Episodes

  • Perinatal and Postpartum OCD: When Parenting Anxiety Becomes More

    Perinatal and Postpartum OCD: When Parenting Anxiety Becomes More
    Oct 23 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Hollywood Often Gets OCD Wrong: Actor & Director Speak Out

    Hollywood Often Gets OCD Wrong: Actor & Director Speak Out
    Oct 16 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
  • Punk Rock Meets Therapy: Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    Punk Rock Meets Therapy: Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
    Oct 9 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Governor John Kasich on Youth Mental Health Crisis

    Governor John Kasich on Youth Mental Health Crisis
    Oct 2 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • Olympic Gold Medalist on Alcoholism, Recovery, and Redemption

    Olympic Gold Medalist on Alcoholism, Recovery, and Redemption
    Sep 25 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • Antisocial Myth: The Case for Leaving Early

    Antisocial Myth: The Case for Leaving Early
    Sep 18 2025
    Have you ever found yourself halfway through a concert, dinner party, or even a family gathering and thought, “OK, I’m ready to go now,” even though you’re having a good time? You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re antisocial or ungrateful. In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with Jodi Wellman, a positive psychology expert and TEDx speaker, to unpack the surprising psychology behind wanting to leave events early.Together, they explore why both introverts and extroverts can feel this way, introducing concepts like “experience efficiency” and “memory optimization.” Learn how our brains process peak moments, why leaving on a high note can actually enhance our memories, and why you don’t have to “get your money’s worth” by staying until the very end. Key takeaways: Find out why some people feel “full” on fun faster and don’t need to stay until the end to enjoy an event. Reframe early exits as a smart way to manage energy, time, and joy—without guilt. Learn practical language for confidently setting boundaries when you’re ready to go, without shame. Discover how even the most outgoing people can feel “peopled out.” If you’ve ever snuck out of a party, left a holiday dinner before dessert, or wondered why you plan your exit before you even arrive — this episode is for you. “And yes, there is a purpose to the dinner and the tasting menu that goes all the way to the end. And yes, of course, we rationally know that. And yet, those of us who are experience minimalists are still OK to say, I got my fill. I got the appetizer and I had part of the entree. And admittedly, not many of us are kicking back our chairs and leaving halfway through dinner. But metaphorically, this works. When we know we've had our fill and we feel truly good that, wow, I got the songs I needed and wanted or look, I did most of the hike and I don't have to get to the top. I'm cool to go back. I feel good about myself. That's the thing. Are you having a good time and do you want to end on a high? That is, to me, sound judgment about living a life worth living.” ~Jodi Wellman, MAPP Our guest, Jodi Wellman, is the founder of Four Thousand Mondays, a speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Schizophrenia Hallucinations, Explained by Those Who Live It

    Schizophrenia Hallucinations, Explained by Those Who Live It
    Sep 11 2025
    For individuals living with schizophrenia, the world can be populated by voices, visions, or other sensory experiences that are intensely real yet imperceptible to others. These hallucinations, which are a defining feature of schizophrenia, are not mere figments of imagination but rather vivid, often distressing, and deeply influential aspects of their daily reality. Today’s exploration aims to shed light on the phenomenon of hallucinations in schizophrenia, going beyond a diagnostic perspective to consider the actual experience, and the profound impact on an individual's sense of self and connection to the world around them. Guest host, Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and guest Christopher Grant have a real, raw discussion about what experiencing schizophrenia hallucinations is like.Please Note: Our regular host, Gabe Howard, will be back next week! “Just because something is in the uncanny valley, it doesn't always mean it's terrifying or deserves demonization. I’m not blind to that fact that it’s off-putting to people through the perspective of a neurotypical person. I'm glad to say today most of my hallucinations are pretty, I don't even want to say friendly. They're just content, like a neutral energy. But, for a long time, I was constantly in a state of like terror, like fight or flight terror when I'd experience it.” ~Christopher Grant aka XO RAD Magical Our guest, Christopher Grant, is a Mi’gmaw filmmaker from Pabineau First Nation, New Brunswick. Inspired by the intense absurdity of life and death, Chris animates to express the humour and terror of existence. He has worked with the NFB’s Hothouse project, and his work has been exhibited at galleries, museums and film festivals internationally. He is also known for his role on TikTok as XORADMAGICAL, where he creates art and answers questions all relating to his experiences with schizophrenia in daily life. Our guest host, Rachel Star Withers, (www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV’s Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Marvel’s Black Panther, TUBI’s #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the Healthline podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. (Our regular host, Gabe Howard, will be back next week!) Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid’s mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS ) Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. The Inside Schizophrenia podcast is available on your favorite podcast player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Treatment-Resistant Depression Is Treatable — What You May Be Missing

    Treatment-Resistant Depression Is Treatable — What You May Be Missing
    Sep 5 2025
    What happens when therapy and medication don’t work? Treatment-resistant depression can feel like a dead end — but it’s not. In this episode, clinical psychologist and ADAA member expert Dr. Jill Emanuele unpacks the nuanced differences between sadness, grief, and major depressive disorder — and why misusing these terms can delay real help.But the conversation doesn’t stop there. What happens when traditional treatments for depression don’t work? You’ve probably heard the term treatment-resistant depression, and it may sound terrifying. Dr. Emanuele and host Gabe Howard dig deep into what this label actually means — and spoiler alert: It’s more about strategy than severity. You’ll also discover lesser known but evidence-backed options that go beyond talk therapy and antidepressants, including: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) ketamine and esketamine treatments radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO-DBT) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) without the Hollywood horror spin psychedelic-assisted therapy using psilocybin Key takeaways: the difference between sadness, grief, and clinical depression what treatment resistant actually means a breakdown of advanced, research-backed treatment options why individualization is key to recovery This episode is your roadmap for understanding treatment-resistant depression on a deeper level — and for finding hope when treatment doesn’t seem to be working. Whether you’re managing this yourself or supporting someone who is, you’ll walk away knowing there are more options — and find that labels aren’t life sentences. Special thanks to Johnson & Johnson for providing funding for today's episode. Our guest, Jill M. Emanuele, PhD, is Founder and Executive Director of Urban Yin Psychology, PLLC, based in New York City. She is also Secretary and board member for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). Dr. Emanuele completed her undergraduate studies with degrees in Psychology and Music from the University of Richmond, and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from George Mason University. Dr. Emanuele has presented at academic medical centers, professional conferences, public and private schools, and community organizations on the topics of mindfulness, adolescent depression and suicide, adolescent self-injury, DBT, and adolescent borderline personality disorder, and co-authored book chapters on some of these important topics. She also provides education through multiple forms of media including television, radio, internet, and podcasts. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins