Inside Mental Health

Why does happiness always feel one step away? In this episode, we welcome back positive psychology expert Jodi Wellman to explore why so many of us keep “moving the goalposts” on our own success, and learn why accomplishments that once thrilled us eventually feel ordinary.

Jodi breaks down why we convince ourselves that one more thing — a new job, a relationship, a move, a big purchase — will finally deliver lasting happiness. Using Gabe’s own podcasting journey as a case study, the conversation exposes a mental trap familiar to anyone who’s ever felt like their wins “don’t count” for long.

But this episode isn’t just about naming the problem — it’s about fixing it. Jodi offers practical, research-backed strategies to help you savor your accomplishments, find a healthier balance between ambition and contentment, and stop letting your inner critic erase your progress.

Listener takeaways


why humans believe they’re always “one thing away” from feeling fulfilled



what the hedonic treadmill is and how it sabotages our happiness



how to balance ambition with genuine joy so you can grow without feeling miserable


If you’ve ever wondered, “Why don’t I feel successful?” this is the episode that can finally help you understand.



“We like to dupe ourselves. It's just one of the features of our psychology. It all comes down to this idea called the hedonic treadmill. We think, and we go for it. We'll buy the pill, we'll make the move, we'll take the job, we'll buy the car, we'll do a thing. And usually it's external stuff, but sometimes it's internal, like, I will become the person that I've been meant to be and that will make me happy. But then, because we adapt so well, this is this hedonic adaptation, hedonic treadmill, we adapt so reliably, damn it. And we end up, over time, some of us shorter than others. Naturally, meh. Okay, well, how come it's not doing it for me anymore?” ~Jodi Wellman, MAPP





Our guest, Jodi Wellman, MAPP is a speaker, author, and facilitator on living lives worth living. She founded Four Thousand Mondays to help people make the most of the time they are lucky to be above ground. 

With 25 years of corporate leadership experience (most recently as Senior Vice President of Operations at a leading health and lifestyle organization), Jodi has led private CEO advisory boards and coaches teams to work well and live even better.

Jodi has a Master’s of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she is also an Assistant Instructor and facilitator in the Penn Resilience Program. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach. Her book, "You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets," made Adam Grant’s Summer Reading List and was a “Top 3 Psychology Book of 2024” by the Next Big Idea Club (curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Dan Pink). Jodi has been featured in The New York Times, Oprah Daily, Fast Company, CNBC, Forbes, Psychology Today, The Los Angeles Times, and more. Jodi’s TEDx talk is called How Death Can Bring You Back to Life; with over 1.3 million views, it is the 14th most-watched TEDx talk released in 2022, out of 15,900!



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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Can a single conversation help rewrite centuries of racial trauma? In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with award-winning podcaster Dominic Lawson to explore how America’s racial wounds continue to shape our collective mental health — and what it takes to begin healing. From the generational echoes of slavery to the modern-day silencing of diversity and inclusion, Dominic breaks down why talking about race isn’t “divisive” — it’s essential.

This candid, often uncomfortable, deeply human conversation shows that connection begins when we listen, show up, and see each other fully — no assumptions, no defensiveness, just honesty. Using vivid analogies (like concert tickets and cookouts), they discuss racism and racial trauma in approachable ways.



Listeners will learn:


why racial trauma still impacts communities today

how privilege is better understood through access, not advantage

how personal conversations can bridge racial divides

practical ways to “do the work” without causing harm or overstepping


If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about race — or where to even start — this episode is your invitation.



Our guest, Dominic Lawson, is a 24x award-winning podcast host, producer, and editor based in Memphis, Tennessee. A U.S. Army veteran, he studied business administration at National American University before discovering his passion for podcasting in 2016. That year, he launched "The Startup Life Podcast,” providing listeners with insights into building businesses and advancing in their careers. Throughout the show's run, Lawson interviewed notable figures such as Marc Randolph, co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, and Tom Golisano, founder and chairman of Paychex.

