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The Broken Brain

PODCAST · education

The Broken Brain

A Psychology & Psychotherapy podcast. Get a therapist's perspective on a variety of topics, some silly and some self-helpy. the Broken Brain is an organized panel discussion, an hour (ish) of therapeutic POV for you.

  1. 578

    Experiencing Dementia Ryan Noufers Mary The Widow

    Ryan Noufer created his indie short film "Mary The Widow," to tell a story about Dementia from a unique perspective of a woman attending a speed-dating seminar for widowed seniors. In the interview he shares his experiences with his own grandmother, feelings on mental health, and how art can help to process emotion, including our worst fears. You can follow his work @ryannoufer on Instagram. Please go to www.kidsandart.com to support and share this month's highlighted charity. Kids & Art is a nonprofit using Art to help patients with Pediatric Cancer, a perfect charity to go along with this month's focus on independent storytellers using film to share perspectives on mental health, relationships, and being a human being. 

  2. 577

    Repairing Parental Estrangement, in the Indie Film "Last Shot"

    One of the most anticipated films being screened at the 2026 Dallas International Film Festival, Last Shot tells the story of a young basketball prodigy who faces grief over the death of his father and an estranged relationship with his mother.  Producer/Writer Tod Friedman & Director Andy Palmer join me to talk about this film and the personal elements that are there, especially for Friedman. Follow the film @hemlockcircle on IG and other platforms or go to www.hemlockcircle.com The highlighted charity this month is Kids & Art, using art to help children in cancer treatment. visit www.kidsandart.org to learn more an support their work. New patrons of the Broken Brain will have 50% of their monthly donation go to Kids & Art as long as they remain donors. www.patreon.com/brokenbrain 

  3. 576

    Real People Being Hurt by "Natural" Gas Production, shown in the Documentary GASLIT

    Katie Comosy is the director of the new independent documentary GASLIT, showcasing people impacted by the practices of oil and natural gas production in Texas and the Gulf Coast. Hosted by Jane Fonda, the film follows their work to fight rising cases of cancer, economic collapse, and damage to food production. The film is now showing at the Dallas International Film Festival. Follow the film on social media @gaslitdoc, or go to www.gaslitdoc.com for updates of festival screenings and distribution.  The Broken Brain's highlighted charity this month is Kids & Art, helping children with cancer through arts education and activity. Go to www.artandkids.org to learn more and support this wonderful nonprofit. 

  4. 575

    Interview with the creators of Born To Lose, a film about Self-Destructive Choices, Mentoring, and Escaping Patterns

    Filmmakers Joe Zentil and Pierce Csurgo created the independent film Born To Lose, currently making the way around the film festival circuit. Set in the genre of motorcycle culture, this movie depicts a young man caught up in problems related to fractured relationships, self-destructive choices, and the dangers of addiction and the drug trade.  Our highlighted charity this month is Kids & Art, a California based nonprofit that uses Art to support children with cancer. Go to www.kidsandart.org to learn more about this amazing organization. 

  5. 574

    Friendship, Communication, and Change in the film Travel Companion

    Alex Mallis and Travis Wood join me to discuss their new film "Travel Companion." The story focuses on Simon, an indie filmmaker who's roommate helps him travel with free airline tickets, and the potential loss of this perk. Kids & Art is the highlighted charity for April. This organization helps kids with cancer through use of art. go to www.kidsandart.org to learn more about this important organization.

  6. 573

    Monday Mental Tip: Affinity & Autism

    A quick look at the shifting vocabulary and perspectives on the hyper-interest associated with Autism.  This month's highlighted charity is Kids & Art, an organization based in California using art activities and education to help children with cancer. Go to www.kidsandart.org to follow and support this amazing nonprofit. 

  7. 572

    Heavens: The Boy and His Robot, with Writer/Director Rich Ho

    Another great conversation from the Cinequest Film Festival! Rich Ho spent the past 13 years making his movie "Heavens: The Boy and His Robot," a coming of age story centered on bravery, community, and dedication, set in sci-fi world. He talks to us about story telling and how he learned to overcome personal fear and dedicate himself to a project. The making of this film is a story of goals, follow through, and Rich's relationship with his children.  Please visit www.CHIRLA.org to support the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, our highlighted charity for the month of March.   

