The Broken Brain

Family disruption, reparenting, and forming healthy relationships with found and existing family. Could this all exist in a fun and funny holiday special within the MCU? I think you know what our answer will be. Sharon Blady joins this 2023 Holiday Episode focused on the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. There was much more than we planned on finding within the psychological aspects of this Marvel show, apparently the end of Phase 4 (for those of us into that sort of thing).

Nikolai Blinow is a psychotherapist in private practice in Rhode Island. She is an expert in preventing and healing from burnout and navigating major life stressors, and is here to share insights into what to do with this very real problem. Learn more about her work at www.ompowermentpsych.com. Support the show, get involved in the Broken Brain community, and unlock extra bonus episodes by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, or www.buymeacoffee.com/brokenbrain.

An episode with Dwight's brother and sister? Yup. Anyone who has listened to the program in Decembers Past knows of the BBrain's obsession with Christmas Specials. Christian Hurst and Amber Lopez join the show to discuss their childhood creation of a VHS tape meant to contain ALL the specials available in the 90s. Happy Holidays, whichever (if any) apply for you. Love you all, thank you for making this a great year!

The rerun of this episode has become a holiday tradition at the Broken Brain. Chris Revill helps me unpack the elements of relationships, community, and support of family and neighbors contained within the Christmas Special "The Snowy Day."

This is an episode of "Addiction, Recovery and Mental Health: A Podcast by WAISMANN METHOD® Opioid Treatment Specialists & Rapid Detox Center," a podcast produced and cohosted by Dwight. Holidays can be a time of high stress for many reasons, and especially for those doing the hard work of remaining sober and healthy, battling addiction. Clare Waismann, M-RAS/SUDCC II, and David Livingston, LMFT, join to discuss sober strategies. They are two highly experienced and kind people, and if you enjoy the Broken Brain you will likely enjoy the Waismann Method Podcast. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Sharon Blady and Darryl Mansel join me for a wonderful discussion about the MCU film Wakanda Forever. The film showcases some psychological aspects of anger, lashing out, and healing. Spoiler ALERT! We are discussing pretty much all the details of the movie, so you may want to watch it before listening. The film showcases some psychological aspects of anger, lashing out, and healing. Partner up with the podcast by becoming a Brainiac Patron on www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, or go to www.buymeacoffee.com/brokenbrain to make a one time donation. Thank you to our wonderful patrons that are helping the show to move forward.

This is a throw back session from 2016, when Dave Hart (of www.followingfilms.com ) and I sat down to discuss what a psychological tool for healing that gratitude can become. I am replaying it now because it is USA Thanksgiving in the USA, where I live, so gratitude was on my mind. Gratitude is good for you! What better time to talk about this again than the USA Thanksgiving, which happens this week. And what better CoHost for this topic than the honey-drippingly sweet Guru of Gratitude himself, David Hart! We discuss the use of purposeful gratitude, going deeper than meme culture positivity, the application of Acceptance, and much more! Sit around our virtual Thanksgiving table and pass the virtual potatoes, won't you?

Sharon Blady (www.speak-up.co) rejoins the program to discuss the social and psychological issues addressed in the MCU TV show "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law," such as toxicity in the culture, toxic masculinity, healthy male & female relations, revenge, anger, and healing. Make sure to check out the Broken Brain Patreon to find more content like this. www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

Jocelyn Jones is a Director and Actor, who appears in more than 40 films, including "The Enforcer," and "The Butler." She is also the author of the new book "Artist: Awakening The Spirit Within," in which she tells her story of growing up in a small Artist's community and what Art and Acting mean for healing and finding your comfort in life. Part workbook and part memoir, "Artist" includes exercises and principles to apply to help anyone find their creative outlet. Support the podcast by visiting www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, make a one time donation at www.buymeacoffee.com/brokenbrain, or just share the show with a friend. Thanks for listening!

Karly Beaumont returns to the show to help forward a Broken Brain Halloween Tradition: to talk about a scary movie. This year we focus on the film The Black Phone. We talk about the psychological elements of the film, including fear, abuse, forgiveness, trauma, fight-or-flight, and how mental health does not explain violence all by itself. Plus that scary-as-hell mask that Ethan Hawke wears in the movie!

Dr Susan Trachman is a Psychiatrist, Forensic Specialist, and mental health clinician. She joins the podcast today to share some information about the role of psychiatry in legal and forensic areas, the difference between non-clinical levels of trauma & PTSD, and some of the psychological elements of the COVID crisis. If you are in a place to do so, please consider becoming a patron Brainiac of the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain. Bonus episodes, merch, and more! Plus you will get that warm and fuzzy feeling only known by true patrons of the arts.

