The Broken Brain

The percentage of young people dealing with anxiety and depression is at an all time high. Teenagers deal with massive physiological & psychological development, major educational goals, and complicated social experiences. Social media, economic shifts, and societal complexity add elements new too many parents. Kevin Baker is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in adolescence. He works to empower teenagers to disrupt negative and self-destructive thought patterns and increase health, happiness, and self-acceptance. The charity of focus this month is Munchausen Syndrome, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education about the terrible realities of medical child abuse. For new Patreon members joining in July, 50% of their contributions will go to this organization each month. Goto munchausensyndrome.com to learn more.

Monday Mental Tip! Some ideas about looking for therapy or supportive psychological help when funding is an obstacle.

Thursday weekly Thistory lessons appear in the Patrons-only podcast feed, and the rest of y'all get the first 5 minutes of the episode here on the main feed. Today's history dive is looking into the burnout of those in nonprofit, human services, education, and healthcare. Some general history of burnout itself, its labelling and research, and applying this to the way it affects those who help. To support the show and give 50% of your donation to charities highlighted on the show, go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain or www.dwighthurst.com/support

WARNING: This episode contains a true story of child abuse, murder, and suicide, told by a member of the family within which it happened. Please listen with caution and awareness of your own mental health needs. Brianna Benjamin is no stranger to The Broken Brain Podcast. Bri & Chris Revill frequently help out with live events, guest on episodes, and are my behind-the-scenes partners in all things podcasting. More than that Bri is a great friend and a strong mental health advocate. This episode is an honor for me to record, and for you to hear. Bri has never told this story publicly, and today she offers us her vulnerability and courage to tell us the tragic story of the death of her siblings. Bri grew up in an abusive home. During her childhood her brother murdered their sister and then killed himself. Bri shared the details and events of that time, about life immediately afterwards, and of her mental health and trauma recovery work. Listen to hear how she survived and built the wonderful life and family that she has today. She is a true example of hope and courage.

This week's quick mental health tip is all about the word normal, a tricky word to say, to ourselves and others, due to its tricky set of definitions. A look into the power of terminology on our psychological health.

A sample of this week's Patrons-Only feature, looking at the psychology of humor and jokes, and also the history of why Slipping on a Banana Peel is so super funny...or once was?

Jason Shier is a Psychotherapist who specializes in somatic technique and internal emotional processes. He uses individually focused treatment, moving away from pathology or problem-based healthcare. Join us for our discussion of inner healing, modern therapy, and the pros and cons of diagnostic labels and programmatic approaches. The Charity of Focus this month is Munchausen Syndrome, a nonprofit focused on education of medical child abuse. 1/2 of your donation will go to this organization each month if you join Patreon within July, and will continue as long as you are a supporter of the show. You can also go to www.munchausensyndrome.com to learn more or donate directly.

The Monday Mental Tip this week is focused on the use of gratitude to improve relationships and psychological health.

Writing a Trauma Narrative is an important part of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is also something that is not a part of many modern trauma therapies. When did the Trauma Narrative become a thing, and why is it considered by some to be old-fashioned? What are the pros and cons of writing a narrative, or CBT for Trauma? Learn the answers to these questions on this month's Thursday Thistory, available to all, and get weekly dives into history by subscribing to the Broken Brain's Patreon feed, at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

Medical Child Abuse is defined as a caregiver purposefully making falsified or exaggerated claims of symptoms in their child, resulting in harmful or inappropriate medical treatment. Often referred to as Munchausen By Proxy Syndrome, this abuse is underreported and extremely dangerous to the child. Andrea Dunlop is the host of the podcast "Nobody Should Believe Me," where she profiles cases of Medical Child Abuse and shares information about the effects of this terrible problem. She is also the co-founder of Munchausen Support (www.munchausensupport.com)a nonprofit organization providing education & support to those dealing with this complicated issue. She joins the program today to share the experiences and insights she has gained through this work. Please plan to view or Join The Broken Brain's third annual Live Stream for Opioid Overdose Awareness & Addiction, streaming on August 29th. Go to www.dwighthurst.com/live for more information about how you can view or join the event.