  8. 571

    Helping Children in Grief with Dr Korie Leigh

    Grief is a complex thing, and can be difficult to approach with children. Dr Korie Leigh is one of the nation's leading experts on childhood grief & pediatric palliative care, a consultant to the Sesame Street Workshop, and the author of the new book "When Everything Changes: Parenting Through Loss and Grief." Today she shares principles to help children through the most difficult times, whether they are coping with loss or suffering from serious illness of their own. Follow her work and check out the book: www.korieleighphd.com  The highlighted charity this month is the Coalition for Humane Rights for Immigrants. Go to www.chirla.org to support & share this important nonprofit. 

  9. 570

    How did Irish immigrants become a big part of the USA police force?

      What is with the stereotype of the Irish Cop? I have seen this in fiction, when I was young it seemed like half of fictional law enforcement were Irish. In the real world Irish culture has a strong present in the culture of modern day policing. Where did it come from? This week's dive into cultural history is a story of immigration, discrimination, brutal capatilism leading to mass corruption, and how an immigrant group can be pressured into infighting with other immigrants. For Patrons of the show (who get the second half) there is also a touching story of modern Irish advocacy and referrals to Irish American Groups advancing rights of immigrants today. Here are links to the organizations mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPwq0sGkji-/ (Story of the Grapefruit Ladies) https://www.irishamericandems.org/ (Irish American Democrats) https://www.aaidnet.org/ (African American Irish Immigration) https://aoh.com/ (Ancient Order of Hibernians) https://ciic-usa.org/member-centers/ (Coalition of Irish American Center) AND of course our highlighted charity this month: www.chirla.org, the Coalition fo rHuman Immigrant Rights

  10. 569

    Plan C: a heist movie about competing values, with Claire & Scott Cavalheiro

    Cinequest Fim Festival is in full swing, which means interviews with Indie Artists! Today we discuss the film "Plan C," with writer/director Scott Cavalheiro, and star Claire Cavalheiro. Plan C is a heist movie focused on doing the wrong things for what feel like the right reasons: helping family.  The highlighted charity this month is CHIRLA, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. Follow and support their important work at www.chirla.org åç

  11. 568

    Monday Mental Tip: Destructive Deductions

    What information to we use to diagnose and deduce what is going on in a situation? What is a useful or less-useful way of going about this?  The highlighted charity this month is the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, CHIRLA. Go to www.chirla.org to learn about and support this wonderful nonprofit working to support and protect the rights of immigrants. 

  12. 567

    The Odd Use of the Isolation Helmet

    The Isolation Helmet was an inventive, and quite odd, treatment device for mental health. Today we revisit this former episode of Thursday Thistory, with one important difference: Everyone gets the FULL episode! Try to control your excitement! Usually these history lessons are only available in full to Patreon donors, but everyone gets this one.  The highlighted nonprofit this month is CHIRLA: The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. Go to www.CHIRLA.org to learn more and support this amazing and important organization.

  13. 566

    Jonny Durgan, Writer & Director of G.S.W.

    Jonny Durgan is the writer & director of the new short film "G.S.W." now making the film festival circuit. This powerful film looks at a unique aspect of a school shooting, seen through the experience of a pair of EMTs near the site. Follow the process of this film, including a trailer and it's eventual general release, at www.youtube.com/@gsw_film   The Broken Brain's highlighted charity this month is The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). Follow and support their important work at www.chirla.org  

  14. 565

    Dr Joy Harden Bradfor profile Patreon Sample

    Today's dive into history of psychology focuses on a modern pioneer in therapy: Dr Joy Harden Bradford. She is the founder of Therapy For Black Girls, a platform for education, advocacy, and mental health treatment focused on the needs of Black women and girls. Her foundational work is based on overcoming obstacles such as bias, medical discrimination, and stigma of seeking out therapy. You can follow her work at www.therapyforblackgirls.com  This is a sample of this Thursday Thistory, a weekly dive into psychology, available in full to supporting patrons of the show. Consider supporting the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain  

  15. 564

    Reducing Stress & Burnout with Heart Attack Survivor, Dr Joseph Luftman

    Dr Joseph Luftman is a Physician specializing in Sports and Family Medicine. After suffering a massive heart attack, often called a widowmaker level attack, he began to focus on reducing elements of stress and burnout through mindfulness, recognizing stress buildup, contemplation, and how sound can be useful in finding calm amidst chaos. Follow his work at www.saturationofsound.com and read his new book: The Widowmaker's Gift This month our highlighted nonprofit is The Lavender Rights Project. Go to www.lavenderrightsproject.com to support this organization, helping Black Trans individuals with the challenges they face in society.