Dr Rebecca Dempster is a psychologist specializing in burnout and secondary trauma, especially among employees of nonprofits and NGOs that serve Third World nations. was mentioned in the recording of an upcoming episode, and it reminded me of this episode when she was on the show a few years back. This is a re-broadcast of that episode. Stay tuned for the all new episode this week with Dr Susan Trachman, Forensic Psychiatrist.

A bit of serious, a bit more silly in today's episode. Every year I like to tell everyone "Happy Colombo Day!" a send-up of what today is often called. In this episode I am sharing facts about the 1970s Murder Mystery Series "Colombo," because why not? As today is now referred to as Indigenous Peoples' Day, I also want to highlight Coyote & Crow, a company producing an exciting new RPG designed, owned, and operated by Indigenous People. Check them out at www.Coyoteandcrow.net

Tonya Lester is an LCSW, therapist, blogger for Psychology Today, and author. She is also an expert in relationships, family systems theory and couple's counseling. She joins the Broken Brain today to share her insights working with relationship difficulties and successes. Learn more about Tonya's work at www.tonyalester.com, including the progress of her book and her writing for Psychology Today. Support The Broken Brain and get awesome extra materials by becoming a patron Brainiac today at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, or make a one-time donation on www.buymeacoffee.com/brokenbrain

Internal Family Systems is a mode of therapy developed by Dr Richard Schwartz, declared an evidence based treatment by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The treatment uses family systems theory, and applies it to the patient's internal emotional parts. It is also known as Parts-Work. Dylan Schlender joins me to discuss our experience researching and receiving IFS in therapy. This episode is focused on the client experience, the theories of IFS, and what an IFS session looks like.

Happy Batman Day 2022! Give this a listen while decorating your Batman Tree or Dying Batman eggs. This is a compilation of answers from listeners and friends to the two questions we are always asking ourselves: 1. What does Batman mean to you? 2. Is there a Batman story from the comics that you would love to see show up in live action form? Something fun for a fun memorial day for one of my favorite superheroes. Thanks for listening!

This is PART 5 of the Rebroadcast of the Live Streamed Overdose Awareness event I hosted on August 31, 2022 for International Overdose Awareness Day. During the program I am joined by several Podcasters and Friends, some of whom you have heard on the podcast before, along with some first timers. Tons of info and a Substance Abuse or Mental Health themed charity shared every 20 (ish) minutes.

This is PART 4 of the Rebroadcast of the Live Streamed Overdose Awareness event I hosted on August 31, 2022 for International Overdose Awareness Day. During the program I am joined by several Podcasters and Friends, some of whom you have heard on the podcast before, along with some first timers. Tons of info and a Substance Abuse or Mental Health themed charity shared every 20 (ish) minutes.

This is PART 3 of the Rebroadcast of the Live Streamed Overdose Awareness event I hosted on August 31, 2022 for International Overdose Awareness Day. During the program I am joined by several Podcasters and Friends, some of whom you have heard on the podcast before, along with some first timers. Tons of info and a Substance Abuse or Mental Health themed charity shared every 20 (ish) minutes.

This is PART 2 of the Rebroadcast of the Live Streamed Overdose Awareness event I hosted on August 31, 2022 for International Overdose Awareness Day. During the program I am joined by several Podcasters and Friends, some of whom you have heard on the podcast before, along with some first timers. Tons of info and a Substance Abuse or Mental Health themed charity shared every 20 (ish) minutes.

Part 1 This is a Re-Broadcast of the 5 hour Overdose Awareness event I hosted on August 31, 2022 for International Overdose Awareness Day. This is PART 1 During the program I am joined by several Podcasters and Friends, some of whom you have heard on the podcast before, along with some first timers. Tons of info and a Substance Abuse or Mental Health themed charity shared every 20 (ish) minutes.

A Patreon special episode now shared on the regular show feed. Karly Beaumont, Founder of the Core Temp Arts Podcast Network, and Abi Perez of the Friends Of Friends/AmigosDAmigos Podcast join me to review 3 articles from the August Edition of Psychology Today. A really fun and informative discussion. To hear all of the bonus material available to Next-Level Brainiacs, go to www.patreon.com/breakabrain to support the show.