Monday Mental Tip: Standing up for things we believe in is a form of self-care!

Albert Ellis was a pioneer in the field of therapy, genius, and frankly kind of a weirdo. His techniques live on in modern therapy, mostly in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, even though his philosophy was considered somewhat of an alternative approach to CBT when he developed them. He was also a blunt, direct, often abrasive man who struggled interpersonally throughout his life. This is the first 5 minutes of this week's dive into mental health available to Show patrons. Check out www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to join up and gain access to bonus materials. AND check out www.outnebraska.org, this month's charity of focus, to help support Queer individuals living in Nebraska.

Andy Hogan is an Author, Counselor, Advocate, and Musician specializing in Bipolar Disorder. He recently released a musical album related to his most recent book "Love For Mental Illness: How To REACH, Help, and Heal." As 2 guys with Bipolar Disorder, Andy and I had a good time talking about his approach and his music to break down this serious health condition. This month The Broken Brain is highlighting the charity www.OutNebraska.org, a Nebraska based charity that educates and advocates for Queer individuals in their state.

Monday is the day for a quick Mental Health Tip from The Broken Brain Podcast! Today's tip is related to conflict based communication, an idea for generating healthy questions to defuse the anger. Please remember the charity of focus for June: www.outnebraska.org, a nonprofit proving advocacy and community education to make life safer for LGBTQA+ citizens of Nebraska.

This is a 3 minute sample of this week's Patreon episode, a look into the history of naming Bipolar Disorder. In 1980 the name of Manic-Depressive Disorder was officially changed to Bipolar Disorder. Why did they do that? Was it good, bad, or just something that happened? This week's Thistory History dive is a look into the practice of changing diagnostic names, and the clinical social reasons behind that.

Greg Wooley is a poet, sobriety advocate, and the cofounder of Florida Recovery Schools of Central Florida. The Recovery High School model creates an educational environment focused on support for teens with addiction problems. Greg and I were able to discuss Harm Reduction, fundraising, nonprofit management, and the damaging stigma still associated with addiction. The Broken Brain is promoting OutNebraska this month, a nonprofit focused on supporting LGBTQA individuals in Nebraska. Check them out at www.outnebraska.org

If you don't plan time for self-care needs, they will happen anyway. The difference is that they will happen once we crash and will be surrounded by same. For the month of June The Broken Brain is encouraging you to support and share OutNebraska, an organization helping make Nebraska a safer & healthier place for Queer people: www.outnebraska.org

This week's dive into Mental Health History profiles Magnus Hirschfeld, German Sexologist, Physician, and LGBTQA+ advocate from the early twentieth century. He established the first Gender Affirming clinic and Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation research institute, which was destroyed by Hitler's regime in the 1930s. The weekly Thursday Thistory episodes go up on our Patreon page, and 1 per month is shared for all on the regular feed. To hear all of these history stories, videos of all interviews, and more bonus materials, go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

"Bastards of Soul," is a documentary about loss, music, the creative process, and healing. Filmaker Paul Levatino was creating footage for the band at the height of their rise in popularity. At that time the band's frontman and lead singer, Chadwick Murray, had tragic and sudden health problems which claimed his life. This story is one of tragedy & hope, of dreams realized and the process of Chadwick's friends and family processing their grief, as well as amazing music that he left behind to touch generations to come. This film is a touching tribute and a love letter from Paul to his friend. The Broken Brain is promoting OutNebraska this month, a nonprofit focused on supporting LGBTQA individuals in Nebraska. Check them out at www.outnebraska.org

Monday is Oneday to get a Mental Health Tip! Sleep is vital to healthy functioning! How do we get it? For the month of June The Broken Brain is encouraging you to support and share OutNebraska, an organization helping make Nebraska a safer and healthier place for Queer people: www.outnebraska.org

If you are a long time listener of the podcast you know (and love) Chris Revill. From social work to podcasting, Chris and his show, Let's Chat With Chris Revill, have been pillars in the indie podcast community. He also cohosts one of The Broken Brain's Patreon shows: The Broken Chat. Chris is ending his long running podcast and getting involved in producing other's shows. Look for Podcasting fot Podcasters, as well as the Hey Rhody podcast. He was kind enough to invite me to host his final episode, interviewing him about his experience.