  16. 563

    Mental Health Tip: Celebration as a form of self-care

    With the recent passing of Rev. JesseJackson, many have been concerned at the lack of celebration and respect being shown by the current administration, including lack of official direction to fly flags at half-mast, and Mike Johnson's flat refusal to consider Jackson's potential for interment in the Capital Rotunda.  Lack of respect or outright erasure of civil rights can contribute to advocacy burnout, or stress from the current political climate. Along with many other forms of action, openly celebrating causes or individuals is a form of self-care. Today I want to share a brief story about Jackson's skill as a diplomat and negotiator, and how he used these talents to successfully aid in the release of hostages on the international stage.  Please go check out www.lavenderproject.org, our highlighted nonprofit for this month, to support this wonderful organization helping Black Trans Americans. Share, support, and celebrate their important work.

  17. 562

    E. Kitch Childs, Psychologist, LGBTQ Advocate, Icon

    E. Kitch Childs, PhD, was an influential and tireless advocate for the civil rights of women, Black Americans, and the LGBTQ community. Her work in academics, research, treatment, and advocacy forever changed the world of Psychology and the social landscape of the United States. This is the first half of this week's dive into the history of psychology. The second half is available to all Broken Brain Patrons, over at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain  Check out this month's highlighted nonprofit, the Lavender Project, a Feminist, Queer charity benefitting Black Trans people facing practical, emotional, and legal struggles. Go to www.lavenderproject.org to learn more. 

  18. 561

    Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms, with Christian Rasmussen

    Microdosing of mushroom products is prominent on the horizon of healthcare and research. Christian Rasmussen, host of The Amanita Podcast, joins the podcast to discuss the Amanita Muscaria Mushroom, also known as fly agaric. Christian went through his own addiction and mental health struggles, and shares with us the role that Amanita played in his recovery. He has built a career sharing information and growing safe, non-recreational botanical products. Check out his podcast, and learn more about his work at www.amentara.com   This month our highlighted charity is The Lavender Project, a Queer led organization helping Black Trans people to meet practical, legal, and emotional needs. Follow them at www.lavenderproject.org  

  19. 560

    Thursday Thistory: Dr Solomon Carter Fuller

    Patreon sample: This week in our history deep dive we are examining the life of Dr Solomon Carter Fuller, credited as the first Black Psychiatrist in the USA. Born of formerly enslaved parents, Dr Fuller grew up to become a psychiatrist, neurologist, and professor at Boston College. His groundbreaking research in the discovery of Alzheimer's disease is still the foundation of much research and treatment today.  Go to www.thelavenderproject.org to support this month's highlighted nonprofit, providing legal and practical assistance for Black Trans Americans. 50% of donations from Patreon members who join this month will go to The Lavender Project as long as they remain donors. That's why they get 50% more episode today than the general public. 

  20. 559

    Parenting and Disabilities, with Jane Fischer, Author of "If You Knew Suzy"

    Jane Fischer is a Teacher, Special Educator, Learning Consultant, and the Author of "If You Knew Suzy: Pushing Past the Boundaries of Never." Jane's daughter Suzy was diagnosed at a young age with rare brain abnormalities and Joubert Syndrome. The book tells the story of what types of acceptance, grieving, and hope can exist when a parent and a child have to decide how to respond to a long list of "nevers," and how to help Suzy build her own fulfilling life.  Go to www.lavenderrightsproject.org to support this month's highlighted charity, a lovely nonprofit helping Black Trans individuals to thrive through legal help, advocacy, and meeting their health and wellness needs. 

  21. 558

    Monday Mental Tip: Staying Aware & Healthy

    It is hard to navigate day-to-day with all of the bullshit going on in the USA right now. How. dowe stay informed, do our part to help, advocate, and avoid burnout, avoidance, or self-destructive coping mechanisms?  Go to www.lavenderrightsproject.org to get aware and involved with this month's highlighted nonprofit. Lavender Rights Project helps Black Trans people with community advocacy, increasing safety, and practical needs such as housing. 

