The Broken Brain

This is the first 7 minutes of this week's Patreon dive into mental health history! Elisabeth Kubler-Ross pioneered the concept of psychological care for those with terminal illness, and her best known contribution is the concept of the 5 stages of grief. But are these stages really so universal, and what does research show about this idea? Today's dive into mental health history is a look at the origins of this approach, and more recent developments in the study and treatment of grief & loss. This one is just for the Patrons! Grateful for all of you!

Rosie Schaap is an author, columnist, & teacher. Follow her work at www.rosieschaap.net "The Slow Road North" is a powerful new Creative Nonfiction, a story of grief & healing. Following the tragic death of her husband, Rosie started a journey of pain and reflection that led her to find healing & community in the town of Glenarm, Ireland. A vibrant, visually evocative, and vulnerable book that is a great read for anyone experiencing or interested in the process of healing from loss. Please tune in or join the Broken Brain's 3rd annual live broadcast for Opioid Overdose Awareness, a 5 hour event on Thursday 8/29. You can watch OR JOIN the livestream at: www.dwighthurst.com/live

Monday Mental Tip: Avoiding scammy cure-all claims in the psychological world is tricky, but an important part of mental-health management Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when evaluating claims

Welcome to weekly history dive, a feature for Patreon supporters. The rest of you out there, please enjoy the first 5 minutes in this SAMPLE. In 1938 the March of Dimes was officially formed. Or at least named. 10 years earlier, President Roosevelt started efforts to protect children from polio. That mission has expanded to raise funds for all sort of healthcare applications, education, and advocacy. This week's dive into psychological history looks at the March of Dimes organization, its history, and the nature of charity & giving. AND why and how do we select a powerful name for a cause? This is the Patron's only weekly Thistory lesson, glad to create and share it with all y'all!

Dr Kristin Collier is a MD specializing in Internal Medicine & Medical Education, and a clinician providing direct patient care. She is active in the practical and philosophical examination of how AI tools can (and are) shaping modern medicine. In this episode we discuss the risks and potential traps we can fall into with increasing reliance on technology, especially when the tools can become an actual member of the treatment team. Follow her on X-Twitter @HSdirector Looking forward to The Broken Brain's 3rd annual live stream event for Opioid Overdose Awareness, Thursday 8/29! For details on how to watch or JOIN the stream go to www.dwighthurst.com/live

Parenting a young child with ADHD presents many challenging & positive experiences, both of which are amplified by school. Today Dwight share several tips for helping plan for success in school, along with a reference to the organization Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), which is chock-full of cool resources at www.chadd.org Please listen or Join the 3rd annual live streaming event for Opioid Overdose Awareness on Thursday August 29th, go to www.dwighthurst.com/live for more details

Monthly History episode for all listeners! Anger management has been the purview of therapy since way back in...1970? Well, the TERM may have been coined around then, but the actual roots go all the way back. to the Romans. This week's history dive is a look at the concept and the practice of Anger Management.

Something a bit new, it's a real-play RPG session! Role Playing Games (RPG) have great potential for development in Bonding, Social Skill Development, and even healing from Addiction & Trauma. As they currently are blowing up in popularity, this is a great time to apply Table-Top Games to therapy. In this episode a team of 3 cool people join to play a one-shot game (written by our host) escaping from a barbecue that turns out to be way more hope-abandoning than they bargained for, in the game: H-E-Double The game itself is available for free download at: www.dwighthurst.com/rpg

Many (if not most) people are worried about world and local events. Today's tip is focused on finding empowering & effective actions that become a sense of self-care. Find what actually helps and doing it is a powerful way to reduce this kind of anxiety. Mark your calendars for Thursday 8/29, for the 3rd annual live stream for Opioid Overdose awareness. Listen, watch, or join the program live! See links and times at: www.dwighthurst.com/live

Advertising in linked to psychology, and always had been. This week's dive into psychological history is about how a pair of brothers shifted the entire industry and cultural practice of how we travel in order to sell tires, and the weirdly omnipresent impact the creation of the Michelin Guidebook has played in our lives. This is the first several minutes of the weekly Patreon bonus: Thursday Thistory. Join at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to get this and more bonus materials, including videos of all of our episodes. Each Brainiac member has 50% of their monthly donation sent to the charity highlighted in the month they join, which this month is Color Outside The Lines, coloroutside.org, an organization in California and Oregon helping youth in foster care to express themselves through art, music, and dance

Dr Deborah Bryon is a Psychologist, Jungian Psychoanalyst, and Author. Her new book "Time and Trauma in Analytical Psychology and Psychotherapy: The Wisdom of Andean Shamanism," focuses on the things she learned while simultaneously studying Jungian Analysis and the teachings of Andean Shamans. She shares insights into the relativity of time from an internal, emotional perspective, particularly when trauma is involved.

This Monday's Mental Tip is focused on a few ideas for dealing with Manic or Hypomanic episodes for those of us with Bipolar, Bipolar II, or some serious bouts of impulsivity with ADHD. Plan to listen or join the 3rd annual Broken Brain Live Feed for Opiate Overdose Awareness. Go to www.dwighthurst.com/live for details.

WARNING this episode is about suicide, although it is not graphic. This is the first 7 minutes of this week's dive into mental health history for the Patreon members. In 2003 subway companies around the world installed blue LED lights in their terminals, based on the belief that it has a calming influence, and will discourage suicidal individuals from attempting to jump onto the tracks. But is the research really there ot justify this choice? And is it enough? This week's dive into mental health history is all about these questions. Remember this month's highlighted charity: www.munchausensyndrome.com. Also everyone is invited to watch or join the 5 hour live-stream event on Thursday 8/29. Go to www.dwighthurst.com/live for information and links.

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!