The Broken Brain

Josh Wood is the Business Manager for the nonprofit Improving Lives, and The Broken Brain's official correspondent for Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG3 4QA. In this episode we discuss some of the psychological & emotional effects of the COVID pandemic, including recent relaxation of mandatory health regulations in the UK and US, and the reactions people are having too difficult economic times. Above all we are looking for hope and creativity in finding solutions. See the full video of our chat (along with bonus episodes) by becoming a Patron of The Broken Brain at www.Patreon.com/brokenbrain.

In the 1970s a couple of psychologists (Dr Pauline Rose Clance & Dr Suzanne Imes) coined the term Imposter Syndrome. Then in 2021 Marvel Studios created the TV series Hawkeye. Many things actually happened between those 2 events. Imposter Syndrome, which is the persistent belief that you are less competent than others perceive you to be. This persistent belief is based on emotions rather than observable evidence. Sharon Blady joins the Podcast to discuss Imposter Syndrome in Hawkeye, and how each character in the show can be used to represent an element of this challenging problem. Become a Patron of the show! www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to become a Brainiac donor and receive bonus materials, including video of this (and other videos). If you aren't able to do a recurring donation at this time, please consider making a one-time donation at buymeacoffee.com/brokenbrain.

Abi Perez returns to the podcast to discuss the cultural and psychological lessons learned form the Disney film Encanto, which Dwight cannot watch or without crying. We discuss how each character addresses an element of PTSD, how relationships can be complicated by fear and misunderstanding, and how actions we take with others can become twisted even when love is the underlying drive. Listen to Abi's podcast, Friends of Friends AmigosDAmigos on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Sharon Blady, MCU expert, former Health Minister, and Superhero of the Broken Brain, joins me yet again. This time we are talking some more nuts-and-bolts treatment planning for how to reframe your mental health symptoms into a superpower-weakness framework. You are not broken, just burdened with glorious purpose...I couldn't help it. If you know you know. Sharon tells us how she developed this paradigm and how to use it to overcome your obstacles and embrace your nature. Go to https://speak-up.co/ to learn more about Sharon's work in strengths-based psychology.

What we eat influences our psychological health, even more than we previously thought. Dr Chris Aiken joined me to discuss how certain diets help with the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and other Mood Disorders. Listen to the intro to learn how to win a copy of "You Next: Reflections in Black Barbershops." (this is a replay of an episode from 3 years ago)

International podcast law requires all shows to do an episode on the new SpiderMan movie, and now it's our turn! Sharon Blady, mental health advocate and super hero, is here for it. We talk trauma, healing, and why everyone loves SpiderMan's tendency to try to save everyone, even the villains. SPOILERS for Spider Man No Way Home abound in this episode.

For those who marked the beginning of the New Year last week, this is a time for goal setting and getting a jump on organization and self-improvement. So naturally I put off editing and releasing this episode. Hannah Boone, host & creator of Disordered, is here to discuss some of the dangers of productivity obsession. This episode deals with self-judgement, shame, hope, comparison, and the importance of defining success with a high degree of self-awareness. The video of this episode and other bonus materials are available at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

Writing and directing duo Ian and Eshom Nelms are brothers who tell stories through writing and directing movies. Their 2020 film "Fatman," tells the story of what it might be like if Santa Claus had to live in the reality of the world, surviving and transcending some of it's less-jolly aspects while maintaining his position as a shaper and teacher of children. IT is a story of redemption, fear, love, violence, and healing. They join the podcast to discuss where this idea came from and what they accomplished with it. Enjoy, and Merry Holidays! The full video recording of this interview is available to Patrons of the show who participate through www.patreon.com/brokenbrain. Join today at the Brainiac level to obtain cool bonus content and be involved in the show.

THE NEW CHRISTMAS EPISODE!!! Finally 2021 has culminated in our first NEW holiday episode. Chris Revil joined me to discuss The Muppets and Christmas, in particular looking at the 1992 classic Christmas Film The Muppet's Christmas Carol. We talk about relationships, loneliness, hurt and (no surprise) trauma. Mostly we are focused on the inherent healing portrayed in this wonderful edition of this wonderful story. Plus we discover Chris' strange aversion to Period Pieces.

