The Psych Central Show: Candid Chat On Mental Health & Psychology

Many people believe that 6 weeks is the window when new mothers need to worry about postpartum depression. Today’s guest, NBC’s “The Endgame” star Ryan Michelle Bathé, shares how that misunderstanding was devastating to her and her family.  Bathé shares with us how much she struggled after the birth of her first child, despite having access to — and utilizing — medical professionals. She shares how difficult it was and how no one around her realized anything was wrong because on the outside, everything appeared to be fine.  To learn more, please visit the show's official episode page here. Guest Bio Actor and producer Ryan Michelle Bathé can be seen starring in NBC’s high stakes thriller series "The Endgame", which premiered in February 2022. She portrays the relentless and socially outcast FBI agent Val Turner, who is on the hunt for an international arms dealer.  In 2020, Bathé launched Down on Maple Productions and signed a first-look deal with ViacomCBS MTV Entertainment Group. The partnership covers cont

No one disputes that America has a problem with drugs. In 2021 alone there were almost 100,000 overdose deaths. This is why we need the government sponsored war on drugs, right?  Just imagine how bad things would be if no one was doing anything to resolve the various issues surrounding drug use. But is that true? Is there any data to support that our policies are even working? Join us as the late activist David Poses explains why we are thinking about overdoses and drug policy all wrong, and how the War on Drugs is actually a war on our own people – a war that is literally killing us. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio David Poses (1976 - 2022) was a writer, speaker, and activist. After hiding his struggle with depression and opioids for twenty years, he started opening up and challenging conventional addiction wisdom. He has been published by the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and New York Daily News and has appeared on national TV programs

For some, ADHD is a debilitating disorder. For others, it’s seen as a conspiracy designed by lazy teachers, parents, and an aggressive pharmaceutical industry. And many reasonable people believe that ADHD is something that only impacts children and not adults. What is the truth? Today’s guest, Dr. George Sachs, has written extensively on ADHD in both children and adults and helps us better understand exactly what ADHD is – and isn’t.  To read the transcript or learn more visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Dr. George Sachs is a licensed child psychologist and adult psychologist, specializing in the treatment of ADD/ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders in children, teen and adults. Dr. Sachs is the co-founder of Inflow, a science-based app for adults with ADHD. He is also author of The Adult ADD Solution, Helping the Traumatized Child and Helping Your Husband with Adult ADD. Dr. Sachs has appeared on NBC Nightly News, CBS and other major media outlets, discussing his unique holistic approach to ADD/A

When you say, “The Pill” there is no debate about what pill you are talking about. Birth control pills have been a tool of the women’s liberation movement for over 60 years. Birth control in general is as ubiquitous in our society as aspirin – and seems as harmless. But what do we really know about how hormonal contraception works and impacts our bodies? Today’s guests, Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, have a new documentary, “The Business of Birth Control,” which examines the complex relationship between hormonal birth control and women’s health and liberation.  Weaving together the stories of bereaved parents, body literacy activists, and femtech innovators, the film reveals a new generation seeking holistic and ecological alternatives to the pill while redefining the meaning of reproductive justice. Guest Bios Abby Epstein started her career as a theatre director with her own production company, Roadworks Productions, which is based in Chicago. Roadworks Productions was founded in 1992, and the company had see

Are you curious about autism? Do you wonder about its relationship to mental health conditions? You are not alone, as autism is one of the top search terms on PsychCentral.com.  Common questions people ask are “Is autism a mental illness?” and “Are people with autism more likely to be violent or aggressive?” Today’s guest lives with autism spectrum disorder and has children who are also on the spectrum. Learn the answers to these questions — and more — on today’s episode with Juli C. Liske. Guest Bio Juli C. Liske is the president of Red Door Nonprofit Consulting, LLC, and consults with local nonprofits on improving their autism-related programs and services. She also currently serves on the Tennessee Governor’s Council for Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as the national SPARK for Autism Advisory Council. As a highly capable individual with autism, Liske has worked in the field of autism for over 19 years. She is also the author of “In the Eye of the Hurricane: Finding Peace Within the Storm of Autism.” Fr

