rachelstarlive

06/30/2025

Advocacy for Schizophrenia and Serious Mental Illnesses
The story of schizophrenia has too often been told through a lens of fear and misunderstanding. But that’s changing. Thanks to relentless advocates, awareness campaigns, and policy reform, stigma is being challenged and access to care is improving. But how do we join this fight? What does real advocacy look like — and where do we even begin?

In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizophrenia, and co-host Gabe Howard share their own advocacy journeys and break down the many ways you can make a difference.

Joining them is Dr. Tracy Hicks C-Trilogy Outreach LLC, a doctor of nursing practice and dual certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner. With years of hands-on experience pushing for mental health reform, Dr. Hicks offers insight into what effective advocacy really takes — from the clinic to the capitol.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-advocacy-for-schizophrenia-and-serious-mental-illnesses
PsychCentral.com Healthline

Curious how to advocate for your loved one with schizophrenia? This podcast episode explores.

06/01/2025

Why “Just Take Your Meds” Isn’t So Simple: Schizophrenia and the Med Adherence Dilemma

Up to 70% of people with schizophrenia don’t take their medication as prescribed. This nonadherence is tied to higher risks of psychosis, relapse, ongoing symptoms, and even su***de attempts. So why do so many people with schizophrenia struggle to stay on their meds — despite such serious consequences? And what can actually be done about it?

In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers — who lives with schizophrenia — and co-host Gabe Howard explore the complicated reality behind medication adherence. Rachel shares her own experiences with skipping or stopping meds, shedding light on the emotional and psychological challenges that aren’t often discussed.

They’re joined by Dr. Alberto Augsten, a toxicologist and psychopharmacologist who consults with pharmaceutical companies and helps shape best-practice guidelines for psychiatric medications. Dr. Augsten brings expert insight into how treatment can be improved and what steps can be taken to support long-term recovery. Listen now to learn more!
PsychCentral.com Healthline

https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-why-just-take-your-meds-isnt-so-simple-schizophrenia-and-the-med-adherence-dilemmais-podcast

Why is medication adherence such an issue in people with schizophrenia? This podcast episode explores. Listen now!

05/25/2025

Reality Check podcast. Psychosis is Real, so is Recovery.

On this episode, co-founders Dr Ashley Weiss and Serena Chaudhry speak with Rachel Star Withers. Rachel is a stunt woman, TV and Film producer, author, podcast host, and happens to have Schizophrenia.

Join us for this fascinating dive into Rachel's life and journey on Reality Check. Psychosis is Real, so is Recovery podcast.

For more information about Clear Answers to Louisiana Mental Health (CALM) and their Early Intervention Psychosis Program (EPIC NOLA) visit the website: www.calmnola.org CALMnola

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw5HBdfNBnQ

PSYCHOSIS IS REAL. SO IS RECOVERY WHAT IS PSYCHOSIS? Psychosis can appear different across individuals. Here is a list of symptoms to look out for. ABOUT PSYCHOSIS IS THIS PSYCHOSIS? If you think you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of psychosis, try taking our anonymous quiz! Take O...

04/30/2025

Aging Parents of Adults with Schizophrenia: Challenges & Realities
Many adults with schizophrenia rely on family members for daily support, often depending on parents in their 50s or 60s. As these parents grow older, they face mounting physical and emotional challenges — along with the pressing question of who will care for their child in the future.

In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers, who lives with schizophrenia, and co-host Gabe Howard dive into the unique struggles of aging parents caring for an adult child with schizophrenia.

Joining the conversation is Maye Hayes Jepson, a mother and caregiver to an adult son with schizophrenia. As a passionate advocate and a master’s-level counselor, Maye offers invaluable insights on navigating the caregiving journey and preparing for the future.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-aging-parents-of-adults-with-schizophrenia-challenges-realities
PsychCentral.com Healthline

Supporting a loved one with schizophrenia and worried about their future as you age? This podcast episode explores all this and more.

04/14/2025

The Top Myths Surrounding a Schizophrenia Diagnosis

Schizophrenia is a complex and often misunderstood mental illness, and misinformation and stigma surrounding the condition are still prevalent in our societies. The stereotypes and the myths of schizophrenia create challenges for people with diagnosed schizophrenia, but also for healthcare workers, family members, and caretakers.

Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard break down the top myths surrounding schizophrenia. Remember, just because society believes it’s true doesn’t mean it is.

Guest Psychiatrist Dr. Richard W. Miller joins to discuss the myths he is confronted with daily working in the mental health field.
Healthline PsychCentral.com

https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-the-top-myths-surrounding-a-schizophrenia-diagnosis

Do you truly understand schizophrenia? This episode of the Inside Schizophrenia podcast explores these myths and unpacks the stigma surrounding this mental health diagnosis.

