges of distinguishing symptoms from typical childhood imagination, the life-altering implications of early treatment, and the risks of misdiagnosis with conditions like autism, ADHD, or bipolar disorder. Rachel also shares her own childhood experiences with hallucinations, offering a rare personal perspective on what it’s like to grow up with symptoms that may go unnoticed for years.

Takeaways for listeners:
- why diagnosing schizophrenia in children is so complicated — and controversial
- how to tell the difference between usual childhood behavior and red flags
- the risks of misdiagnosis and overmedication
- what parents and clinicians should consider before starting treatment
- why early intervention can make all the difference — but also carries risks

Whether you’re a parent, mental health professional, or simply curious, this episode sheds light on the difficult realities and unanswered questions surrounding childhood schizophrenia.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-childhood-schizophrenia-controversy-and-what-parents-should-know Healthline PsychCentral.com

Should we diagnose schizophrenia in children? We explore on this episode of the Inside Schizophrenia podcast. Listen Now!

09/24/2025

Dealing with the Trauma of Schizophrenia
The experiences of living with schizophrenia can be traumatic: hospitalizations, treatments, and psychotic episodes. Even though the prevalence of comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with psychosis varies from 11% to 52%, treatment for traumatic experiences is rarely prescribed to people with schizophrenia.

In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard discuss managing the trauma of living with schizophrenia and why it’s important.

Our hosts welcome guest expert Dr. Hector Rodriguez, who is trained in psychiatry, trauma-informed care, and neuroimaging. He blends neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and lifestyle interventions to help people strengthen their minds and reclaim their power.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-dealing-with-the-trauma-of-schizophrenia PsychCentral.com Healthline

Although PTSD is common in schizophrenia, trauma care is seldom provided. We discuss this and more on this podcast episode.

09/17/2025

My kids' mental health comic book! Now available on Amazon and Kindle!
https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

explores what it is like for children struggling with mental health and physical differences. The series helps children understand those around them who are different and empowers them. After the child character of each book learns how to manage their issue, they are then able to recognize it i...

09/17/2025

Schizophrenia Hallucinations, Explained by Those Who Live It
For individuals living with schizophrenia, the world can be populated by voices, visions, or other sensory experiences that are intensely real yet imperceptible to others. These hallucinations, which are a defining feature of schizophrenia, are not mere figments of imagination but rather vivid, often distressing, and deeply influential aspects of their daily reality.

Today’s exploration aims to shed light on the phenomenon of hallucinations in schizophrenia, going beyond a diagnostic perspective to consider the actual experience, and the profound impact on an individual’s sense of self and connection to the world around them. Guest host, Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and guest Christopher Grant have a real, raw discussion about what experiencing schizophrenia hallucinations is like.

“Just because something is in the uncanny valley, it doesn’t always mean it’s terrifying or deserves demonization. I’m not blind to that fact that it’s off-putting to people through the perspective of a neurotypical person. I’m glad to say today most of my hallucinations are pretty, I don’t even want to say friendly. They’re just content, like a neutral energy. But, for a long time, I was constantly in a state of like terror, like fight or flight terror when I’d experience it.” ~Christopher Grant aka XO RAD Magical
https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-schizophrenia-hallucinations-explained-by-those-who-live-it Healthline PsychCentral.com

Lived experiences reveal the realities behind schizophrenia hallucinations

09/08/2025

The Adventures of __ Series explores what it is like for children struggling with mental health and physical differences.The series helps children understand those around them who are different and empowers them.After the child character of each book learns how to manage their issue, they are then able to recognize it in others and help. When the child helps someone else, they become a superhero.Let’s all be superheroes together!https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

08/25/2025

How Age and Gender Affect Schizophrenia Symptoms
Schizophrenia may develop in people of all ages, and the early signs of the disorder vary greatly from person to person. While the symptoms are the same, the presentation of them can change due to age of onset, gender, and severity.

Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore how the early signs of schizophrenia can present differently and specific behaviors to watch for. Joining them is Dr. Gus Alva, a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Geriatrics.

As an author and coauthor, Dr. Alva’s work has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals, including the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and the Journal of the American Psychiatric Association. He has been featured on numerous media outlets and has served as an expert guest in various television programs, such as CNN News.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-how-age-and-gender-affect-schizophrenia-symptoms
PsychCentral.com Healthline

Discussing why schizophrenia looks different depending on your gender, age, and more on this podcast episode

08/14/2025

Inside Mental Health Podcast: Unmasked: Facts, Myths, and Lived Reality

What do you really know about schizophrenia? Guest host Rachel Star Withers — who lives with schizophrenia — takes us beyond the headlines and horror movies in this powerful, honest, and enlightening episode of Inside Mental Health. Joined by neuropsychologist and schizophrenia researcher Dr. Derin Cobia, Rachel explores what schizophrenia is, what it isn’t, and how it silently shapes the lives of millions.

They break down the real symptoms — including hallucinations, delusions, cognitive disruptions, and depression — and discuss why “positive” and “negative” symptoms are misleading terms. Rachel shares personal stories of psychosis, navigating daily life, and the lifesaving importance of support, while Dr. Cobia of BYU unpacks the science: from genetics to stigma to what the media consistently gets wrong.

Whether you’ve never met someone with schizophrenia (spoiler: you have) or you’re supporting a loved one, this episode replaces fear with empathy and misunderstanding with clarity. You’ll come away informed, moved, and maybe even surprised.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-schizophrenia-unmasked-facts-myths-and-lived-reality
Thank you to Gabe Howard for allowing me to guest-host Inside Mental Health!
Healthline PsychCentral.com

A raw, honest look at schizophrenia from both science and experience on the latest podcast episode of Inside Mental Health