Schizophrenia: Three Moms in the Trenches

Voices from the place where schizophrenia and real life collide

audio podcast or YouTube video

Schizophrenia in the Family. How do we cope? How can we help? We each have adult sons with schizophrenia and have written acclaimed books about it. We say it like it is, to help families, practitioners and those with SMI (serious mental illness) feel less alone...and learn. Randye Kaye, Mindy Greiling, Miriam Feldman...and guests.

My memoir, Ben Behind His Voices, was published in 2012, with an updated audiobook version in 2002. Two more riveting memoirs from fellow MRQs (Mothers who Refused to Quit) Mindy Greiling and Miriam Feldman affected me so much I had to get in touch – and this new podcast was born:

Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Need Legal or Financial Help with SMI in the Family? Begin Here.

We’ve just tagged our Schizophrenia: 3 Moms in the Trenches episodes at our host platform, Buzzsprout. Listeners can’t search by tags, but we can embed multiple episodes into one player for you. This one is a list of episodes with the tag “legal and financial help.”

We’ve just tagged our Schizophrenia: 3 Moms in the Trenches episodes at our host platform, Buzzsprout. Listeners can’t search by tags, but we can embed multiple episodes into one player for you. All of these episodes are also available on YouTube, with visuals, but this curating of episodes should help you in your search.

Let us know if this is helpful.

Hang in there. Expert advice helps a lot!

Randye

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Love, Dating, and Serious Mental Illness: Is It Possible? (Ep.141)

The podcast team welcomed Melissa Dalhoe to discuss dating and serious mental illness. The discussion focused on the concept of "frozen in time," where a person's emotional growth stops at the onset of their mental illness, potentially affecting their ability to form relationships. Melissa was brought in to discuss this topic after a listener requested information about someone with schizophrenia who missed out on dating during their teenage years due to their illness.

The podcast team welcomed Melissa Dalhoe to discuss dating and serious mental illness. The discussion focused on the concept of "frozen in time," where a person's emotional growth stops at the onset of their mental illness, potentially affecting their ability to form relationships. Melissa was brought in to discuss this topic after a listener requested information about someone with schizophrenia who missed out on dating during their teenage years due to their illness.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Purpose, Belonging, Community: Starting and Opening an International Clubhouse -Ep. 98

Vail Ramsey County Clubhouse in MN, USA had a huge turnout for its Grand Opening event and ribbon cutting ceremony. Vail Communities in Minneapolis is spearheading the Clubhouse expansion. The Clubhouse is a "One-Stop Shop", functioning as a community-based hub, a single point for people to access, integrate, and coordinate a range of services to work toward mental health recovery. How Can YOU start one?

The Vail Communities Clubhouses are just two of over 300 programs that follow the Clubhouse Model. A Clubhouse is a place where members and staff work together side-by-side to operate all aspects of the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse can also help with housing, employment, education, health and wellness and so much more. The Clubhouses also offers a wide variety of social, recreational, and cultural events and activities.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Ask the Therapist: Conversations About Psychosis and Hope (Ep. 133)

Conversations Therapy is focused on the therapeutic work that helps develop youth and young adults who are in the early parts of their journey of living with Psychosis. I offer supports of various kinds for the clients but also support and psychoeducation for the parents, family members, and support systems. The goal is to move these young people towards living a recovery-oriented, fulfilling life!" We ask questions (and push back a bit on “psychosis can be a gift”) - and share listener questions as well

Conversations Therapy is focused on the therapeutic work that helps develop youth and young adults who are in the early parts of their journey of living with Psychosis. I offer supports of various kinds for the clients but also support and psychoeducation for the parents, family members, and support systems.

The goal is to move these young people towards living a recovery-oriented, fulfilling life!"

We ask questions (and push back a bit on “psychosis can be a gift”) - and share listener questions as well

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

The Unthinkable: Schizophrenia and Family Tragedy (Ep. 140)

Vince Granada discusses his book "Everything is Fine," which tells the story of his family's experience with schizophrenia following his sibling's deteriorating mental health condition and tragic outcome, what has happened since, and has advice for families.

Vince Granada discusses his book "Everything is Fine," which tells the story of his family's experience with schizophrenia following his sibling's deteriorating mental health condition and tragic outcome…and what has happened since.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Saving our Youth From the Dangers of Cannabis: Johnny's Ambassadors (ep. 139)

Laura Stack, founder and CEO of Johnny's Ambassadors, a non-profit focused on youth THC prevention, discussing the tragic story of her son Johnny who died by suicide at age 19 after experiencing cannabis-induced psychosis.

