Ep 56 The Lobotomy: Howard Dully’s Story & History of Lobotomy

In Episode 56 of the podcast, we dive into the true story behind My Lobotomy, the memoir of Howard Dully, who was lobotomized at age 12 in 1960. Through firsthand accounts and historical context, we trace Howard’s experience before, during, and after the procedure — a surgery once hailed as a breakthrough in treating mental illness that later became one of medicine’s most controversial chapters. We explore: How lobotomies became mainstream in mid-20th-century psychiatry. Howard Dully’s remarkable journey toward reclaiming his identity and voice. The evolving ethics of psychosurgery and modern mental health care. Reflections on memory, autonomy, and the stories patients tell. Tune in for a nuanced discussion that connects personal narrative with the broader history of psychiatric treatment and its lasting impact. ✔️ Sources 📘 Primary Text My Lobotomy by Howard Dully (book) — https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Dully-My-Lobotomy-Reprint/dp/B00N1BRRH4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1X37A5AQHQRKD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wamzX4VSSRwU-HxJR-a7p0LtmUGeJDL5pP3K6w2kn58zjYLz0jRnmNag8tTxRWuSYmPKxh_Np2wIJcKaEyxOp6RCPDDYqASgwaASAPTTE95mcQWuwnAUHy1km5PSo8NCiJ1h_S2s7m476_DFxD6QDw.zjezd4i-wmlISeryWQmG0msYQLbnjZeLqZJXOdusyUw&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+lobotomy+by+howard+dully&qid=1762537653&sprefix=my+lo%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-2 🍸 Cocktail (for episode theme fun) Lobotomy mixed drink inspiration — https://quench.me/mixed/lobotomy/ 📚 Background & Context NPR: My Lobotomy — Howard Dully’s Journey — https://www.npr.org/2005/11/16/5014080/my-lobotomy-howard-dullys-journey StoryCorps: My Lobotomy oral history — https://storycorps.org/stories/my-lobotomy/ Wikipedia: Lobotomy overview — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobotomy Wikipedia: Psychosurgery context — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychosurgery Episodes every Monday ⭐️ Subscribe, Rate and Review! 🍸 Recipes drop on socials Discounts: 15% off Comfrt apparel Purple Carrot: 40% off your first box ClassPass: 2 weeks free 15% off non-alcoholic spirits at The Zero Proof 💳 Support us on Patreon | ☕️ Buy Me a Coffee Contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.