Inside Mental Health

Intrusive thoughts are common for new parents — but when do they cross the line into something more serious? In this episode, you’ll learn how obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) latches onto what matters most — in this case, the safety and well-being of the baby — and how evidence-based treatment like exposure and response prevention (ERP) can bring relief.Joining host Gabe Howard is internationally recognized OCD and parenting expert Dr. Jenny Yip, who sheds light on perinatal and postpartum OCD. Dr. Yip explains how obsessions and compulsions can overwhelm expecting and new parents, from fears of accidentally harming the baby to overwhelming guilt about being a “bad” mom or dad. She also discusses the stigma surrounding taboo intrusive thoughts — including forbidden sexual thoughts — and how avoidance can interfere with bonding during the crucial early weeks of parenthood. 



Takeaways for listeners:


the difference between usual parenting anxiety and perinatal or postpartum OCD

common intrusive thoughts new parents experience but rarely discuss

why avoidance harms bonding and increases OCD’s power


Whether you’re a new parent, a clinician, or simply curious, this episode reveals the hidden struggles of perinatal and postpartum OCD — and the hope for recovery.



“OCD will tackle whatever it is that you care about. And when a family is pregnant, or when they have their first child, or when they have multiple children, what they're going to care about most is that. The safety, the wellness of the mother, of the unborn, or the newborn. And then that's how OCD starts to build and manifest.” ~Dr. Jenny Yip



Our guest, Dr. Jenny Yip, is a board-certified, licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and internationally acclaimed OCD, anxiety, and parenting expert. With nearly three decades of experience, she has treated individuals and families facing severe anxiety disorders, OCD, and parenting stress. In 2008, she founded the Renewed Freedom Center in Los Angeles, followed by the Little Thinkers Center in 2016, offering cutting-edge treatments. She serves on the board of directors for the International OCD Foundation, where she facilitates the Perinatal OCD Task Force and co-directs the BIPOC Behavior Therapy Training Institute. Dr. Yip is the creator of the Strategic Family Boundaries and the Stress-Less Life™ brand, which includes her popular podcast and Stress-Less Mama masterclass. She has authored several books, with her most recent, Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts, ranking as a top new release.



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.

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Hollywood has never shied away from portraying obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — but it often gets it wrong. Typically, OCD is reduced to a punchline, a quirky habit, or a stereotype about neatness and handwashing. In this episode, TV & movie actor Rachel Alig and award-winning filmmaker Sam Sabawi take us behind the scenes of their acclaimed short film “For All I Know” to show how OCD can — and should — be portrayed with truth and compassion.

Sam, who lives with OCD, explains why lazy writing has distorted public understanding and how he used his lived experience to create an authentic story. Rachel shares the emotional depth required to embody a character with OCD, and how she avoided the clichés that Hollywood often leans on. Together, they reveal how real therapy techniques — especially exposure and response prevention (ERP) — were brought into the film to highlight the messy, ongoing reality of recovery.



Listener takeaways:


how Hollywood depictions have shaped public misconceptions of OCD and why the process of authentically portraying OCD on screen matters

what OCD actually is — and isn’t


why ERP therapy is the gold standard for treatment


This is a rare insider look at mental illness through the eyes of two industry leaders determined to change how we see OCD. Listen now!



Sam and Rachel's Award-Winning Short Film About OCD, For All I Know, is available on YouTube now. (Viewing Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vwk4UPHKp0)



Our guest, Sam Sabawi, is a two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work spans narrative fiction, documentary, and unscripted formats. A five-time Telly Award winner and two-time Anthem Gold recipient, Sabawi brings over a decade of experience in visual storytelling across scripted film, development, and branded content.

His recent short film For All I Know explores the interior landscape of OCD to externalize intrusive thoughts. The film is currently on its festival circuit.

Our guest, Rachel Alig, is quickly establishing herself as a dynamic force in both comedy and drama, with a growing list of standout performances across film, television, and commercial work. With over a decade of experience, she has shared the screen with acclaimed talent including John Magaro (The Big Short, PastLives, Carol), Lou Diamond Phillips, Nick Jonas, Jason Biggs, Rob Riggle, and Master P.

Her most recent film, OMAHA—starring John Magaro—premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the prestigious U.S. Dramatic Competition category and was acquired by Greenwich Entertainment for a theatrical release in early 2026. She also appears in FOUND FOOTAGE, distributed by Vertical Entertainment, which hit theaters nationwide on June 20, 2025. Rachel stars opposite of Lou Diamond Phillips and Malcolm McDowell in, ET TU, which started streaming on all major platforms this summer.  And today, September 2, 2025, INVISIBLE, is streaming on Amazon Prime, where Rachel has the lead female role.

Rachel’s craft is rooted in a strong foundation of training, including The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in West Hollywood and The Groundlings. She further honed her skills through ongoing work with Lesly Kahn & Co. and two years of master classes at The Margie Haber Studio.



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.
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How are punk rock and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) related? More than you think. In this episode, clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. J.J. Kelly — the “punk rock doc” — joins the conversation to break down DBT with raw honesty, humor, and zero fluff.

Far from a gimmick, DBT is an evidence-based therapy that blends mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy to help people regulate emotions, improve relationships, and move through life’s inevitable pain without making things worse. DBT isn’t just for young people or people with borderline personality disorder — it’s a practical skill set that anyone can use, from corporate execs to teens, from those struggling with bipolar disorder to anyone wanting stronger emotional intelligence.

Listener takeaways include:


why DBT isn’t a fad but a powerful, science-backed approach



how to use the four DBT modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness



how validation, radical acceptance, and even anger can become tools for connection and growth



Whether you’re curious about mental health treatments, skeptical of “newer” therapies, or just intrigued by the mashup of punk rock and psychology, this episode will leave you rethinking what emotional resilience really means.



