Podcast · Learning

Inside Bipolar

by Gabe Howard & Dr. Nicole Washington · English · Learning

Join Gabe, who lives with bipolar, and Dr. Nicole, a board certified psychiatrist, as they explore the spectrum of this misunderstood illness. They tackle bipolar disorder using real world examples, the latest research, and just enough funny to keep you intrigued. Signal Award Gold Winner, 2024. S

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 42 min
Latest: 5 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026 · 38 min

What Is Happiness When You Live With Bipolar Disorder?

What does happiness actually feel like when you live with bipolar disorder? And how do you know when feeling really good is healthy happiness instead of hypomania or mania? In today’s episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington tackle a deceptively complicated question: Are people with bipolar disorder allowed to chase happiness and excitement, or should they be focused on stability and contentment instead? The conversation gets especially important for people with bipolar disorder who have learned to fear feeling good. If you're used to wondering, “Am I happy, or…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

21 Sep 2026 · 42 min
Is the Mental Health System Broken? What Bipolar Patients Need to Know
The mental health system can feel confusing, frustrating, and sometimes downright impossible to navigate—especially when you live with bipolar disorder. But what if the problem isn't that the system is “broken,” what if it was simply designed for something different? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington take an honest look at how the mental health system works, from emergency rooms and psychiatric hospitalization to outpatient care, insurance limitations, medication management, and the lack of community support after hospitalization. They explain…
7 Sep 2026 · 42 min
Stopping Obsessive Thoughts with Bipolar Disorder
Obsessive thoughts and chronic worry can make it difficult to relax, sleep, enjoy relationships, or even stay present in everyday life. But what does it actually mean when someone says they’re having “obsessive thoughts,” and what can they do to break the cycle? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington explore the difference between everyday worry, excessive worry, and intrusive thoughts — and why that distinction matters when seeking help and choosing coping skills. Together, they share practical strategies for getting out of the “roundabout of worry,”…
24 Aug 2026 · 42 min
Trusting AI with Your Bipolar Care: What You Should Know
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we search for information, make decisions, and even seek mental health support. But can AI therapy safely help people living with bipolar disorder? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington explore the potential benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence for bipolar management. They discuss why people may trust AI more than doctors or therapists, what can happen when an AI chatbot validates thoughts that should instead raise a red flag, and whether AI can recognize dangerous symptoms of mania,…
10 Aug 2026 · 39 min
Misdiagnosis: What If You Suspect You Don’t Have Bipolar Disorder?
Many people wonder whether their bipolar diagnosis is correct. Maybe your symptoms don't match what you've learned. Maybe other circumstances — like trauma or substance use — better explain what you've experienced. Or maybe you've simply never felt confident that bipolar disorder is the accurate diagnosis. Where do you go from here? In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar, and board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington explain why diagnosing bipolar disorder is rarely straightforward, what psychiatrists actually look for during a psychiatric evaluation, and why getting a…
27 Jul 2026 · 47 min
Bipolar Hacks to Live Better and Thrive
You don't need a miracle cure to manage bipolar disorder—sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact. Discover practical bipolar hacks that can help you recognize mood episodes earlier, reduce everyday stress, build healthier routines, and make life a little easier. In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar disorder) and Dr. Nicole Washington share practical, evidence-informed, real-world coping skills that can help you stay one step ahead of bipolar disorder. Gabe also shares the personal strategies he uses to recognize the early warning signs of episodes, and…
13 Jul 2026 · 44 min
Coping Skills to Stop Impulsive Behaviors
Living with bipolar disorder often means navigating a minefield of impulsive thoughts and actions. For example, have you ever made a snap decision that you immediately regretted? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington dive deep into the chaotic reality of bipolar impulsivity. They discuss the critical difference between having an impulsive personality and experiencing impulsivity as a disruptive symptom of bipolar disorder. By learning to identify your personal baseline, you can start setting strategic guardrails before a passing thought becomes a…
29 Jun 2026 · 43 min
Self-Esteem in Bipolar: The Hidden Issue No One Talks About