  22. 557

    Dr Inez Beverly Prosser, the first Black Woman to gain a PhD

    With Black History month I have been looking into some of the underreported Black pioneers in the field of education and psychology, and was very impressed with the impact of Dr Inez Beverly Prosser. An educator, researcher, psychologist, she is the first Black woman to earn a PhD in the United States, in 1933. Her research into the emotional, cognitive, and psychological effects of segregation on Black children was vital to the Brown v Board of Education case, 20 years after her death. This is the first half of this week's dive into psychological history, available to all. The entire episode each week is available to supporters of the show. Consider lending your support: www.patreon.com/brokenbrain   The highlighted charity this month is the Lavender Rights Project, a Black Trans Feminist nonprofit advocating, supporting, and providing legal and housing assistance for Black Transgendered individuals. Get involved at: www.lavenderrightsproject.org 

  23. 556

    The role of Clinical Hypnosis in managing health, with Garrett Wood

    Garrett Wood, Clinical Hypnotherapist and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, joins to talk about the role that hypnotherapy can play in treating burnout, anxiety, chronic pain, and overall health management. He discusses the difference between medically sound, best practice ways hypnosis is used to find solutions to health problems. Check out his practice, Gnosis Therapy, at www.gnosistherapy.com   This month the Broken Brain is focused on Stand In Pride, a charity helping connect LGBTQ+ individuals to community and found family after facing abandonment from their support systems when coming out. Learn more and get involved at www.standinpride.org, or download their app to get involved today.  

  24. 555

    Thursday Thistory: When Frank Sinatra Jr was kidnapped

    Patreon sample: the first half of the true story of the bungled, ridicolous kidnapping of Frank Sinatr Jr in the sixties, and the role that scrupilosity. grandiosity, and delusion played in this scheme.  This month's charity is Stand In Pride, a nonprofit helping LGBTQ+ individuals to establish friends and found family, especially when facing rejection from their family of origin. Go to www.standinpride.org to learn more. 

  25. 554

    Sufi Philosophy and Finding Peace, with Salima Adelstein

    Salima Adelstein is the first woman to become a Murshida, a spiritual guide in the Shadhiliyya Sufi Tradition, the mystical dimension of Islam. She has 35 years guiding people in meditation, spirituality, and using the Shadhiliyya principles. Follow her and her work at www.sufi.net  The highlighted charity this month is Stand In Pride, a nonprofit organization helping members of the LGBTQ+ community to build their own support community after facing rejection from friends and family. Go to www.standinpride.org or find their app in your app store to get involved. 

  26. 553

    Finding Hope Through Action: Responding To Social Injustice

    This week for Monday Mental Health Tip I want to share the use of action as a form of self-care and service, finding ways to support and help during times of political  and social injustice, targeting of immigrants and marginalized populations, violation of civil rights, and even public executions. Anxiety can be managed through purposeful action, here are some ideas about funneling the emotional energy into areas that can help these situations, and will more so the more of us that join in.  Highlighted charities in this episode include:  Immigrant Legal Resource Center:  www.ilrc.org National Immigration Law Center: www.NILC.org  Transgender Law Center: www.transgenderlawcenter.org    

  27. 552

    Thursday Thistory: The Chess Machine

    In 1770 a weird and amazing machine known as "The Chess Machine," or "The Mechanical Turk," was created by Civil Servant and Engineer Wolfgang von Kempelen. He claimed it could play chess as an automated machine, and indeed it played and defeated many talented players and well-known people, including Napolean and Benjamin Franklin. This device kicked off the type of thinking that influenced the development of the computer, and probably even AI. Unfortunately it was all a hoax... Thursday Thistory is a look at psychological or cultural history. Half today's episode is available to all listeners, while the other half is only for Patreon members.  This month's highlighted charity is Stand in Pride, a nonprofit helping LGBTQ+ individuals find support after facing rejection from family. Go to www.standinpride.org to learn more.  

  28. 551

    AI & Delusion, with Dr Ian Gold, Dr Joel Gold, and Sean King O'Grady

    Psychiatrist Joel Gold & Philosopher Ian Gold wrote "Suspicious Minds: How Culture Shapes Madness," examining the effects of culture and social media on delusions. Cue the creation of Artificial Intelligence, with quickly increasing presence and impact. The brothers teamed up with Award Winning Filmmaker Sean King O'Grady to create the docuseries "Suspicious Minds," interviewing researchers, AI engineers, and individuals who have experienced what is increasingly being called "AI Delusion." This is a fascinating discussion about the relationship with new technology, and how it can impact mental health. Watch Suspicious  Minds on Youtube, or find the audio anywhere you find podcasts.  Our highlighted charity this month is Stand In Pride, an organization helping LGBTQ+ individuals who have been abandoned by family and friends to find stand-in family for events such as weddings and graduations, and to build found family relationships. Support them by downloading their app, going to www.standinpride.org, and follow founder Dan Blevins on IG @the_zombie_dan

  29. 550

    Monday Mental Tip AI use as tool

    How does technology and culture impact mental health?  Today's Monday Mental Health Tip is focused on finding a healthy balance in how we embrace new tech, Particularly AI (more to come on that tomorrow) Our highlighted charity is Stand in Pride, helping LGBTQ+ individuals to discover found family and build new support systems, especially if they have faced rejection in response to coming out. Go to www.standinpride.org to learn more.