Cold Open Transcript:



Gabe Howard: Behavioral therapy kind of makes sense. But what is DBT?

Dr. J.J. Kelly: It's basically Zen mindfulness meets cognitive behavior therapy.

Gabe Howard: And how do those two things merge? Dr. J.J. Kelly: Oh, beautifully. The mindfulness skills and the distress tolerance skills are the Zen stuff. And then the CBT is emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness skills. The assertiveness training, how to ask for things, how to say no in accordance with your values in the most effective way possible.



Our guest, Dr. JJ Kelly, is a licensed clinical psychologist, EQ coach, and bestselling author making mental health accessible, fun, and stigma-free. Known as "The Punk Rock Doc," she blends humor, authenticity, and evidence-based techniques to help people build emotional resilience and take charge of their lives.

As founder of UnorthoDocs, Inc., Dr. Kelly created a vibrant community where young adults learn to manage emotions, build confidence, and cultivate healthier relationships — without outdated therapy methods. Her expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) empowers people to break free from self-doubt and master their emotions. A sought-after speaker and educator, she’s authored multiple books and helps thousands transform their lives through courses, coaching, and radical honesty. Her mission: disrupt outdated systems and teach people to be their own therapists.

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.
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The youth mental health crisis is one of the most urgent challenges facing families today — but what can be done at a policy level to create lasting change? In this episode, former Ohio Governor John Kasich joins host Gabe Howard to share his work with the Bipartisan Policy Center and their recommendations for addressing this national emergency.

Governor Kasich explains why integrating mental health into primary care could be a game-changer for kids and adults alike. He highlights the small but critical legislative victories that are moving the needle and offers practical advice for advocates and parents: how to approach elected officials, how to use your personal story effectively, and how to channel passion into real influence without giving up in frustration.

Three key takeaways for listeners:




Why bipartisan cooperation is essential for mental health reform

How integration of behavioral health into primary care can transform outcomes

Concrete steps anyone can take to make their voices heard in government


If you’ve ever felt powerless to change the system, this episode will inspire you to keep pushing, stay hopeful, and take action for the next generation.



“And it's hard to build a relationship with a therapist to begin with. And then when they tell you you can't have it anymore and you got to go find another one. I think it's a lot easier to just say, I'll just try to make my way through this, even when it's really difficult. And that was another one we keep working on.” ~Former Ohio Governor, John Kasich



Our guest, John Kasich, is a national leader who has spent a lifetime bringing people together to solve big problems and leaving the world around them just a little bit better than they found it. 

As the 69th Governor of Ohio (2011-2019), John Kasich led the Ohio Comeback. In his time as governor, he established JobsOhio, a first of its kind economic-development entity, and helped Ohio diversify its economy and create approximately 500,000 private-sector jobs. He went on to cut a record $5 billion in taxes, cut wasteful spending, reduce red tape and build Ohio’s rainy-day fund to more than $2 billion.

Gov. Kasich ran for President in 2016. He was the last candidate to leave the GOP primary and finished third in the total delegate count. His message focused on unifying Americans rather than dividing them, championing the great potential of our citizens to make positive impacts in their own communities, a strong national defense and the importance of our international alliances.

Today, he runs the Kasich Company strategic consulting firm and serves as a television commentator for NBC and MSNBC. He is also a fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Health Institute.

He is married to Karen Kasich and is the proud father of twin daughters.



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.
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How exactly does a three-time Olympic gold medalist end up with alcohol use disorder? At just 16, Carrie Bates stood on the Olympic podium with a gold medal around her neck. To the world, she had it all — talent, drive, and glory. But behind the scenes, Carrie was fighting a growing battle with alcohol that nearly cost her everything. In this episode, Olympian Carrie Bates opens up about her journey from the top of the podium to nearly losing everything.

Despite her success, Carrie saw many of the same warning signs many people face: denial, escalating drinking, and the belief that achievement meant she couldn’t possibly have a problem. Surrounded by a culture that celebrated alcohol, she ignored loved ones’ concerns and spiraled into dangerous behaviors — until a crisis forced her to confront the truth.

Listen and learn:


how cultural messages about alcohol normalize addiction

the early warning signs of alcohol misuse, even for high achievers

why recovery is not instant — and how resilience leads to lasting change


Carrie’s story is more than a cautionary tale. It’s proof that recovery is possible, even after relapse and setbacks. By learning to surrender, ask for help, and reframe what strength truly means, she found lasting healing — and now uses her voice to help others do the same.



Our guest, Carrie Bates, is an advocate for recovery. As a three-time Olympic gold medalist (OLY) in swimming and a person in recovery, she deeply understands the interplay of the drive for excellence, trauma, life changes, and addiction. Sharing her truth and living her recovery out loud has been at the center of her work. Since 2012, she has helped others access treatment and fought to end the stigma that surrounds the brain disease of substance use disorder.

Carrie came to Caron Treatment Center in 2025 as director of strategic growth and advocacy. In her role, she works with partners in recovery to help more families in need access treatment and support services, promote Caron’s neurorestorative approach to treatment, reduce stigma, and advance awareness about addiction as a brain disease and the benefits of recovery. Carrie is passionate about prevention, the importance of mental wellness, the impact of addiction on families, the difficulties women face in accessing treatment and recovery support, and the role of employers and workplaces to support recovery.

Before coming to Caron, she served as an outreach manager for Hazelden Betty Ford where she worked directly with employers, patients, and their families to navigate the process of finding the treatment they need for sustainable recovery. Carrie has been a fixture in traditional media, podcasts and as a keynote speaker sharing her personal story, tips for families, and hope.

Carrie spent the better part of her career before entering the treatment and recovery field as a sales and marketing career at Nike, Inc.

She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.

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.
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