03/04/2025

Sensory Overload and Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know

Everyone has felt overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells — but for people with schizophrenia, sensory overload can be constant and intense. Sensory processing dysfunction can make everyday sights, sounds, and touches feel overwhelming, leading to a phenomenon called “sensory flooding.” It can also make it harder to filter out background noise, identify sensory sources, and focus on tasks — sometimes even contributing to symptoms of psychosis like hallucinations and delusions.

Hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore how schizophrenia affects the senses and what this means for daily life. They’re joined by Dr. Ray Kotwicki, a psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at Hightop Health, who shares expert insights into the science behind sensory processing challenges and how to manage them.

Tune in for a fascinating look at the intersection of schizophrenia, sensory overload, and mental health! Healthline PsychCentral.com
https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-sensory-overload-and-schizophrenia-what-you-need-to-know

Learn how sensory overload affects schizophrenia — and what to do about it on this podcast episode. Listen Now!

02/15/2025

Schizophrenia in Young Adulthood: Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Strength
The average age of onset for schizophrenia is in early adulthood, late teens to early 30s.

This is an intense stage of life for anyone — graduating high school, first time living on your own, entering the workforce, attending college, and figuring out what you want to do with your life and who you want to be.

Now add experiencing psychosis for the first time, hallucinations, delusions and losing touch with reality.

In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, hosts Rachel Star Withers and Gabe Howard explore the challenges of managing early adulthood with a schizophrenia diagnosis.

Why does schizophrenia emerge so often in this time frame, what experiences contribute to schizophrenia symptoms, and what are the challenges for young adults with schizophrenia?

Joining us later in the episode is Jules, a 22-year-old artist and college student studying marine biology at Columbia University who lives with schizophrenia.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/is-podcast-schizophrenia-in-young-adulthood-overcoming-obstacles-and-finding-strength
Healthline PsychCentral.com

Does schizophrenia manifest differently at various stages of life? This podcast episode explores.

01/06/2025

Approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population lives in a rural area, and about one-fifth of those living in rural areas, or about 6.5 million individuals, have a mental illness. People living in rural areas have a more difficult time getting proper diagnoses and treatment for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia. This is due to multiple factors, including a lack of healthcare providers, costs, and social stigmas surrounding schizophrenia in these areas.

Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard discuss the challenges and solutions about access to schizophrenia treatment in rural areas in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia.

Guest Tarrah Holliday, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive experience working with people in rural America who live with schizophrenia and helping rural populations get access to care, joins to share her expertise.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-schizophrenia-resources-in-rural-areas
Healthline PsychCentral.com

Can your ZIP code determine what help is available for schizophrenia?

12/09/2024

Cognitive deficits are a core feature of schizophrenia and account for much of the impaired functioning associated with this disorder. What are the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia? When do they start? Do they ever stop? And does cognitive decline continue throughout our lives? And most importantly, how do we treat these cognitive deficits?

In this episode of Inside Schizophrenia, host Rachel Star Withers and co-host Gabe Howard discuss how the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia impact people’s lives. Rachel opens up about her ongoing struggles and fears over her cognitive decline.

Guest Dr. Derin Cobia, a clinical neuropsychologist and associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at BYU Brigham Young University, joins to share his lab research on how changes in brain structure influence cognition and behavior in schizophrenia.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-cognitive-deficits-in-schizophrenia Healthline PsychCentral.com

Dr. Derin Cobia, a clinical neuropsychologist, joins to share his research on cognition in schizophrenia. We explore all this and more on this episode of the Inside Schizophrenia podcast. Listen now!

10/24/2024

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

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

With Gabe Howard by PsychCentral.com and Healthline

https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-schizophrenia-survival-a-marvel-stuntwomans-journey-with-rachel-star-withers

A firsthand account of embracing life fearlessly despite a schizophrenia diagnosis

10/23/2024

Recording with my boys 😎

10/22/2024

Finding Hope with a Schizophrenia Diagnosis

Hope is a crucial element that can significantly influence recovery for people with schizophrenia. It offers a pathway to resilience, empowerment, and a fulfilling life.

However, schizophrenia is a disabling psychiatric condition that impacts 1% of people worldwide and ranks among the top ten global causes of disability. It can be difficult to remain hopeful with statistics like that.

Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard explore how to find hope with a schizophrenia diagnosis in this episode of Inside Schizophrenia.

Guest Christopher Grant, a Mi’gmaw filmmaker and artist who lives with schizophrenia, joins. His work has been exhibited internationally in galleries, museums, and film festivals. He is also known on TikTok as XORadMagical, with over 1.5 million followers. There, he has created schizophrenia simulators of what he experiences.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/is/inside-schizophrenia-podcast-finding-hope-with-a-schizophrenia-diagnosis
Healthline PsychCentral.com

Does having hope improve outcomes with schizophrenia? This podcast episode explores with Rachel Star Withers