This is the first 2 minutes of this week's dive into mental health history, specially produced weekly for the Patreons. From 1980-2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DMS) included 5 areas that clinicians were required to address in every clinical assessment, separated into 5 Horizontal Roman-numerated rows. These 5 Axis were considered to be area important for summary to the reader of the report, and the format was thought to be the simplest way to present them. Today's episode is a look into what the Axis represented, how they were used, and the reason the practice was changed with the DSM 5.

Todd Baratz is a Psychotherapist specializing in relationships, sex, and changing unhealthy patterns. He is also the author of the new book: How To Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind, which releases today! He joins us to share insights into reframing the effects of trauma and how that impacts our relationships. For June, The Broken Brain is highlighting the nonprofit organization OutNebraska, a group advocating, educating, and lobbying for the rights of LGBTQA citizens of Nebraska. Go to www.outnebraska.org to learn more.

Monday is Oneday to get a Mental Health Tip! When you feel overwhelmed to the point where you can't focus on work, here is a little trick to try. For the month of June The Broken Brain is encouraging you to support and share OutNebraska, an organization helping make Nebraska a safer and healthier place for Queer people: www.outnebraska.org

This is the first 5 minutes of this week's Thursday Thistory, all about the history of Non-Directive Play Therapy, developed by Virginia Axline in the 1940s, as she applied principles of Rogerian Therapy to work with very young children. To hear the entire episode and all of the weekly Mental Health History lessons, check out www.dwighthurst.com/support and join The Broken Brain Patreon.

Dr. David McMillan is a clinical psychologist and author who specializes in interpersonal dynamics in relationships and communities. In particular he focuses on the ways that people heal or harm their relationships by the way we open ourselves to our partners or neighbors. He describes how principles of Newtonian psychics & Einstein's theories about the natural world apply to relationships, and how we can use this awareness to create healing and happiness with those around us, especially our partners. Remember to turn your attention to the YWCA of Nashville (headquartered three blocks from today's guest BTW) and their shelter and outreach programs for Domestic Violence intervention. Go to www.ywcanashville.com/donating to view their Amazon Wishlist and donate to their programs.

Your 2 minute sample of this week's Patreon bonus: Liminality is the space between one role and another, the journey in a dramatic transition, our coming of age, and many other events. This Thursday Thistory dives into the history of this term & concept, how it impacts our rituals, the role it plays in our personal psychology. Thursday Thistory is available weekly to Broken Brain Patrons.

Yasmine Cheyenne is an author and speaker, with a powerful and innovative approach to self-help. The New York Times has called her "The Sister Friend we all need." She is here to tell her story of finding hope in times of crushing stress, even when things didn't seem to turn around for a long long time, as shared in her new book: Wisdom Of The Path." This month The Broken Brain is highlighting the YWCA of Nashville for your attention and support. Go to www.ywcanashville.com/donating to help survivors of family violence.

This is the first 2 minutes of this weeks dive into the History of Psycholgy, all about Eugene Francois Vidocq, adventurer, criminal, detective, and the inspiration for Victor Hugo to create the characters Inspector Javert AND Jean Valjean. Go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to subscribe. All new Patreon members joining in May 2024 will have 50% of their monthly donation donated to the YWCA of Nashville, TN until the end of 2024.

Nicole Murray and Paige Henderson are the writers and stars of the short film "3 Easy Steps," all about ADHD, Self-Rejection, Internal pain, and our tendency to look for quick and easy cures, and how those can backfire. The protagonist tries to personify the part of herself she does not like and kill them. But what if it doesn't want to die? Follow Paige and Nicole at Svelte Dog Productions on YouTube Remember that The Broken Brain is encouraging you to visit www.ywcanashville.com/donating this month to help support families in need of healing and safety. Fulfill needs on their Amazon wish list to help the DV shelter program today.