Twice a month "The Broken Brain" joins "Let's Chat with Chris Revill" to create the Patreon-only show: "The Broken Chat!" This is a free sample of what you may be missing in the patron feed. In addition to The Broken Chat show there is also extended interviews, follow-ups with guests, and other special projects. Check out www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to learn more and to subscribe. In this Fifth episode of The Broken Chat, Chris and Dwight discuss "Noel," the 10th episode of season 2 of the television show "The West Wing." A re-watch of this episode actually triggered a series of events that led Chris to learn about his own PTSD and seek the treatment that he spoke about on the main feed of this Podcast. Bradley Whitford's character, Josh, is dealing with the psychological repercussions of trauma following a shooting that left him in critical condition. Set in the weeks following this incident, he is being assessed by a trauma psychologist (Played by Adam Arkin) to see how these incidents may have affected him. We discuss the show, how these events relate to Chris' own experience with Complex PTSD, and other related issues. All with our trademarked tangental ramblings, because ADHD is truly with us always.

Rerun of a Holiday Episode from 2015 where Clinical Social Worker Lee Messersmith joins the podcast to discuss skillful navigation of family and other relationships during the holidays.

RERUN where you can win a PRIZE. Chris Revill and I got together in 2015 and talked about TV Christmas Specials and our experiences with them. Respond to the question in the intro in order to win a prize!

RERUN of my episode focused on the 1946 Frank Capra classic film "It's a Wonderful Life." Michael Denniston, host of 99 for 99, True Bromance Podcast, and War Machine vs War Horse, joins me.

Over the next week you will be hearing RERUNS and NEW STUFF. There are 2 NEW Holiday themed episodes that will drop close to Traditional Christmas Day (in the US at least), December 25th. Before that there will be a RERUN episode each day brimming with the Glories of Christmases Long Long Ago...or at least past holiday episodes of The Broken Brain. This brief announcement will lay out that plan AND give a quick tip for maintaining psychological health during the season. Thank you for listening and Happy Holidays!

Sam Led, Intuitive Coach, Trauma Survivor, and SNG (Super Nice Guy) returns to the show. Go back and listen to our first discussion if you missed that one. Today we talk about why Sam is not a fan of technique, and how to practice his way of moving through life and problems. Find out more about Sam's practice at www.samledconsulting.com, and listen to his podcast The Fearless Now.

Rosie Allen & Josh Woods are two members of Improving Lives, a UK based nonprofit helping people to access Mental Health services. They join the show to discuss ways to approach people who may feel burned out after having been through the healthcare system, and how to build trust and hope. We also discuss some of the differences and similarities in counselor training between the USA and the UK. See how you can support the work being done at Improving Lives by going to https://www.improvinglivesnotts.org.uk/ See the video of this recording and hear an exclusive bonus question posed to Josh & Rosie by becoming a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain.

It's US Thanksgiving, and in Broken Brain Tradition we are busting out an episode on the use and effects of gratitude on psychological health. We discover some deeper insights into what gratitude means, how to access it, circumvent our own defensiveness, and what it has to do with acceptance. This is a Broken Brain Round-Up Panel Discussion with former guests. Everyone on our panel is also neuro-divergent, representing Bipolar DO, ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and BPD. Joining today are: Abi Perez of the Friends of Freinds Podcast Hannah Boone of the Disordered Podcast Meg Boberg, professional writer, mental health advocate, and anticipatory-grief blogger Chris Revill of Let's Chat with Revill and Friends and the Let's Chat podcasting community

The Loki series from Marvel Studios is pretty fantastic, but what can two mental health nerds discover hidden within its storyline? Turns out it is quite a bit. We discuss redemption, narcissism, self-loathing, healing, dysfunctional relationships, fear, and probably some other stuff. Friend of the show Sharon Blady is here to talk about insights into these psychological elements of Loki. Follow Sharon's work with superpower-based mental health at www.speak-up.co

This is a re-play of an episode recorded about a year-and-a-half ago with Dr. Hayes. Great guy, great conversation. Our recent episode on neurodiversity reminded me of this chat. Enjoy! Dr. Stephen Hayes is the creator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a discipline founded in Cognitive Psychology that includes powerful methods for dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma. He's also a fun-spirited guy, and a joy to talk to. His passion for people and his outlook on "why it's so hard to be a person," is helpful and healing. ( www.stevenchayes.com ) Our featured charity this week is the Posse Foundation, a group that helps students through high school all the way past college, training youth to be tomorrow's leaders. Check them out at possefoundation.org

Sydney Aronin is an entertainer, actor, screenwriter, and an individual who has been diagnosed with Autism & ADHD. She is starting the "How (Neuro)Typical" podcast, where she and a NeuroTypical (NT) individual will be talking, joking, and educating about the differences in the way they view the world. Follow her on Instagram @sydsvery. She joined me to discuss Autism, neurodiversity, the depiction of Autism in media, educational accomodations, and some more stuff. A fun and informative conversation, glad to share it with you. There is a bonus segment with Sydney available on the Patreon for subscribers, with the Do's & Don'ts of NTs and NDs living together. Go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to subscribe. ALSO, the first 5 people who share a link to this episode on Twitter will receive a copy of Temple Grandin's "The Autistic Brain."