Laura Stack, founder and CEO of Johnny's Ambassadors, a non-profit focused on youth THC prevention, discussing the tragic story of her son Johnny who died by suicide at age 19 after experiencing cannabis-induced psychosis.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Schizophrenia Reframed: Is It Time for a New Name? (Ep. 138)

For families and those living with Schizophrenia, words matter. Today, we look at what’s behind the diagnosis, why experts are rethinking it as a neurodevelopmental syndrome—and whether changing the name could change lives.

For families and those living with Schizophrenia, words matter. Today, we look at what’s behind the diagnosis, why experts are rethinking it as a neurodevelopmental syndrome—and whether changing the name could change lives.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Creating a Mentally Healthy Nation for All: the APA Foundation (Ep. 137)

APA Foundation's mission to create a mentally healthy nation, with particular emphasis on their community-based mental health programs.

APA Foundation's mission to create a mentally healthy nation, with particular emphasis on their community-based mental health programs.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Gone Before Gone: When Mental Illness Steals Someone You Love (Ep. 136)

In Gone Before Gone, Clark describes her son’s “death by degrees” during a young adulthood wrecked by severe mental illness. Surviving a parent’s nightmare led to Clark’s memoir of self-help—a toolkit for living with “ambiguous loss”. The result is a book like none other. Part memoir, part survival guide, complete with practical exercises .

In Gone Before Gone, Clark describes her son’s “death by degrees” during a young adulthood wrecked by severe mental illness. Surviving a parent’s nightmare led to Clark’s memoir of self-help—a toolkit for living with “ambiguous loss,” a term coined by Pauline Boss, PhD, an academic, author, and long-time family therapist. Trained by Boss herself, Clark has blended Boss’ concepts with her own experiences and the coping skills she’s cultivated as a long-time yoga teacher. The result is a book like none other. Part memoir, part survival guide, complete with practical exercises .

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson (ep. 135)

We zero in on Risperdal its producer, Johnson and Johnson, and the FDA, with our guest, Gardiner Harris, author of the NYT bestselling book “No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson and Johnson.

For those listeners who are benefitting from Risperdal, the best antipsychotic is one that’s working for you. We’ll be talking about people for whom it’s not working so well.

We zero in on Risperdal its producer, Johnson and Johnson, and the FDA, with our guest, Gardiner Harris, author of the NYT bestselling book “No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson and Johnson.

First, we’d like to say that for those listeners who are benefitting from Risperdal, the best antipsychotic is one that’s working for you. We’ll be talking about people for whom it’s not working so well.

Mr. Harris, a Yale graduate, is a freelance investigative journalist who was previously an reporter for the WSJ and NYT covering public health and the pharmaceutical industry. Most book chapters are exposes of trusted Johnson and Johnson products, from Baby Powder to cancer drugs, and are getting media attention, but we shine a light on the section about Risperdal.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

KETO & Schizophrenia: Hope, Hype, or Helpful Tool? (Ep. 134)

KETO has been in the news - with RFK Jr. claiming it can “cure” schizophrenia. We have questions and concerns - so we brought in an expert . Guest: Dr. Matt Bernstein

KETO has been in the news - with RFK Jr. claiming it can “cure” schizophrenia. We have questions and concerns - so we brought in an expert: Dr. Matt Bernstein

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Integrated Behavioral Health Care: What’s Ahead for a Better System? (Ep. 132)

What’s broken—and what’s possible—in mental healthcare. We explore the promise of integrated behavioral healthcare, why treating the whole person matters, and how earlier diagnosis can change lives.

In this episode, we’re joined by the current president of the American Psychiatric Association for a timely conversation on what’s broken—and what’s possible—in mental healthcare. We explore the promise of integrated behavioral healthcare, why treating the whole person matters, and how earlier diagnosis can change lives. Just as important, we shine a light on the often-overlooked plight of caregivers supporting loved ones with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses—those doing the hardest work with the least support.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Collateral Damage: Mental Health Crisis Wake-Up Call (ep.131)

The myths that fuel stigma and why they keep people from seeking help. How the criminal justice system became the de facto mental health system—and why it’s failing. Firsthand stories of crisis response, both successful and devastating. The truth about the link between mental illness and violence (it’s not what the media tells you). Practical lessons for police, policymakers, families, and communities.

The myths that fuel stigma and why they keep people from seeking help. How the criminal justice system became the de facto mental health system—and why it’s failing. Firsthand stories of crisis response, both successful and devastating. The truth about the link between mental illness and violence (it’s not what the media tells you). Practical lessons for police, policymakers, families, and communities.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

ALL IN: Mental Health Support for the Family (Ep. 130)


All In Family, to fill a need: support for the family of those with serious mental illness (whatever family means to you).