Today’s guest is the first woman to announce the WWE’s WrestleMania event and the first female in-cage announcer in combat sports history. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), professional wrestling, and combat sports in general can be a bastion of toxic masculinity. So what was it like for a woman trying to enter — and excel — in that arena?  Join us as Lilian Garcia shares how smashing the glass ceiling is equal parts exhilarating and mentally taxing. She explains the challenges to her mental health that being a trailblazer entails and how she got through her own trying times. To Learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Lilian Garcia is a woman with a platform, a history maker and barrier ‘breaker. This Spanish beauty has solidified her name into sports, entertainment, wellness, and mainstream media. Lilian is a multi-talented singer/songwriter, television personality & producer, 15-year WWE Host, and the first woman to announce WrestleMania. She’s currently the Pr

Do you like mental health podcasts? Today’s guest started one of the original mental health podcasts, Mental Illness Happy Hour. Over 10 years later, it’s still one of the most popular podcasts in the genre. In this episode, the host of Mental Illness Happy Hour, Paul Gilmartin, tells us all about his own mental health journey, how he designs his podcast, and why he believes that humor and real talk are the best ways to move forward with addiction and mental illness. To learn more, or read the transcript, please visit the show's official episode page here. Guest Bio From 1995 to 2011 Paul Gilmartin co-hosted TBS’ “Dinner and a Movie” and performed his half-hour stand-up special “Comedy Central Presents: Paul Gilmartin.” He is a frequent guest on the “Jimmy Dore Show,” performing political satire as his right-wing Congressman Richard Martin (R-Ohio). In 2011 he began The Mental Illness Happy Hour, a weekly audio podcast consisting of interviews with artists, friends, listeners, and the occasional mental health

Why are conspiracy theories so popular, and why are so many people willing to believe the most unbelievable things? Today’s guest, New York Times’ bestselling author and historian Brad Meltzer, explains that the idea of secret societies and conspiracy theories are actually mirrors that reflect a culture’s fears, insecurities, and fascinations. Join us as Brad shares examples of how the Kennedy assassination conspiracy changed from decade to decade, how to speak with a friend or family member who believes in a conspiracy, and exactly who is buried in John Wilkes Booth’s grave. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the show's official episode page here. Guest Bio Brad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times’ bestselling author of 12 previous thrillers, including “The Escape Artist,” with more than 11 million copies sold. He also helped find the missing 9/11 flag with his History Channel TV show “Brad Meltzer’s Lost History” and “Brad Meltzer's Decoded.” In addition, he’s the author of the nonfiction bestsel

True Crime podcasts are all the rage but did you know that most people with mental illness are not criminals, much less serial killers or mass murderers? Most people understand this, but those same individuals don’t realize that very few murderers have a diagnosable mental illness. Join us as Killer Psyche podcast host Candice DeLong – who is also a former psychiatric nurse and FBI profiler – discusses her years of experience interviewing murderers and researching murder and how sometimes that intersects with mental illness. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Former FBI profiler and bestselling author Candice DeLong is an internationally recognized homicide expert, TV news commentator, and TV documentary host, producer and contributor. She has been a guest on CNN, MSNBC, HLN, FOX NEWS, Meet the Press, Hardball, Dateline, 48 Hours, Today, GMA, as well as Dr. Phil and Oprah. Candice was recruited by the FBI while serving as Head Nurse at the Institute of P

Today’s guest tells us that the very idea of perfect happiness is an illusion. Being perfect will not make us happy, and happiness is not perfection. But we all still think if we can just reach one more goal, fix one more thing, be just a little better, that will be the key to happiness. Join us as Poppy Jamie and Gabe Howard discuss how to get over these feelings and accept yourself, even if you’re not perfect. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Poppy Jamie is an entrepreneur, influencer, a rising star in the mental health and mindfulness space, and the author of “Happy Not Perfect: Upgrade Your Mind, Challenge Your Thoughts, and Free Yourself from Anxiety.” She launched the “Not Perfect” podcast and the Happy Not Perfect app after 4 years of researching behavioral studies and developing the app with neuroscientists, researchers, and her mom, a neurotherapist. She has been featured in the New York Times, Wired, Fast Company, Refinery29, Forbes, Vogue, B