This is the second sponsored episode by Three Rivers Training Center. Viviana Triana is a trainer for Three Rivers and will be helping facilitate the upcoming EMDR course, Sep 7-9. She is also a therapist for Youth 180, a nonprofit mental health and substance abuse program for young people. She is here to share her role in this nonprofit organization, her philosophy of training, and how she got into the clinical use of EMDR. See you at the training! I will be joining the students with EMDR training Wednesday 9/7! Sign up today at www.carolmiles.com

Announcement of the live stream tomorrow midday for Opioid Overdose Awareness Day. Go to www.dwighthurst.com/live for the social media links to watch or JOIN the fun. Not only can you watch live and comment, you can click the link to Join the live broadcast yourself. Hope to see you (literally) tomorrow.

"Anne With An E," is the latest retelling of the novel "Anne of Green Gables," by Lucy Maud Montgomery, perhaps best known as a beloved miniseries that they show on PBS during pledge break a lot. Dalin Rowell, film & TV writer for the site Slashfilm.com joins to help me gush about this masterful reboot of a beloved classic. For all of you Fans (with an E) out there, this is a look how the show uses trauma, healing, fear, and emotion to tell the story in an exciting new way. Follow the Broken Brain at: www.facebook.com/breakabrain @breakabrain on Twitter @brainiacsahoy on Instagram Don't miss my live broadcast next week for Opioid overdose awareness day, August 31st! Listen to the episode or follow the social media for details!

Sharon Blady is here to talk about Ms Marvel, and in this episode she gets to apply her special knowledge and experience with community healthcare and mental health legislation. Sharon was the Health Minister of Manitoba and spent years legislating and working for mental health policy and health for all members of her community. This show, based off the classic comic run by G Willow Wilson, Jamie McKelvie & Adrian Alphona, focuses on an Islamic community in Jersey City and the individuals and families that surround Kamala Khan as she begins her career as a Marvel Hero. Follow Sharon's work with advocacy, training, and application of superhero stories to mental health at www.speak-up.co Follow the Broken Brain's Sosh-Meed on Twitter @breakabrain, Instagram @brainiacsahoy and FB at facebook.com/breakabrain

Carol Miles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and expert in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. She joins the program today to discuss the powerful nature of EMDR, how she began using it with clients, and guidance on the use of EMDR for clinicians. This episode is a paid sponsorship by Three Rivers Training Center and Carol Miles, LCSW. Join the upcoming Virtual Training for EMDR on September 7-9, with Part 2 coming up October 12-14. Visit www.carolmiles.com for more information and to sign up today!

Wonderful film critique and discussion about the way mental health is depicted in movies. 3 out of 4 of the hosts of Reels of Justice Podcast join the program. Dylan J Schlender, Robb Maynard, and Ben Haslar each share a specific film they have chosen that demonstrates a different take on Mental Health. The Broken Brain is proud to announce a new sponsor: Three Rivers Training provides top-quality EMDR training online. Join me for their September Part I training, Sep 7-9. Go to www.carolmiles.com to learn more and register for the training today!

Lily Allen-Duenas is a Yoga Instructor, Podcaster, and Health Coach. She is the creator and host of the Wild Yoga Tribe Podcast and an expert in the use of Yoga and Meditation in health management. She joins the podcast today to share tips on practicing Yoga for health and stress management, at whatever level you are. Learn more about her work at: https://wildyogatribe.com/ Also joining the show is special cohost Kathleen Brennan, Psychotherapist, Trauma Speacilist, and creator of the podcast On The Blue Couch. Follow her practice, podcast, and writing at: https://kathleenrbrennan.com/

Joe Capozzi is an actor, writer, and producer who joins the show to share information on the creation of his documentary "A Peloton of One," profiling the advocacy work being done by Dave Ohlmuller, Capozzi, and others around the issue of statute of limitation laws and filing charges against sexual abusers. Joe shares his own experiences as a survivor of clergy abuse and how advocacy work can funnel pain and suffering into areas of helping others. Watch the documentary preview HERE. "A Peloton of One," is available on Amazon Prime and other video outlets online.

Jess Wright joins us for the first Broken Brain Book Club, reviewing and answering questions about his historical fiction novel "A Stream To Follow." The story follows battlefield surgeon Bruce Duncan as he returns home from WWII service to his small hometown in Pennsylvania, opens up a practice, and tries to adjust to normal life. A fascinating cast of characters, relationship dynamics, and the fact that Bruce, his brother, and others are still struggling with PTSD from their wartime experiences.

THIS IS A sample of the bonus materials available to our Patreon Subscribers. To hear more like this go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain It's a new monthly tradition for the Patreon Feed. We are reviewing the June 2022 issue of Psychology Today. This is a publication focused on mental health and psychology designed to be accessible to the public. Hannah Boone, Substance Abuse professional, Comedian, and Mental Health Podcaster joins me to have some fun and get deeper into some of the article in this month's issue.