Replay of my interview with Chris Revill, who has just placed the LEt's Chat podcast on temporary hiatus. Chris still joins me for The Broken Chat, a regular Patreon only show about pop culture recommendations, career goals, and podcasting. Chris joins me today to discuss his powerful experience with PTSD following the near-death of his wife Victoria at the birth of their daughter. His journey through this psychological crisis was aided by supportive family, therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy.

Happy Halloween 2021 Braniacs! Darryl Mansel, The Seed himself, stopped by from Poprika Reviews to introduce us to his favorite scary-times movie: John Carpenter's The Thing from 1982. You may recognize it as the classic horror movie that you felt vaguely reminded of when you first played Among Us. Check out Darryl's movie reviews and more at the Poprika Reviews podcast feed in your podcatcher of choice. Then join the Poprika FaceBook group for fun, non-problematic fandom, and check out www.patreon.com/poprikareviews for bonus materials.

In some ways Marvel's "What If" series on Disney + is the most comic booky of comic book properties. Marvel projects have been on the small and big screen so much that we are playing out alternate timelines and what-if options like...well, like a comic book series would do. And if we are talking comics, we are talking with Sharon! Frequent Broken Braniac Sharon Blady is here talking about he alternate timelines in "What If," the psychological elements contained in these stories, and how they can help[ with processing emotions and improve mental health.

The Broken Brain check-in with our man in the UK Himself: Josh Wood! A regular guest on the podcast, Josh is a Healthcare Advocate and the Business Manager for Improving Lives, a nonprofit organization in Nottingham. We discuss the status of the COVID crisis, relaxation and comparison of safety measures, Employment trends, and probably some other things... Learn more about Josh's work and Improving Lives at improvinglives.org.uk

One symptom of ADHD that isn't discussed as widely is Time Blindness. This is a quick tip episode defining Time Blindness and giving two suggested ways that people deal with this in their day-to-day life.

Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings contains a story filled with psychological elements, including trauma, death, loss, anger, and (very) complicated family dynamics. Sharon and Dwight break it down on today's episode. Sharon Blady is a frequent guest on the Broken Brain Podcast. She is the former Health Minister of the Province of Manitoba, and is the founder of Speak Up with Sharon Blady. Learn more about her work at https://www.speak-up.co/

A few of the things I've been listening too, some of them friends, guests, or just shows that I think are dope! Happy Podcast Day, and as Tiny Tim said on the first International Podcast Day: God bless us, every one! Core Temp Arts Network Lets Chat with Chris Revill Psychology in Seattle Podcast Rise Today Inspirational Podcast Poprika Reviews Waismann Method Rapid Detoxification, with a Podcast to answer your questions about Opioid Dependence, Addiction and Recovery Old Gods of Appalachia Lakeshore & Limbo Many more I could list!

Dr. Kirk Honda is a therapist, professor of psychology, and the host & creator of the Psychology in Seattle Podcast. He is one the show today to discuss psychological research into Attachment, and how our experiences (especially in early childhood) can shift the strength of our ability to attach to others in healthy ways. Check out www.psychologyinseattle.com for more information about Kirk and his show. Check out his Patreon (and mine) as well at: patreon.com/psychologyinseattle and patreon.com/brokenbrain.

How do we heal? Sam Led is a transformational coach & consultant who helps others to use an intuitive mindset to tap into their own ability to heal and move through emotional and mental obstacles. He joins me today as we discuss mindfulness, mental health, acceptance, and what things hold us back. Check out samledconsulting.com and Sam's podcast, "The Fearless Now." Check out patreon.com/brokenbrain to learn about bonus materials, and listen to today's intro for more information about upcoming group classes for addiction recovery and DBT skills.