Ever wonder about the title of Sociopath? When was it first used? Is it a real diagnosis? Is it different than the term Psychopath, or are they interchangeable? This is the entire Thursday Thistory episode for May Patreon members get weekly dives into the history of psychology, uploaded monthly to the main feed. To sign up for bonus materials like thise, as well as video of all our episodes, go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain or www.dwighthurst.com/support

Jeff Krasno is a health & wellness expert, who found that in his middle age he was suffering from health problems and neglect of his own well-being. He fought for his physiological & Psychological health, applying what he taught to himself. He is here today to talk about the benefits of Eustress, healthy stress, and how follow-through can be a challenge for us all.

Sharon Blady joins the episode to celebrate May the Fourth, Star Wars Day! We discuss the impact that Star Wars has had upon the culture, share some of our most impactful Star Wars Memories, and read some memories from friends kind enough to share.

"The Sign," is an emotional, wonderful penultimate episode of Bluey Season 3. If you're a fan of Bluey (and you should be) then it was an exciting culmination to the preceding storylines, AND a look at healthy principles of acceptance. Karly Beaumont rejoins the show to talk some Bluey. The Broken Brain is Highlighting the YWCA of Nashville as a great place to give back to the community, for May 2024 we will be mentioning it each episode. Goto www.ywcanashville.com/donating to donate or to fulfill needs on their Amazon Wishlist.

"Play Date" is an independent short film currently traveling through the Film Festival circuit, Debuting at the Dallas Film Festival next week. I was able to interview Amberlee Colson & Laura Campbell, The Directors and Stars of this project. The film is an amazing look into the trauma and coping of 2 women a year after their daughters experienced a school shooting. One of the children survived, the other did not. The portrayal of 10 minutes spent between these two shows a great understanding of trauma, PTSD, and realistic ways we cope with traumatic loss. Follow this important project at: www.playdate-film.com Go to www.dwighthurst.com/podcast to participate, give feedback, and support the show.

This is the first 2 minutes of This Week's Bonus Patreon Post (Thursday Thistory), all about the History of Telehealth & Online Therapy Check out www.patreon.com/brokenbrain or www.dwighthurst.com/support to subscribe for bonus materials!

What happens when larger social issues intersect with our individual lives? We are surrounded by social, environmental, economic, and many other factors that interact with our psychology and the ability to live our lives. Dr Sebastienne Grant is a psychologist who studies the intersections of individual and societal wellbeing, social justice, environmental concerns, community interconnection, and acts of compassion. --- Get involved with The Broken Brain by sharing the show with others, leaving a positive review, or becoming a member of our Patreon. Learn more at: www.dwighthurst.com/support

Dr Don St John joins the program to discuss his approach to healing from trauma and becoming a whole and healthy self. His treatment strategies include the use of Somatic Techniques to tie the mind and body together for deeper psychological healing. Follow his work at www.pathsofconnection.com --- Consider becoming part of the Broken Brain by supporting and sharing the show, gaining access to the bonus materials on our patreon: www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

In the 1960s, Walter J Miller travelled around the USA performing lobotomies for the media and the public, as well as training staff in psychiatric facilities. As the inventor of the Transoptical method of lobotomy, Miller unfortunately caused thousands of people to receive this dangerous, and often very damaging, procedure. This episode is the monthly dive into mental health history. These episodes are released every Thursday on The Broken Brain's Patreon feed, www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

You know (and love) Sharon, frequent cohost and All-Things-Marvel Correspondent for The Broken Brain. She is here today to share all about K-pop, her invovlement and interest in this movement, and how it has culturally and politically had an impact in Western culture. As a former politician herself, Sharon understands the nuances of advocacy and has seen movements has heavy influence on young people and voters. Follow Sharon's work at www.speak-up.co Consider contributing to the Broken Brain by visiting www.dwighthurst.com/podcast to see how you can get invovled.

Christopher Morris is the author of the new book "We Are All Made of Scars," which tells the story of the extreme difficulties caused by living with his mother's alcohol addiction, and how this caused pain for him and for her. His story is one of vulnerability, pain, trauma, and healing. ---- If you would like to contribute to the podcast, please share your story or questions at www.dwighthurst.com/podcast You can also find ways to support the show and become part of the Broken Brain patron community.