Three Jokers is a limited series Batman comic book from 2020, written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Jason Fabok & Brad Anderson. In it the Joker finds a new way to confront Batman...and serve him a side of therapy...kind of. Friend of the show and fellow Super-Nerd Sharon Blady helps me review the story and discuss the psychological elements of Batman, the Joker, Red Hood, Batgirl, and a whole host of others. We also get into a talk about fandom, gatekeeper culture, and trauma. Twitter: @breakabrain IG: @brainiacsahoy

Sophie Edwards is a vocal coach for Transgender Women, specializing in finding and developing a voice that fits with an individual's sense of self. She explains the effect that having a voice of our own on our self-esteem, the relationship between voice and the transition process, and techniques for developing vocal range. You are invited to join the first Broken Brain Book Club, focused on "A Stream to Follow," by Jess Wright. July 11, join the zoom meeting through the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88956308489

The Batman is the most recent cinematic forray into the world of ...well...the Batman. Sharon Blady is of course the perfect CoHost for an episode in which we take a look at this representation of Batman, which above all is a story of trying to discover hope in the face of loss, trauma, and pain. This episode also includes an announcement about our upcoming Broken Brain Book Club, coming up on July 11. Subscribe on Patreon for special episodes, including Sharon and I talking about the cultural impact of KPOP, and Geoff John's recent Three Jokers run in Batman comics.

It's a Deep-Dive-Diagnosis-with-D episode. Exciting research is happening in the area of MDMA treatment for PTSD. Psychedelic drugs, such as MDMA, are being studied and are showing hopeful results towards significant reduction in Trauma symptoms. What does this mean? Where does it go from here? I'll share what I know. Goto www.MAPS.org/MDMA/PTSD to learn more about Phase 3 Trials. DDDD is a special episode of the podcast and will be broadcasting weekly on our Patreon channel. One episode per month is uploading to the regular feed. Consider bcoming a patron of the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain for bonus materials. This episode was recorded LIVE, but not in front of a studio audience, to the Facebook, Twitter @breakabrain, and YouTube accounts for the show. You can watch this video there, and watch video of all the episodes on the Patreon.

Returning champion, neurodiversity advocate, and your mental health's best friend Sharon Blady returns to focus on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), trauma, healing, PTSD, fear, and other psychological underpinnings within Marvel's Moon Knight, including the historically problematic representation of DID. Sharon created and operates speak-up.co. Click HERE or go to the site to see a dope arc reactor before checking out her work. Subscribe to our Patreon membership for bonus episodes, including the video of this discussion, and an episode where Sharon discusses the use of Wolverine as a model for psychological health: www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

Once more unto the MCU breach with Sharon Blady! Dr Strange and the Multiverse of Madness is a wild ride into many psychological elements. Grief, trauma, anger, compulsivity, and decidedly unhealthy coping mechanisms. We also discuss the elements of support (or lack thereof) and Dr Strange's lousy bedside manner. Stay tuned to the feed for our discussion about Dissociative Identity Disorder & symptom integration in the Marvel series Moon Knight. Watch the video of this discussion by becoming a Broken Brain patron at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

Tehya Nakamura (TK) is the host and creator of the For the Love of History podcast. She returns to The Broken Brain to help break down the information about Abraham Lincoln's experiences with depression, or Melancholy as it was called at the time. It is an interesting look at one of the United States' favorite Presidents, old-timey attitudes about mental health, gender issues in treatment, and little blue pills that were super poisonous. Go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to sign up for bonus materials, including the video of this interview and a special mini episode about "The Suicide's Soliloquy," an anonymous poem about suicidality that may have been written by Lincoln himself.

Tehya Nakamura (TK) is the host of For The Love of History, a wonderful podcast that shares obscure and exciting historical stories. She joins me to discuss the awkward and weird history of mental health diagnosis. This is a rerun of a previous Broken Brain, leading the way for TK's appearance on a new episode next week, when we will talk about Abraham Lincoln's history with Depression.

Psychiatrist and Author Jess Wright appeared on the podcast a few months ago to discuss his work in computer-assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He returns to the show to discuss his new book, "A Stream to Follow," a historical-fiction novel focused on PTSD in the time of WWII. The protagonist of the story is a small town doctor who served as a WWII battlefield medic. Jess discusses his own experience as a Military Psychiatrist, his Father and Uncle's service in WWII, and much more. "A Stream to Follow" is the FIRST book to be featured in the Broken Brain Book club. About a month from now (the release of this episode) we will hold a virtual book club meeting for any listener who is interested in joining. Jess has agreed to join us in that meeting to answer questions and discuss his work. You can find "A Stream To Follow" on Amazon, at your local indie book store, or anywhere you get books. The best place of course is booksandcranniesva.com, where you can order from former guest DeShanta Hairston through her store Books and Crannies.

