The Broken Brain

Addiction is a problem that has historically been left to law enforcement professionals. Criminal charge diversion is a growing approach to giving individuals struggling with addiction the chance to opt for treatment rather than legal punishment. This has been shown to be effective in reducing recidivism and overdose death. Thresholds is one of the oldest mental health clinics in Illinois, and Jeff Gilbert & Ann Brekke are Directors of a groundbreaking program that helps those who have been arrested to be given the option of treatment in lieu of receiving a criminal charge. An individual treatment plan is then designed, within a Harm Reduction approach. Learn more about their program at https://www.thresholds.org. If you would like to support the show, and see the video of all of the episode recordings, please go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to become a patron today!

Sharon Blady rejoins the program today to look at the 2 things she and I nerd about the most: Psychology & Superheroes! This is our deep dive into the psychological aspects of the MCU film Ant Man And The Wasp: Quantumania. We discuss generational gap, social advocacy, heroism, running from responsibility and redemption.

Medical school is difficult, and the modern process can be tricky to navigate. Increasing numbers of individuals are leaving the medical field, or completing their MD degree and never practicing. London Smith is an actor, comedian, medical lecturer, and Medical Doctorate holder, the creator of the Jock Doc Podcast. He is here today to tell the story of the evolution of his academic & professional life, and how he dealt with changing directions in his goals. Support The Broken Brain by becoming a patron of the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

This is a replay from a few years back when Sharon Blady came on the program to discuss the MCU Television program Loki. This is being rerun in preparation for the upcoming new episode about AntMan Quantamania, which is connected to this property. Have fun with the re-listen and see you in a few days when the new episode drops.

Dr Paula Freedman, (@mindfuldrpaula on IG), is an expert in the areas of eating disorders, mindfulness, and intuitive eating. Her dynamic Instagram videos demonstrate real-world ways to apply mindfulness and develop a healthy relationship with food. Learn more about her work at www.humankindpsych.com Thank you to all of you Patreon subscribers! If you would like to support the show please go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain and become a patron today! The Broken Brain is a member of the Core Temp Arts Podcast Network. Follow our great sister shows at www.coretemparts.com

Maurice F Martin (remember the F) is an Author, spiritual coach, and Addiction Counselor who specializes in healing from trauma and redirecting our strength from unhealthy to healthier coping skills, and building up our own healthy community. His books, "Save The Day," and "Your But Is Too Big," give principles he has learned by traveling his own path from misery and addiction to health and stability. Learn more about Maurice's work at https://www.mauricefmartin.com/ Become a part of the show by supporting The Broken Brain, get access to bonus materials (including video of each episode recording) at: www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

Karly Beaumont & Cynthia Torres are the hosts and creators of That Pop This Life, flagship show of the Core Temp Arts Podcast Network. Every week they discuss life, parenting, social media, trends and pop culture. As they say in their podcast intro: "life, pop culture and the ridiculousness of it all." They are here to talk about the way they approach breaking down and evaluating life, news and the trends (valid or silly) that come up daily. Go to this week's highlighted charity, www.queeryoutassemble.org to organize or support awareness events for the rights of kids in the LGBTQAI+ community. Become a patron of the arts by lending your support to The Broken Brain or Core Temp Arts Podcasting Network, by going to: www.patreon.com/brokenbrain www.patreon.com/coretemparts Get cool bonus material and help support independent Art & Podcasting.

Dr Delice Coffey is a Clinical & Sports Psychologist, and creator of the D. Coffey Foundation for Athletics & Education, PLUS a returning guest to The Broken Brain! In this episode you will learn how to manage and increase your performance, goal setting, and also how Dr Coffey went about starting and managing a nonprofit. Learn more about her work at www.drdcoffey.com/foundation Consider supporting The Broken Brain by becoming a Patreon subscriber at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain.

Dalin Rowell, movie critic and film writer for SlashFilm, joins me for our next deep dive into the issues of trauma, attachment, and relationships present in the Netflix Series "Anne with an E," specifically focusing on Episode 2, "I Am No Bird, and No Net Ensnares Me." Follow Dalin's work at: https://www.slashfilm.com/author/dalinrowell/ Consider getting involved in the show by becoming a Patron at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, get access to bonus episodes and video of all the interviews, or make a one time contribution at www.buymeacoffee.com/brokenbrain.

Darryl Mansel (AKA Seed) is the creator of the Poprika Network and Poprika Reviews Podcast. He is an indie comic book author, Registered Film Critic, Veteran, and Pop Culture commentator. With Black History Month in the USA, this episode is here to highlight Black creators in Podcasting. Listen to hear a sample of Darryl's work, and recommendations for a few other shows: Vega: A Scifi Adventure Podcast! by Ivuoma Hall TheGrio Daily with Michael Harriot Maximum Film with Ify Nwadiwe

Darryl Mansel, aka Seed, is the creator and host of the Poprika Network and the Poprika Reviews Podcast. Today's episode is a sample of Darryl's movie reviews (always spoiler free BTW). With Black History month winding up in the USA this episode highlights Black creators in the Podcasting Sphere. Check out: Poprika Reviews Vega: A SciFi Adventure Podcast! by Ivuoma Hall TheGrio Daily with Michael Harriot Maximum Film cohosted & created by Ify Nwadiwe

Brad Reed is a Coach in matters of Meditation, Self-Redefinition and Acceptance, and Mindfulness. He shares his story and the philosophy he has built over years of personal and professional work. You can learn more about Brad's work at www.repurpose-you.com Consider becoming a Brainiac Level Patron of the show by singing up at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain You can get access to all episodes in the growing library of bonus content, video of each interview, and things that will never appear in the main feed. If you would like to make a one-time donation to keeping the show strong go to www.buymeacoffee.com/brokenbrain

Ryan Luis Rodreguez is a movie expert. He podcasts about film, storytelling and his experience as a Neurodivergent individual. We have the opportunity to discuss why stories, film and otherwise, play such a powerful role in our psychology, and give several examples of depictions of healing and emotion in stories. We also discuss Neurodivergence, and what that means to both of us. Listen to Ryan on One Track Mind, a podcast discussing the audio commentary found on DVD and Blu-ray bonus features. Ryan is also one of the hosts of The Reels of Justice Podcast, a comedy show pitting films against one another in a mock courtroom trial. Follow him at @onetrackmindpod on Twitter.

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