  30. 549

    The Year Without a Santa...and other stuff, with Isabel Tehran!

    Isabel Tehran returns for another Christmas Special, talkign about...a Christmas Special. This year we are focused on Rankin-Bass' "The Year Without A Santa Claus." Along with a BUNCH of other stuff, Christmas Special related and otherwise.  Go to www.dwighthurst.com/santa for a free gift, the TTRPG A Bunch Of Santas.  Happy Holidays to all! 

  31. 548

    PJ Glassey is Helping Us Be Healthy

    Being healthy is one of the difficult challenges of being a human person. So PJ Glassey joins us today to help us. A trained physiologist, Glassey shares guidance on physical and cognitive techniques for well ronded health, using tools like cognitive behavioral interventions, gratitude, and meditative practices along with physical exercise. Follow his work at www.xgym.com We are continuing to support the Because Organization this month, supporting survivors of human trafficking to build stable, healthy lives following an exit from trafficking. Support their great work at www.becauseorganization.org 

  32. 547

    Role of Attachment Patterns in Relationships & Healing, with Jessica Baum

    Jessica Baum is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in relationships, particularly the role of attachment. She is also the author of "SAFE: Coming Home to Yourself and Others,"  a look at building more secure relationships by understanding ours and our partner's patterns of attachment.  We are continuing the focus on The Because Organization as our nonprofit of choice for the remainder of this year. Go to www.becauseorganization.org to learn more and support their work with survivors of human trafficking. 

  33. 546

    The Importance of Mediation & Communication with Oswald Newbold

    Oswald Newbold is a Certified Mediator, specializing in conflict resolution for individuals, groups, and organizations. He has been managing conflict and communication since 2008, when he mediated disputes between incarcerated individuals in the Florida Criminal Justice system, reducing tension and violence within the prisons. Oswald talks today about the mediation process, communication, and social advocacy for rehabilitation. Follow his work at www.oswaldnewbold.com This month we are highlighting The Because Organization, a nonprofit supporting survivors of human trafficking. Get involved in their work: www.becauseorganization.org 

  34. 545

    Empowering Children, Teens, & Young Adults with Dr Christine Silverstein

    Dr Christine Silverstein believes that young people are strong, and that their strength increases the more the believe in themselves. As a Behavioral Health RN, author, and clinical hypnotist she specializes in helping children to find empowerment through healthy self-talk, academics, and strong relationships. Follow her work at www.idealperformance.net and www.drchristinesilverstein.com  The Because Organization is a nonprofit dedicated to helping former victims of human trafficking to rebuild their lives, and is the charity of focus this month. You can get involved with their work at www.becauseorganization.org 

  35. 544

    Foster Care and Step Parenting, with Debbie Ausburn

    Debbie Ausburn is a social worker and the author of "Raising Other Peoples Children: What Foster Parenting Taught Me About Bringing Together A Blended Family." She shares her experiences as a Foster and Step Parent, and the lessons learned from successes and mistakes connecting and parenting children in situations where trust must be earned instead of assumed. Donate, participate, and promote The Because Organization, this month's highlighted nonprofit. They work with survivors of human trafficking, helping people to build safe and healthy lives after emerging from these abusive situations.    

  36. 543

    What is Smart Horror? With Dalin & Izzy

    What kind of scary movies do you like? What type of storytelling do you find to be smart and compelling?  It's Halloween time, a time for spooky, scary stuff, and I am joined by two movie and Halloween experts, Dalin Rowell of "It's Reely a Podcast, and Isabel Teran of "Hearsing Around," and "That's Bodacious Dude! 80 Radical Movies from the Eighties." Visit www.becauseorganization.org to visit this month's highlighted charity AND participate in their virtual walk/run event from anywhere in the world. Your contributions help survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives. 