We all know the anti-drug propaganda, and we’ve all heard about “bad trips,” but how much of that is actually true? Today’s guest made the Netflix Documentary “Fantastic Fungi” and has a different viewpoint on psychedelics. In this episode, Louie Schwartzberg explains how many psychedelics, like "magic mushrooms," were never considered illegal until the drug war was ramped up in the 1970s. Before that, they had been used for thousands of years in various cultures around the world. Now that society is having a “psychedelic renaissance,” learn how these drugs — or “sacred medicines” — have found new applications in mental health. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Louie Schwartzberg is an award-winning cinematographer, director, and producer who has spent his notable career providing breathtaking imagery using his time-lapse, high-speed, and macro cinematography techniques. Schwartzberg is a visual artist who breaks barriers, connects with audiences

Jeff Foster is a teacher who survived one of the deadliest school shootings in American history. That is a fact, yet some people don’t believe it’s true and that people like Foster are hired actors paid by the government to perpetuate a scam on the public. Join us for a first-hand account of how these conspiracy theories — especially when repeated by government leaders — affect real people. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Jeff Foster was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He has taught Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida since 2001. His first book, "For Which We Stand" was written to help young readers learn about government and understand how they can make an impact even if they aren't old enough to vote. With distrust of government growing across the nation, his goal is to engage young people who have a stake in America’s future. His message to his students has always b

We expect pro athletes to deal with physical injuries. We recognize that the demands on an athlete’s body are intense. But what about when an athlete discloses mental illness? How do we — and how should we — react then? Today’s guest, retired NFL player and TV personality Nate Burleson, explains that usually the reaction is to mock the player as weak, not strong enough to compete, or accuse them of letting down their team.  We delve into all that and discuss whether professional athletes face additional mental health challenges due to their careers and celebrity.  To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official page here. Guest Bio Nate Burleson is a co-host of "CBS Mornings," an Emmy Award-winning studio analyst for the CBS Television Network's NFL pre-game show, "The NFL Today," and makes select appearances on Nickelodeon.  Prior to joining CBS News, Burleson served as a host on "Good Morning Football" on the NFL Network for 5 years. Burleson's television career began in 2014 with the NFL Net

Nikki Sixx is a rock and roll legend. As the bassist for Mötley Crüe, his very name conjures up images of hardcore partying. The band even named an album after heroin (Dr. Feelgood). But what does that lifestyle do long term? Especially for someone who says they were “made to be an addict.”  Join us as Nikki tells us about his personal struggles with addiction, how he reached sobriety, and how he reconciles being sober with his public persona. To Learn more -- or read the transcript -- click here for the official episode page. Guest Bio Nikki Sixx is the international rock icon, founding member of Mötley Crüe and Sixx:A.M, three-time New York Times bestselling author with “The Heroin Diaries,” “This Is Gonna Hurt,” and Mötley Crüe’s “The Dirt,” philanthropist, photographer, and addiction recovery advocate. In March 2019, Sixx premiered Mötley Crüe's Netflix hit biopic, “THE DIRT” which is based on the band’s NY Times bestselling 2001 biography. The movie propelled Mötley Crüe’s music catalog, streaming, licen

Chief meteorologist for ABC News, Ginger Zee, describes herself as a “Natural Disaster” because of her experiences living with borderline personality disorder and other mental health challenges. In this compelling and candid interview, we learn what she does to stay well and what she believes triggered her mental illness in the first place. Learn more on the official episode page by clicking here. Guest Bio Ginger Zee is the chief meteorologist at ABC News, reporting on the nation’s weather for “Good Morning America” and across ABC News broadcasts and digital platforms. Since joining ABC News, Zee has covered almost every major weather event and dozens of historic storms. Zee, who has storm chased since college, has a genuine passion for the atmosphere and a dedication to getting young people interested in science. She’s the author of New York Times bestseller “Natural Disaster. I Cover Them. I Am One,” and the young adult trilogy “Chasing Helicity.” Her new book “A Little Closer to Home” is available now.

