In today’s episode, Gabe and Michelle discuss the challenges Michelle faces with her friend who exhibits erratic and aggressive behavior, likely due to untreated mental illness. Despite Michelle's continued efforts to support her friend, including texting her mom and trying to be there, she struggles with the constant verbal abuse and feels unable to help effectively. Gabe suggests setting firm boundaries and considering intervention via 988 when her friend's behavior becomes dangerous, but both recognize the difficulty and complexity of the situation.

Today Gabe and Michelle continue openly discussing living with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, respectively, aiming to reduce stigma around mental health. Gabe expresses gratitude for the support that has allowed their podcast to continue, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in their journeys and their work. Today’s guest, Sara Danner, shares her experiences with schizoaffective disorder, discussing the role of vulnerability in recovery, the challenges she faced with law enforcement and societal expectations, and how shifting her perspective on her illness helped her find a positive path forward.

Today, Gabe and Michelle share their insecurities and lament that they do not feel more successful. They discuss navigating their challenges, the importance of support, and working to help others through their platform despite personal struggles. Encouraging each other and their audience, they emphasize self-acceptance, perseverance, and the significance of striving for improvement in mental health advocacy. Join us as Michelle and Gabe share some of the things that inspire them.

In today’s episode, Gabe and Michelle talk about the positive impact their dogs, Peppy and Paisley, have on their mental health, debunking misconceptions that people with mental illness cannot be good pet owners.

While Gabe's dog offers comfort during his bouts of loneliness, Michelle's dog provides a routine and socialization, though she faces criticism due to the stigma of schizophrenia.

Join us as we share more of the advantages of pet ownership on mental illness.

Today, Gabe and Michelle explore the nuances of navigating passive suicidal ideation within the context of long-term mental illness recovery. They highlight that occasional fleeting thoughts of suicide don't necessarily signify a regression in recovery. However, they stress the importance of addressing any inclination towards developing a plan or taking action regarding suicide immediately. They urge listeners to reach out to their support networks and seek assistance. Additionally, Gabe and Michelle reassure listeners that experiencing transient suicidal thoughts shouldn't evoke shame or suggest a failure in their recovery journey.

Today's discussion explores the challenges men and women face in managing mental illness, examining societal expectations, medication, and support systems. What disparities exist? What similarities emerge? Who triumphs in the battle of the sexes?

Michelle and Gabe also delve into the question of whether it truly matters who suffers more (spoiler alert: it doesn't) and why society perpetuates a competition of suffering. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation rooted in the timeless debate of men versus women. Listen Now!

Can people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia be intelligent, or are they dumb? Tune in as we navigate the intersections of intelligence, creativity, and mental health, challenging the stereotypes that people with mental illness are somehow less than other people. Our hosts also address the concepts of genius and the enigmatic "spark of madness."

But that's not all – buckle up for a rollercoaster of tangents, including a deep dive into Mayim Bialik's role as a host on Jeopardy and the surprising misrepresentation of Albert Einstein as a quirky genius, possibly influenced by perceptions of mental illness.

In this riveting episode, join Gabe and Michelle as they embark on a gripping game of "Two Truths and a Lie." Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as they open up about personal stories from their past, navigating the maze of their mental health struggles. Tune in for an immersive journey that unveils the misconceptions and hurdles they encountered, and stay hooked until the grand finale where they unravel which stories are true and which is the lie. Along the way, get an intimate look into the realities of living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, making this episode an unmissable exploration of resilience and authenticity.

 About The Hosts

Michelle Hammer is a mental health advocate and the founder of the mental health clothing and lifestyle brand Schizophrenic.NYC. She is known for her efforts to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly schizophrenia. She is an NYC native featured in the WebMD documentary Voices, which was nominated for a Tribeca X Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. She has also been featured in media outlets such as ABC, NBC, and CBS. You can find Michelle's newest Home and Living line at Home.Schizophrenic.NYC where she brings her artwork into practical home essentials.

Gabe Howard is a professional speaker, writer, and activist living with bipolar and anxiety disorders. Diagnosed in 2003, he has made it his mission to put a human face on mental illness.

He’s the author of Mental Illness is an Asshole and Other Observations and a popular podcast host. Learn more at gabehoward.com.