  37. 542

    Join The Because Organization's Fundraiser for Survivors of Trafficking

    Marcia Holt & Bill Cottringer return to the show to share details about the virtual walk/run fundraising event for The Because Organization, a nonprofit providing virtual and in-person services for survivors of Human Trafficking, and helping them to stabilize their lives vocationally, psychologically, medically, and in whatever other ways needed. Less than 8% of Human Trafficking related nonprofits address the needs of the individual AFTER escaping a trafficking situation.  Go to www.becauseorganization.org to sign up for this event, which runs from 10/26-11/9, and participate from anywhere in the world. Any amount of distance and money are helpful for this great cause, and share the link on your social media.   

  38. 541

    Diagnosis, Assessment, and ADHD with Dr Barry Herman

    The way in which we diagnose mental health conditions has been key to the treatment world. Much of this has historically been done through patient report and observable behavior. As time has gone by assessment instruments and tools have been developed to help, but the individual assessment will always be important. Dr Barry Herman, medical director for Mentavi, joins today to share information about diagnosis, particularly for ADHD and related issues. Go to www.mentavi.com to follow his work.  The Because Organization is a nonprofit dedicated to helping those who have survived human trafficking to build up their lives in a healthy and managable way, and is this month's charity-of-focus. Visit www.becauseorganization.org to support them and to learn more. 

  39. 540

    Can I fight Trauma with Joy? MC McDonald says YES!

    Dr Mary-Catherine (MC) MCDonald is a Research Professor, Trauma Recovery Expert, and the Author of "The Joy Reset." Her expertise is in the use of joy to combat the effects of trauma. Going deeper than just the philosophy of joy, she shares actionable techniques to reduce trauma symptoms. We also like & dislike some of the same trends in therapy.  Follow her work @mcphd on Instagram. Go to www.becauseorganization.org to support The Because Organization, helping survivors of trafficking to establish healthy lives. Participate in their virtual walk/run from anywhere in the world during October & November.

  40. 539

    Purple Crayons, by Dr Ross Ellenhorn

    Remember "Harold and the Purple Crayon"? So does Dr Ross Ellenhorn, our guest today and the author of "Purple Crayons: The Art of Drawing a Life." Dr Ellenhorn uses the framework of the world of Harold and the Purple Crayon to showcase the importance of individuality and creativity when dealing with mental illness, addiction, and health.  The charity of focus this month is The Because Organization, a nonprofit in Philadelphia helping people who have survived human trafficking to build their lives. Go to www.becauseorganization.org to learn more AND to participate in their virtual walk-a-thon fund raiser. 

  41. 538

    Women of Gotham, with Dalin Rowell

    What kind of women characters do we find in Batman stories? How do they interact with Batman, The BatFamily, and the world of Gotham? Dalin Rowell, host & creator of "It's Reely a Podcast," joins me to discuss this year's Batman episode, where we focus on Characters such as Catwoman, Batgirl, Talia al Ghul, Baby Doll, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and more! Including the under-discussed Andrea Beaumont!  One more plug for the September charity-of-focus: go to www.akshayapatra.org, to share and support this wonderful nonprofit providing hot midday meals to students in India. 

  42. 537

    The Human Animal, with Frank Forcich

    Frank Forcich is a biologist and health educator. He teaches people to understanding life through the lens of what attributes human beings have as animals within the natural world, and to assess how we are influenced by health and habitat. His perspective helps to break down the things that influence the way we form culture, community, and how we make decisions on a group and individual level. Learn more about his work at www.honortheanimal.com  Visit www.akshayapatra.org to support this month's highlighted nonprofit. Akshata Patra is an NGO base din India, with a focus on providing a hot midday meal for youth in school. 

  43. 536

    Choices & Redemption in the new film 55, with Filmmaker Shyam Madiraju

    Shyam Madiraju is the writer & Director of "55," a modern Dickensian story set in Mumbai, India. It tells the story of a young pickpocket who faces hard decisions about survival, morality, and what power we have over our own lives. Look for the film streaming on Video On Demand, and follow Shyam's work on Instagram @mad_n_shy The highlighted nonprofit this month is Akshaya Patra, an NGO based in India that provides hot midday meals for children attending school. Go to www.akshayapatra.org to learn more, support, and share this charity. 