Ande Welling is a fantastic therapist and expert in Dance & Movement Therapy. A while back she gave this wonderful training for Mental Health clinicians, and I was lucky enough to rediscover this recording I made of her presentation. ---------- Consider becoming part of the Podcasting action by filling out a survey, contacting directly, or supporting the show. Go to www.dwighthurst.com/podcast to learn more.

Joe Shaeppi is a therapist who uses adventure and adrenaline to amplify trauma recovery. This triggers a type of stress known as Eustress, or healthy stress. He also discusses the use of technology in psychological assessment, and the research behind the heathy aspects of playing video games. Follow his work, or use the free assessment tools on his website: https://solsten.io/ -------------- Consider supporting The Broken Brain, get bonus materials, and promote access to mental health care by visiting www.dwighthurst.com/support

Happy Mario Day! March 10, or MAR10, is a day to remember and celebrate our favorite Italian Plumber, and his expansive squad of characters. This episode focuses on psychological benefits of approaching the world the way we play video games, which some psychologists call the Mario Effect. This episode is a Thursday Thistory, a weekly feature for Patreon subscribers which appears once per month on the regular feed. Hope you enjoy this sample! Subscribe to the entry level Brainiac level to hear the rest, as well as other bonus materials. www.patreon.com/brokenbrain www.dwighthurst.com/support

How we feel about ourselves has a powerful effect upon what choices we make, our quality of life, and the relationships we have with others. Our self-to-self relationship can amplify happiness, health, or create obstacles. The way we relate to ourselves is also heavily influenced by experiences and treatment from others. Sheleana Aiyana is an expert in trauma recovery, healing from childhood events, and self-concept. She is the author of Becoming the One: Heal Your Past, Transform Your Relationship Patterns, and Come Home to Yourself, as well as a companion workbook with self-healing principles & exercises. Consider supporting and participating with the Podcast by visiting www.dwighthurst.com/support. See the various was to get involved, gain access to bonus materials, and help promote access to mental health care.

Tim Lewis is a Psychologist, Author, and Survivor of family violence. When he was 28 his father murdered his mother, and then killed himself. Tim shares the story on the podcast, and in his book "Daddy: A Son's Reckoning with Personal and Collective Trauma in America." Tim has routed the energy from his trauma into studying, educating, and providing treatment for those with complex trauma and PTSD. This is a powerful episode focused on recovery and survival. Learn more about Tim's work at his website, www.drtimlewis.com, and read his book for more information about systemic and individual trauma.

What makes family? How do we define connection, and what are the actions that separate those that care from those that simply claim to care? Marvel's new series Echo showcases these issues, and much more. Join Sharon and Dwight discussing things like family, relationships, power dynamics, culture, and colonialism. Sharon also shares her experiences working with the indigenous people in Manitoba while she was the Health Minister, and differences between saviorism and true empowerment.

You've heard of the Placebo Effect, which is the tendency to experience improvement in disease or complication because we expect it to get better. But do you know about the Nocebo effect? Turns out we also experience negative side effects and health problems more often when we expect them. This psychological dynamic has implications for counseling, medical care, parenting, and more. Michael Bernstein is a researcher and co-editor of "Nocebo Effect: When Words Make You Sick." He joins the show to tell us more about this important part of our lives, of which we are often unaware. Goto www.dwighthurst.com to participate with the show and support mental health advocacy.

Welcome to Thursday This-story, a dive into the history of mental health practices. This is a new feature for the podcast, appearing once a month on the main feed, and every Thursday on the Patrons Only Bonus Materials. Today's Thistory lesson is a look into the history of the mental health crisis or suicide help line. A practice since the 1950s, the creation of telephonic ways to cope with mental health needs has an interesting history, a partnership between spiritual and secular programs, and a precursor for modern telehealth. To hear bonus materials like this, goto patreon.com/brokenbrain and become a Brainiac patron!