In 2021, Lawson joined Meadows Behavioral Healthcare as a podcast producer, editor, and host. He took the helm of the "Beyond Theory" podcast, facilitating in-depth conversations with experts in mental health and addiction recovery. His innovative approach led to the launch of "Recovery Replay" in April 2022, a groundbreaking podcast that chronicles personal recovery stories from three distinct perspectives.

Demonstrating his versatility, Lawson introduced the "Black Is America" podcast on February 1, 2022, shedding light on lesser-known African American figures and narratives. The podcast garnered significant acclaim, earning multiple awards, including the 2023 Webby Award for Best Podcast-Individual Episode.

Lawson's work has been recognized with numerous accolades and in recognition of his contributions to the industry, Lawson became a member of the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts in November 2022. He has shared his expertise at events such as SXSW, Podcast Movement, and the University of Memphis.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Lawson is dedicated to mentoring emerging podcasters, offering guidance on content creation and storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous attention to detail, advocating for the "2/3 minute" rule to maintain listener engagement.

Outside of podcasting, Lawson enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, watching movies — particularly Marvel and Hindi films — and exploring new podcast concepts. His commitment to storytelling and excellence continues to inspire and inform audiences, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the podcasting community.



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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Most of us think we’d never fall for a cult. We imagine the followers of Jim Jones as naïve, brainwashed, or broken people who “drank the Kool-Aid.” But what if that’s not the truth at all?In this eye-opening episode, host Gabe Howard speaks with the award-winning author of “Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown,” Candace Fleming, about the real story behind Jonestown, aka the Peoples Temple, and the mass suicide that shocked the world. Fleming reveals how ordinary, intelligent, and socially conscious people were slowly drawn into Jim Jones’s orbit — not because they wanted to die, but because they wanted to belong, to matter, and to change the world.

Listener takeaways:


Discover nine warning signs of a destructive or cult-like group.

Learn why intelligent, well-intentioned people joined Jim Jones’ cult.

Explore how to recognize and protect yourself from coercive influences.


Listen in as they explore how groupthink, manipulation, and gradual isolation can transform a movement with noble intentions into something deeply destructive. 

Together, they dismantle the myths surrounding cults and reveal the psychological, emotional, and social dynamics that allow them to take hold. Ultimately, their conversation challenges us to confront an unsettling question: Could it happen to any of us?



“They had started people with Peoples Temple, some of them back in the ‘50s when it was still in Indianapolis and truly was an integrated church, unheard of in the '50s. They followed Jones to California and then on to Guyana. And all of that was because of their own community. So people came for many reasons, but none of them because they were, as we would like to say, cultists, brainwashed, crazy.” ~Candace Fleming



Our host, Candace Fleming, is the prolific and versatile award-winning author of many books for children and young adults. School Library Journal praised her most recent title, Murder Among Friends, which received four starred reviews, as a "chilling page-turner." Her previous book The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh received six starred reviews, was a Kirkus, PW, Booklist, and SLJ Best Book of the Year, and was hailed by the Wall Street Journal as a “fascinating chronicle.” Candace’s The Family Romanov also received six starred reviews, won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Nonfiction and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and was recognized as a Sibert Nonfiction Honor Book. Her many acclaimed picture books include Giant Squid, a Sibert Honor Book. Visit her on the web at candacefleming.com.

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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What happens when a neurodivergent flight attendant trades jet lag for guitar riffs and finds better mental health in the process? In this inspiring and wildly relatable episode, Canadian alt-rock singer-songwriter Harley Olivia joins Gabe Howard to share how embracing her creativity helped her manage ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and why ignoring your passions could make your mental health worse.

From performing onstage to coping with social anxiety, Harley opens up about how she feels singing “rewired” her nervous system, why creative expression can be therapeutic, and how she finally gave herself permission to pursue music full-time, even when the world told her she was “making a mistake” (a song lyric and a true story!).