This episode is a selection of another podcast that is produced by the same people bringing you the Broken Brain. Dwight cohosts and produces a podcast with Clare Waismann and David Livingston of the Waismann Method Rapid Detox and Opiate Treatment Specialists in California. They are discussing healthy ways to cope and avoid substance use triggers during times of high crises like many are facing currently. Check out Clare and David's podcast: A Podcast to Answer Your Questions on Addiction, Recovery and Mental Health by Waismann Method® Opioid Treatment Specialists and Rapid Detox Center

Dr. Carmine Pariante is a Psychiatrist who studies Treatment Resistant Depression. He is working towards a more specific definition of what constitutes a resistance to treatment interventions, and how to use that information in increasing efficacy in treatment. Sofia Quaglia is a medical journalist who wrote a piece on Dr. Pariante's work, and joins today to help describe this work, and discuss her goals of highlighting the need for definition in diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. You can view the video of this interview by becoming a Patron of the show at www.patreon.com/breakabrain.

Tammie Chang MD is a pediatric oncologist, author, coach, and super swell human being! The USA is facing the highest rate of medical professional burnout ever recorded. We discuss why this may be, what can be done about it, and how to find hope amid the problems. Dr Chang is an expert and consultant on workplace burnout for physicians and one of the founders of Pink Coat MD, an online space for women physicians. Learn more about her work at tammiechangmd.com Watch video of all the Broken Brain interviews (and hear bonus episodes as well) by becoming a patron of the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain. Also, subscribe to the Dr Erica Harris FaceBook page to see Dr Chang's live Q&A appearance for the Rise Today Inspirational Podcast on April 19.

Music Thanatology is the clinical use of music to aid people who are dying. Tony Pederson, Certified Music Thanatologist and former President of the Music-Thanatology Association International joins me today to share how the use of harp and vocal music in hospital environments helps to humanize the end of life process, sharing some of his musical talent with us in the episode. Tony is also a faculty member at the Accorda Music Thanatology Institute, you can learn more about Thanatology education at accordaschool.org. Help support the show and get bonus material, including video of this and other episode recordings, at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain.

Freind of the show and returning guest Sam Led is here to inspire me and you to be ourselves and let that be our guide towards relaxing we are not broken and have all we need to live our life. An intuitive Life and Inspirational Coach, Sam is also the host & creator of the Fear Less Now podcast. Learn more about his work and his upcoming book at SamLedConsulting.com.

With the recent Anti-Transgender actions taken by the Texas State Government, among other states in the USA, I am excited to welcome Evan Urquhart to the show. A Journalist who writes about issues facing Transgendered youth, Evan is here to share his story and insights for parents, youth, and others. Please listen, share, and get involved in equal rights and protection for the Transgendered individuals in your community. Follow Evan @e_urq on Twitter to read his work.

Today's episode covers avoiding burnout, creativity and creative writing, emotional and legal issues related to immigration, and how doing for others helps us to develop ourselves more effectively than trying to improve for ourselves. Ivan Infante is an Immigration Lawyer who specializes in helping people to obtain legal permission to remain in the USA and remain together as families and pursue their goals. He is also the author of the Mike Chance Novels, historical crime fiction set in 1930s Los Angelas. In this episode he explains how he uses his creative talents to help in his legal work, and also funds his private practice with his novels. Follow Ivan on Twitter @EddieMarsAttack to follow his legal work, buy his novels, and see dope pictures of LA in the 1930s.

Today's episode covers avoiding burnout, creativity and creative writing, emotional and legal issues related to immigration, and how doing for others helps us to develop ourselves more effectively than trying to improve for ourselves. Ivan Infante is an Immigration Lawyer who specializes in helping people to obtain legal permission to remain in the USA and remain together as families and pursue their goals. He is also the author of the Mike Chance Novels, historical crime fiction set in 1930s Los Angelas. In this episode he explains how he uses his creative talents to help in his legal work, and also funds his private practice with his novels. Follow Ivan on Twitter @EddieMarsAttack to follow his legal work, buy his novels, and see dope pictures of LA in the 1930s.

Dr Jesse Wright is a college professor, researcher, therapist, and psychopharmacologist. He has been a pioneer in the field of technological innovation in the field of mental health treatment, especially with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He joins the show to discuss the history of computer assisted therapy (going back to the 1960s) and how research has been used to refine and design technological tools to support psychological healing.