  44. 535

    Adventure, Redemption, & Storytelling with Author Bill Combs

    Bill Combs is the Author of the novel, "The Quantum Gate," (and its upcoming sequel). An adventure story in the spirit of Indiana Jones, Da Vinci Code, Stargate, this novel is a story of trauma and redemption, with riddles, treasure hunting, and mystical elements. He joins the podcast to share this story and his approach to creating realistic characters facing mystical situations, and how people relate to difficulty in real life. Go to www.billcombs.com to follow his work, monitor his ongoing series of novels, and read his free short stories.  Visit www.akshayapatra.org to support and share our charity-of-focus this month. Akshaya Patra is a NGO that delivers hot midday meals to school students in India. 

  45. 534

    Live Event Audio for Overdose Awareness Part 2

    The second half of the 4th Annual Live Stream for International Overdose Awareness Day. In this segment of the stream Dwight and Isabel Teran are joined by the Reels of Justice Podcast hosts to discuss addiction, engagement with life, and cultural/societal elements of health. Ryan Luis Rodriguez, Robb Maynard, Ben Haslar, and Dylan Schlender have a vulnerable and open discussion about their own experiences with compulsion, addiction, and alcohol. A great example of openness, community, and support. We will do it again next year! Go to www.akshayapatra.org to support this month's highlighted nonprofit agency, providing hot midday meals to children in school in India. 

  46. 533

    Live Event Audio for Overdose Awareness (part 1)

    This is the first half of the Annual Live Stream for International Overdose Awareness Day, 2025. Join hosts Dwight and Izzie as we look at how Engagement & Avoidance factor into addiction. In Part one we are joined by Chris Revill and Mike Lundsford.  Please support & share our highlighted charity of the month, Akshaya Pahtra, a NGO in India providing hot midday meals to provide incentive and support for children to attend school. Visit www.akshayapatra.org to learn more. 

  47. 532

    Monday Mental Tip Do Things Poorly

    Monday Mental Health Tip Time, talking about the human tendency to wait to act until we feel sure of success, and what that can cost us in experiences.  Big thank you and shout out to the folks who appeared on and helped the Live Stream for Overdose Awareness yesterday. That audio will be showing up in the feed soon.  Thanks to: Isabel Teran, Ryan Luis Rodriguez, Robb Maynard, Ben Haslar, Dylan Schlender, Mike Lundsford, & Dr Delice Coffey for jumping onto the stream and sharing so openly.   

  48. 531

    Live Stream tomorrow!

    Tomorrow will be the Broken Brain's 4th annual Live Stream for Overdose Awareness! Go to www.dwighthurst.com/live to WATCH live, on YouTube FB or Linkedin, or you can JOIN the live stream with me! Links and details all at that page. 

  49. 530

    Depiction of Youth Suicide in American Cinema, with Dr Alessandra Seggi

    Dr Alessandra Seggi is a Professor of Sociology and Crimonology for Villanova University, and Author of the book "Youth and Suicide in American Cinema: Context, Causes, and Consequences." She talks about the ethics and effects of depictions of suicide, the possible positive applications, processing emotions, as well as the risks. With suicide being such a huge risk for youth, this is an important topic for everyone. Go to www.alessandraseggi.com to learn more about her work.  This Sunday (8/31) is the Broken Brain's 4th Annual Live Stream for Overdoes Awareness. Visit www.dwighthurst.com/live for times, links, and ways to join the stream. 

  50. 529

    Resiliance & How Events Shape Us, with Dr John Demartini

    Author, educator, and Behavioral Psychology expert Dr John Demartini is a survivor. Faced with literacy & academic challenges, physical injury, and a period of homelessness as a youth, he learned to overcome obstacles by finding opportunities within struggle. He teaches others how to reframe traumatic events to aid personal development, to "send us ON the way, not be IN the way." Learn more about his work at www.drdemartini.com. Visit www.dwighthurst.com/live to find information and links to the 4th annual Broekn Brain Live Stream for Overdose Awareness, broadcasting 8/31. Watch or JOIN the program anytime during the 5 hour live stream.  And please support Improving Lives, a wonderful nonprofit in Nottingham, UK, that seeks to hep those facing mental health with supports and bridge services for those awaiting treatment. Go to www.improvinglivesnotts.org.uk to follow and support them. 

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A Psychology & Psychotherapy podcast. Get a therapist's perspective on a variety of topics, some silly and some self-helpy. the Broken Brain is an organized panel discussion, an hour (ish) of therapeutic POV for you.

HOSTED BY

Popped Collar Productions

Produced by Core Temp Arts

CATEGORIES

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