Why is it so easy to believe that every setback, unfinished task, messy room, or missed opportunity means you're failing? And why do so many people living with bipolar disorder automatically assume that everyone else has life figured out? After receiving an email from a listener managing feelings of worthlessness, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington tackle one of the most painful and least discussed realities of bipolar disorder: the damage it can do to your sense of self. Listeners will learn: why comparing yourself to others often leads to unnecessary stress…
15 Jun 2026 · 36 min
Hypomania: The Mood State Few People Fear—But Should
For many, a surge of energy, creativity, and expansive mood can feel like an absolute gift. For those living with bipolar disorder, a hypomanic episode feels less like a symptom and more like winning the mental health lottery. But beneath this romanticized exterior lies a sneaky and potentially destructive reality. In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington break down the complex nuances of hypomania. Dr. Nicole explains the hidden risks of leaving these episodes unchecked and Gabe opens up about the difficulty of distinguishing between genuine happiness…
1 Jun 2026 · 47 min
Navigating the ‘Fear of Fear’ Cycle of Panic Attacks with Bipolar
What if the anxiety you're facing isn’t bipolar disorder alone — but the fear of what might happen next? With humor, honesty, and practical insight, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, shares devastatingly real stories — including the panic attack that caused him to quit a job from the parking lot. Along the way, Dr. Nicole explains the critical differences between anxiety, panic attacks, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder, while unpacking why these disorders so commonly occur alongside bipolar disorder. You’ll learn why anxiety can quietly fuel isolation, how avoidance behaviors…
18 May 2026 · 48 min
Is it Anxiety, Bipolar, or Both? (And How to Tell the Difference)
It is a common misconception that anxiety is just part of the package when you live with bipolar disorder. While anxiety can certainly be a symptom of a mood episode, for many people, it is its own distinct, comorbid diagnosis. In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar and anxiety) and Dr. Nicole Washington get real about the overlap between bipolar disorder and anxiety. Dr. Nicole explains the clinical difference between being a "worrier" and having a pathology, while Gabe shares personal stories of suffering from – and overcoming – anxiety. Listeners Will Learn: How to tell if…
4 May 2026 · 38 min
When Joy Goes Missing: Understanding Anhedonia in Bipolar Disorder
Are you no longer experiencing pleasure or joy in day-to-day life? If you are living with bipolar disorder, you know the crushing weight of the “nothingness” — that specific, hollow moment where the things that used to define happiness suddenly feel like chores. This may not be a bad mood or a lack of discipline; it could be a clinical symptom known as anhedonia.In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar disorder) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board certified psychiatrist) peel back the layers of this often-misunderstood symptom. Together, they share that losing your spark isn't a…
20 Apr 2026 · 45 min
Can I Stop My Bipolar Meds? Cold Turkey vs Tapering
"Do I have to take these meds forever?" It’s the most common question psychiatrists hear, but the answer is rarely a simple yes or no. In this episode, hosts Gabe Howard (living with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (board-certified psychiatrist) dive into the risks, the realities, and the honest conversations most doctors avoid when it comes to stopping bipolar medication. They break down why "cold turkey" is a recipe for disaster and explain the equally dangerous "hot turkey" otherwise known as restarting a full medication cocktail after a long break. Gabe shares his own journey of…
18 Apr 2026 · 40 min
BONUS: Headlines of Horror: Schizophrenia Portrayals in News Media
Bonus Episode of "Inside Schizophrenia" podcast from Healthline Media. “Paranoid schizophrenic admits to attacking dog walker.” When we watch a horror movie, we know the “madman” on screen is a work of fiction. But when the nightly news leads with a diagnosis to explain a tragedy, the fear it creates is very real — and often permanent.Why does the media lead with schizophrenia only when the story involves violence, yet remain silent when it comes to stories of recovery, hope, and humanity? In this hard-hitting episode, host Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia) explores the Lead…
6 Apr 2026 · 42 min
Solo Parenting with Bipolar: Staying Stable as a Single Parent
Are you living with bipolar and a single parent or managing a household alone? Have you been told things like sleep hygiene (as an example) is a pillar of stability, but your teenager’s late-night schedule and the on-call pressure of solo parenting make that feel impossible? In this episode, hosts Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board-certified psychiatrist) respond to a raw, honest listener email that challenges the "nuclear family" advice often given to single parents. They dismantle the crushing weight of "Mom Guilt" and the stigma that suggests a mental…