Listener takeaways:


why ignoring your creativity can worsen ADHD and depression

the truth behind the “tortured artist” myth

practical ways to channel anxiety into creative energy




Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a mental health advocate, or simply trying to reconnect with what fuels you, this conversation will leave you inspired to follow your calling — no matter how unconventional it seems.



“When I wrote that song, that was right before I finally made the leap to quit the airline and really focus on my music. Things sort of came to a head at that point of the most depressed, the most anxious, the most chaotic. I feel so bad for my family because I'm like, should I quit? I don't know, should I quit? They’re like, just quit! You want to! Make the decision! But the hardest thing about quitting was, like you were saying, leaving that stability. It's not like I was jumping into an already established music career.”  ~Harley Olivia



Our guest, Harley Olivia, is a neurodivergent, Toronto-based alt-rock artist crafting an energetic blend of rock and pop music. With infectious melodies, powerhouse vocals, and relatable lyrics about mental health and self-empowerment, Harley Olivia has carved out a bold and charismatic presence in the music scene.

Formerly a globe-trotting flight attendant with over 50 countries visited and 8,000 hours in the air, Harley Olivia decided to swap the skies for the stage. Since then, she has released her debut EP “Hiding Little Pieces”, showcased at festivals like Canadian Music Week, NXNE, VENUEXVENUE and was crowned the winner of both the Jack Daniel’s Supporting Act Competition and Gussapolooza's Rising Sun Award in 2024. Harley has also received multiple Ontario Arts Council grants for her next EP, as she continues to collaborate and perform with JUNO Award-Winning Producer Siegfried Meier.

Riding a wave of momentum, Harley Olivia commands the stage with her exhilarating performances, earning her opportunities to open for artists like SUMO CYCO, Softcult, Skye Wallace and Terra Lightfoot. For fans of Paramore, LØLØ and Garbage, Harley Olivia delivers a strong shot of dopamine that will get even the shyest of wallflowers moving their feet!



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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What can the history of a Jim Crow–era mental asylum teach us about race and mental health today? MSNBC journalist Antonia Hylton joins Gabe Howard to discuss her powerful book “Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum,” a deeply researched look at Crownsville Hospital, once known as The Hospital for the Negro Insane.Antonia reveals how Black patients were forced to build their own hospital, how racism shaped their psychiatric care, and how hope slowly emerged amid cruelty and neglect. But this isn’t a simple story of heroes and villains. As Antonia emphasizes, Black people aren’t always the heroes, and white people aren’t always the villains at Crownsville Hospital. The truth is far more complex and human.

Listener takeaways:


why Crownsville’s story defies easy labels of good versus evil

how racism shaped early psychiatric institutions

how history still shapes modern mental health care


Blending history, personal family stories, and modern mental health advocacy, Antonia and Gabe explore how Crownsville’s legacy still influences the modern mental health care we see today. This conversation is both haunting and hopeful, reminding us that healing requires courage, empathy, and an honest look at our past.

“​​The other myth I want to dispel is that it's a black and white book where all the heroes are black and all the villains are white. This is a story where there are incredible and incredibly complicated people on all sides of it. And to me, that is the American story, that there are certainly the people who held on to the Confederate and antebellum attitudes and brought that to the hospital. But then there are people like Paul Lurz, who is a white man still alive, living in Anne Arundel County to this day, who dedicated 40 years of his life to saving and supporting children at this hospital. Black children, and who is beloved and adored in that community.” ~Antonia Hylton



Our guest, Antonia Hylton, is a Peabody and Emmy-award-winning journalist, co-anchor of MSNBC / Weekend Primetime, and the co-host of the hit podcast Southlake and Grapevine. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where she received prizes for her investigative research on race, mass incarceration, and the history of psychiatry.

MSNBC journalist Antonia Hylton is the author of “Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum,” a deeply researched look at Crownsville Hospital, once known as The Hospital for the Negro Insane.

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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