Disney Channel star Cameron Boyce died over two years ago, but his parents are very much keeping his memory – and his legacy – alive. Join us as the grieving parents candidly share their healing process and what they wish the people in their lives would do differently. They also discuss what people can do to manage their own grief. An illuminating first hand look at what parents who lose a child go through. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Libby Boyce grew up in New Haven, CT, and has lived in Los Angeles for 30 years. She has a degree in social work and has worked for Los Angeles County in health care administration for the last 28 years. In addition to a full-time position as a social worker, Libby also serves as President of The Cameron Boyce Foundation.   Victor Boyce grew up in Los Angeles, and has a degree in business. After being self-employed for many years he now devotes his time to The Cameron Boyce Foundation, where he serves as Vice

As a leading Afro-Latina actress, Cobra Kai’s Vanessa Rubio carries a unique perspective on the Emmy nominated Netflix series. Join us for a discussion of BIPOC representation in pop culture, the challenges of always having to “represent” for a larger group, how Vanessa finds time for self-care, and her thoughts on Mr. Miyagi from the original Karate Kid. To Learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio As a leading Afro-Latina actress on Cobra Kai, actress Vanessa Rubio carries a unique perspective on the Emmy-nominated Netflix series, which returned for its fourth season in late December. In the show, Vanessa’s character, Carmen, develops a romantic relationship with William Zabka’s character, Johnny Lawrence. In addition to Cobra Kai, Vanessa also recently starred in the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina as the character Nagaina. Her additional TV credits include Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, Master of None, Gone and Deception. Join her on Instagram @ver

The new year is upon us, and that means it’s time for resolutions! For most people, better health is at the top of that list. And we typically focus only on physical health – things like diet and exercise.  Join us as today’s guest, famed physical trainer Jillian Michaels, explains why mental health is just as important as physical health, and she helps us “find our why.” You may be able to get inspiration from this podcast, but it’s your why that will give you the motivation to keep going. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official page here. Guest Bio World renowned personal trainer, businesswoman, author and television personality (Biggest Loser) Jillian Michaels. She’s a health and wellness expert and creator of The Fitness App by Jillian Michaels. Keep up with her at @jillianmichaels. Inside Mental Health Podcast 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 Observat

Ah, the joys of a food service job: long shifts, irritated customers, and burning your hand on the grill. For most people, this is depressing, but for today’s guest, making smashburgers is part of his strategy to fight depression. Listen in as pop-up restaurateur Zack Fernandes explains how the repetitive routine, the social interaction, and even the burns help him manage the symptoms of his “cocktail of mental illnesses.” To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Zack Fernandes is a food and beverage enthusiast, freelance writer, and proprietor of Lil’ Eagle Burger, a monthly smashburger pop-up. The San Francisco Chronicle called Zack’s burgers “superlative” and “a fleeting, intense pleasure.” Zack and his pop-up are based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he has lived and worked for the past 6 years. Zack has suffered with mental illness since young adulthood, and sees cooking as a therapeutic experience.To learn about Lil’ Eagle Burger or to read

Many of us can only imagine how deep the pain of losing a child must be. But is there life beyond that grief? What should we do with all those feelings? Is it even possible to move forward? Join us as today’s guest, Lily Dulan, MFT, talks about her experience of losing a child to SIDS. Dulan also shares how this experience caused her to formulate The Name Work method, a way of imbuing the names of ourselves or those we’ve lost with meanings that can help focus us on our journeys through grief and loss. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Lily Dulan is an MFT psychotherapist who played an instrumental role in starting the LGBTQ Affirmative Psychology specialization at Antioch University. Dulan holds a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, and she’s a certified Heart of Yoga Teacher. She studied Spiritual Coursework at Agape International Spiritual Center under the tutelage of Reverend Michael Bernard Beckw