About this episode
Hallucinations are the most recognized—and most misunderstood—symptom of schizophrenia. Movies depict them as dramatic, terrifying commands or cinematic visions, but the lived reality is far more complex. In this episode we unravel what hallucinations actually are, why they happen, and how people learn to live with them.
This episode is a special feature from our sister show Inside Schizophrenia. Hosted by Rachel Star Withers (who lives with schizophrenia), with Gabe Howard as co-host. (Don’t worry, new Inside Mental Health episodes return in 2026.)
In this episode, Rachel shares her own experiences, from everyday “simple” hallucinations like sounds or shifting faces, to more intense, emotion-laden complex hallucinations. She challenges the assumption that hallucinations are always violent or dangerous—and breaks down the critical differences between hallucinations and sensory disturbances.
Expert guest Dr. Paul Fitzgerald joins the conversation to explain how the brain creates these perceptual misfires, why hallucinations in schizophrenia differ from those caused by grief, sleep deprivation, or drugs, and what current research reveals about how universal these experiences are across different cultures and countries.
Listener Takeaways
The difference between simple vs. complex hallucinations
Why hallucinations in schizophrenia feel different from drug- or grief-based ones
Why reducing—not eliminating—hallucinations is often the realistic recovery goal
How CBT and coping strategies help reduce fear and regain control
Whether you live with schizophrenia, love someone who does, or are simply curious about how the brain works, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and surprising insights you won’t forget.
Guest, Professor Paul Fitzgerald, completed his medical degree at Monash University and subsequently a Master of Psychological Medicine whilst completing psychiatric training. He then undertook a Clinical and Research Fellowship at the University of Toronto and The Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. On returning to Melbourne, he worked as a psychiatrist and completed a PhD in transcranial magnetic stimulation in schizophrenia. Since completing this PhD, he has developed a substantial research program including a team of over 25 psychiatrists, registrars, postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, research nurses, and students.
Professor Fitzgerald runs a research program across both MAPrc and Epworth Clinic using brain stimulation and neuroimaging techniques including transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional and structural MRI, EEG, and near infrared spectroscopy. The primary focus of this program is on the development of new brain stimulation-based treatments for psychiatric disorders.
Guest host, Rachel Sta