23 Mar 2026 · 43 min
Getting to Work with Bipolar: Excel at the Job and Live Better
"What jobs are suitable for someone living with bipolar disorder?" It’s a question that floods our inbox, and the answer might surprise you: almost every single one. From high-powered criminal defense attorneys to surgeons and CEOs, people are nailing it in the workforce every day while managing a bipolar diagnosis. In this episode, hosts Gabe Howard (diagnosed with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board-certified psychiatrist) dismantle the "minimum wage myth" to provide a realistic roadmap for re-entering and thriving in the workforce. We explore why your diagnosis isn't a unique…
9 Mar 2026 · 43 min
Physical Health and Bipolar: How to Live Better and Longer
Studies suggest people with bipolar disorder die 25 years younger than the general population. It’s a statistic that hits like a "thump to the chest," but is it a death sentence or a wake-up call — and is it even true? In this episode, host Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board certified psychiatrist) peel back the curtain on the physical toll of living with a serious mental illness. While we spend so much energy managing our minds, we often neglect the “vessel” carrying us through life. From the 50% increased risk of sleep apnea to the increased risk of…
23 Feb 2026 · 36 min
When Emotions Are Mistaken for Bipolar Symptoms
If everything you do is labeled a symptom of bipolar disorder, do you ever get to be yourself? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington tackle one of the most frustrating — and rarely discussed — realities of living with bipolar disorder: when regular human behavior gets pathologized by friends, family, and even well-meaning supporters.Want to watch TV the whole weekend? Suddenly it’s “depression.”Excited about a new idea or passion? You’re being “grandiose.”Stumble over your words or get animated in conversation? Sounds…
9 Feb 2026 · 41 min
Paranoia in Bipolar: Anxiety vs. Psychosis
Paranoia is one of the most misunderstood symptoms in bipolar disorder — and using the wrong word can delay the right treatment. Using real-life examples, this episode explains how psychosis in bipolar disorder is typically tied to mood episodes, how paranoid delusions form, and why people experiencing them often don’t report symptoms. In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar disorder) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board certified psychiatrist) break down what paranoia actually is, when it’s actually anxiety or hypervigilance, and when it crosses into psychosis and delusional…
26 Jan 2026 · 45 min
The ‘Inside Bipolar’ Experiment: Why This Wasn’t Supposed to Work
This episode was never supposed to exist. Mental health “rules” say patients and psychiatrists shouldn’t share power, shouldn’t speak publicly as equals, and definitely shouldn’t build a show together. Yet here we are — over 100 episodes in, winning awards, and recording our first-ever in-person episode. In this special behind-the-scenes conversation, we pull back the curtain on “Inside Bipolar”: why so many doctors refused to participate, why patient-led advocacy makes professionals uncomfortable, and why influencer culture both helps and harms people living with bipolar disorder. We talk…
12 Jan 2026 · 48 min
Bipolar Advocacy 101: From Political Change to Family Boundaries
Advocacy isn’t yelling, protesting, or going viral — and for people with bipolar disorder, doing it the wrong way can actually make things worse. In this episode, we break down what real, effective advocacy actually looks like, starting where the stakes are highest: your everyday life and expanding to social and political activism — covering everything in between. From setting boundaries with family members who won’t stop asking about your mental health to advocating calmly (and safely) with doctors, insurance companies, and healthcare systems to presenting in front of politicians, this…
29 Dec 2025 · 40 min
From Panic to Peace: Self-Calming Tactics for Bipolar Disorder
Being told to “calm down” has never calmed anyone down — especially if you are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder. In this surprisingly funny episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar disorder) and Dr. Nicole Washington break down why the world’s most common advice backfires… and what truly helps instead. Whether you’re spiraling at 2 a.m., overwhelmed in your car, or suddenly flooded with anxiety for no clear reason, the ability to de-escalate yourself is a core skill for managing bipolar disorder. But knowing how to calm down — without shame, judgment, or dismissive clichés —…
15 Dec 2025 · 44 min
Traveling with Bipolar: Tips That Actually Work
Traveling is supposed to be fun — but when you live with bipolar disorder, even a short trip can disrupt sleep, routines, and stability. In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington get honest about why vacations can feel overwhelming, how to plan without fear, and the exact safeguards that make travel not just possible, but enjoyable.From jet lag to family expectations, from “what if I’m not stable in 6 months?” to navigating early recovery setbacks, this conversation gives you practical, nonjudgmental guidance you can use immediately. Whether you’re…