“When one member of the family is struggling with mental health challenges and/or addiction (dual diagnosis), it impacts every member of the family. At All IN Family, we are here to support you.” What does that mean? Charlotte Armstrong and Kirsten Drybrough are the co-founders of All In Family, to fill a need: support for the family of those with serious mental illness (whatever family means to you). They are peer support workers and want to share what they do, how they can help - starting with free resources. What can peer support mean for our loved ones- and for us, in the family?

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Antipsychotics and Weight Gain: It Doesn’t Have to Happen (Ep. 129)

Weight gain is one of the most common—and distressing—side effects of antipsychotic medications. For many people, it affects self-esteem, physical health, and even the willingness to stay on treatment. In this episode of Schizophrenia: Three Moms in the Trenches, we talk about why these medications cause weight gain, whether it can be treated or prevented, and what families should understand about metabolism and insulin resistance

Guest : Robert S Laitman, MD,

Weight gain is one of the most common—and distressing—side effects of antipsychotic medications. For many people, it affects self-esteem, physical health, and even the willingness to stay on treatment.

In this episode of Schizophrenia: Three Moms in the Trenches, we talk about why these medications cause weight gain, whether it can be treated or prevented, and what families should understand about metabolism and insulin resistance.

We also touch on the growing conversation around the ketogenic diet and its possible role in treatment. What’s evidence-based, what’s still emerging, and how can families advocate wisely?

Guest : Robert S Laitman, MD, is an internal medicine physician at Bronx Westchester Medical Group in New York.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

The Reiner Family Tragedy: A Fear Too Many Live With (Ep. 128)

Two days after the tragic murders of Rob and Michele Reiner, allegedly at the hands of their middle son, Nick, we three moms comment on the system, the families who try everything to help someone they love, the fears many of us live with. We also vent about system failures, and the unforgivable response from Donald Trump.


Two days after the tragic murders of Rob and Michele Reiner, allegedly at the hands of their middle son, Nick, we three moms comment on the system, the families who try everything to help someone they love, the fears many of us live with.

We also vent about system failures, and the unforgivable response from Donald Trump.


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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

ECT and Schizophrenia: Can it Help? (Ep. 127)

ECT is often misunderstood, especially in the context of schizophrenia, so today we’re digging into what it is, when it works, and what families should know.

ECT is often misunderstood, especially in the context of schizophrenia, so today we’re digging into what it is, when it works, and what families should know.

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

New Challenges, New Hopes, Some Advice: Season Six Peek - (Ep. 126)

Season Six preview, and family stories with Serious Mental Illness continue…

Moms kick off Season Six, with a sneak peek back at the past few months, and a look ahead. What would you like us to cover?

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Lives Reimagined: Changing the Course of Psychotic Illness (Ep. 125)

Katharine Dougherty PhD, and Lisa Mann, PhD , and Dr. Rocco Marotta,

For families struggling to navigate the world of neuropsychiatric illness and providers looking for a different approach to the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders

Opening: Poetry from Zachary Sutphin

Guests: authors of the new book (same name) - Katharine Dougherty PhD, Lisa Mann, PhD , and Dr. Rocco Marotta

THEMES: Hope and persistence are critical

No two cases are exactly the same

Medication and adherence and sobriety are important to sustained stability

It takes a team and long-term relationships to sustain stability

Communication among team members is critical

Taking small risks and succeeding leads to other risks

Rigid ideology has no place when you are untangling complexity and nuance

The diagnosis of NBD is often tied to a sense of shame and failure for patients and families

There are many important layers to the recovery journey

Constant reevaluation is important and this includes the importance of patient feedback

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Randye Kaye Randye Kaye

Living With and Loving a Partner With a Serious Mental Illness (Ep. 124)

When the loved one with SMI is your peer, your partner, there are some challenges that differ from parenting someone with serious mental illness. Support, Education and new mindsets can help. Guests: Jeff Zuckerman, author of Unglued: A Bipolar Love Story - https://www.jeffzuckerman.com/ and Annie Jaeger, wellness coach and NAMI Family Support Group facilitator - https://www.anniejaeger.com/

When the loved one with SMI is your peer, your partner, there are some challenges that differ from parenting someone with serious mental illness. Support, Education and new mindsets can help. Guests: Jeff Zuckerman, author of Unglued: A Bipolar Love Story - https://www.jeffzuckerman.com/ and Annie Jaeger, wellness coach and NAMI Family Support Group facilitator - https://www.anniejaeger.com/

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