1 Dec 2025 · 32 min
Addressing Racial & Ethnic Groups in Bipolar Care: Stigma and Misdiagnosis Exposed
The mental health system didn’t start out fair — and in many ways, it still isn’t. In this powerful episode, Dr. Nicole Washington sits down with fellow psychiatrist Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox to unpack the long, painful history that continues to shape the experiences of Black Americans seeking mental health care. From the horrifying “diagnosis” of drapetomania in the 1800s to the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, they trace how mistrust, stigma, and systemic bias became woven into the Black community’s relationship with psychiatry.But they don’t stop there. Dr. Nicole and Dr. Leesha explore the research…
17 Nov 2025 · 39 min
Parenthood, Choice, and Bipolar: Reproductive Justice Explain
People with mental illness, including bipolar disorder, have long been denied the right to make their own reproductive choices. This episode looks at how psychiatry’s history and stigma continue to shape who gets to decide. Dr. Nicole Washington sits down with mental health advocate Dr. Keris Myrick to unpack the intersection of reproductive justice and mental illness — and how stigma, outdated systems, and silence continue to rob people of autonomy over their bodies and futures. Together, they explore the three pillars of reproductive justice — the right to have a child, to not have a…
3 Nov 2025 · 46 min
How to Find Hope When Bipolar Steals It Away
Life with bipolar disorder often feels like a constant battle, so being told to find hope can seem like a cruel joke. But what if hope isn’t naïve — it’s necessary? In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington dive deep into the real, practical power of hope and how to find it even when it feels impossible. From planning something to look forward to, to saying “yes” to new experiences, they explore small, science-backed ways to keep hope alive. Gabe shares personal stories about concerts, silly dance videos, and even late-night wrestling shows that…
20 Oct 2025 · 44 min
Fish Oil and Bipolar: Hype or Helpful?
In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar disorder) and psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington unpack what the research actually shows, why supplement quality is inconsistent (and sometimes downright sketchy), and how side effects — even with “natural” products — are very real. In short, they dig into the science, hype, and hope surrounding omega-3 supplements. Listener takeaways: why omega-3s may help with certain bipolar symptoms — especially depression the risks of using supplements as a substitute for prescribed treatment how to spot high quality fish oil (and avoid bottles full…
6 Oct 2025 · 41 min
Unpacking the Binge Eating Disorder and Bipolar Connection
What happens when binge eating disorder and bipolar disorder collide? Research shows they co-occur in as many as one in four cases — and yet, many people living with both conditions feel completely alone. In this episode, host Gabe Howard shares his personal journey of living with bipolar disorder and binge eating disorder, including how food was his form of self-medication.Board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington breaks down the clinical side: what binge eating disorder actually is, how it’s diagnosed, and why treating it alongside bipolar disorder can get “tricky.” Listeners will…
22 Sep 2025 · 35 min
Hypochondria (aka Illness Anxiety Disorder) in Bipolar Disorder Examined
What happens when bipolar disorder collides with hypochondria? Is it even possible for someone to have both conditions? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a psychiatrist) tackle the complex overlap between bipolar disorder and what’s often called hypochondria but is now known as illness anxiety disorder.Together, they explore the confusion that comes when symptoms of panic, mania, or depression mimic physical health conditions — and why people with bipolar disorder often have trouble being taken seriously in medical settings. From emergency room…
8 Sep 2025 · 45 min
Beyond Pills: Proven, Science-Based Approaches to Bipolar Management
What if managing bipolar disorder wasn’t just about medication? Too often, conversations around bipolar treatment stop at the pharmacy counter. But what about therapy that helps you process trauma? What about learning your triggers before a full-blown episode hits? What about diet, exercise, creativity, and community support? These are not extras — they’re essential.In this episode, hosts Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board certified psychiatrist) dive deep into science-backed strategies for managing bipolar disorder beyond medication. From therapy to…

About Inside Bipolar

Inside Bipolar is a English learning podcast from Gabe Howard & Dr. Nicole Washington. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Gabe Howard & Dr. Nicole Washington
Language: English
Category: Learning
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 42 min
Latest episode: 5 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1613398128

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