Dan Glaze is a psychotherapist speacilizing in trauma, anxiety, and men's issues. Dan is an experienced psychotherapist and a veteran of British Special Forces, and joined me for a live broadcast where he shared the way he teaches his clients to interrupt their anxiety response and regain emotional self-regulation. Check out Dan's website at: https://www.seaandlandtherapy.co.uk/

Today I am joined by Dr. Lajos Kemeny, Dermatologist and Lead Investigator in a recent study on the connection between Vitamin D deficiency and Opiod Dependance. We seem to have evolved to seek the sun, even though it gives us skin cancer. Why? Dr. Kemeny's research leans heavily into this question. We also talk about the Scientific Method in general, and rules for safely applying what data is gathered. Read the study at: https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/vitamin-d-deficiency-increases-addiction-to-sunseeking-and-opioids-349760 Or CLICK HERE if your podcatcher allows hyperlinks in the show notes. Remember to check out the bonus materials available on the Patreon at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain (adding more all the time).

This episode is the audio from an episode of the YouTube show "Let's Chat Live," which I am sometimes privileged to cohost. Bri Benjamin and I interviewed Will Heacox & Gabriel O'Sullivan, creators and hosts of the podcast "Lost Boys to Found Father's." Their show discusses grief over the loss of a child, particularly from the perspective of a father. Check out their show and subscribe.

Meg Boberg joins me for another very Special Broken Brain episode! It's Quadruple D: D's Deep Diagnostic Dives. This time we are discussing the DSM 5 Criteria of Bipolar and Bipolar II disorder. We review the diagnostic information that mental health practitioners use to identify Bipolar (and Type II), and talk about our own experiences with Bipolar Disorder.

Sharon Blady, former Health Minister, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Duper Marvel fan joins me today to talk about the examples of grief, trauma, and recovery woven into the storytelling of the MCU show Wandavision. Spoilers for Wandavision. This episode was originally created for our Patreon feed. Check out patreon.com/brokenbrain to learn how to gain access to more of our secret bonus episodes.

Peter Strong is a psychologist, therapist, and mindfulness coach. He has been doing online mindfulness work for 15 years. A mindful approach to healing differs from other forms of therapy in that clients are encouraged to focus and meditate ON their negative feelings instead of distracting away from them. Purposeful focus on disturbing thoughts, feelings, or patterns can lead to acceptance and new reactions. You can learn more about Peter's work at www.pdmstrong.wordpress.com. At the end of the episode there is a brief message about the ethics of online sessions. Check out www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to become a patron of the show, and learn about the fun bonus materials.

Meg Boberg is a Healthcare Writer and a Mental Health Advocate. She came on the show to discuss her experience as a patient who has undergone Ketamine Treatments for Depression and Mood Stability. Meg shares how Ketamine has affected her mental health care, what aftercare and ongoing symptoms look like following the treatment, and how she views Ketamine as a a part of her personal health management. Follow Meg on Instagram @megboberg.

This is a re-broadcast-podcast of an episode in 2015 in which Dr. Mel Pohl joined the show to discuss the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for patients with Chronic Pain Problems. Dr Pohl is the Chief Medical Officer of the Las Vegas Recovery Center, Author of multiple books on living with chronic pain, and is internationally known for his work in the treatment of chronic pain and addiction. Also joining this episode are Andrew Frost, DPT, Physical Therapist with the The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH) in Salt Lake City Utah, Psycho therapist Lee Messersmith.

Dr. Shari Corbitt is the founder and director of Awakenings Treatment Center, and an expert in Eating Disorders, Chronic Pain, and Complex Trauma. In our discussion she shared information about the frustrations, misunderstandings, and lack of compassion that many run into when dealing with chronic pain. She also taught me a lot about the hope, thriving, and support that can (and should) be there for those working with pain, and how important an understanding of PTSD and trauma is to understanding and experiencing treatment.

This is a rerun episode from several years ago. I am re-releasing it due to the outbreak of Opioid and Fentanyl overdoses that is currently happening within the drug-using population. More to come on that. NOTE: this episode focuses on a Harm-Reduction approach, including positive statements regarding the use of opiate-blockers and Suboxone. Jamilia is a specialist in that area. Jamelia Hand returns to the Broken Brain to discuss the dynamic of drug overdose and how this plays a role in recovery, especially for Opiate and Heroin addiction. We discuss things like Harm Reduction, Treatment beyond quitting, dangers of overdose, and the use of the label of "addict," amongst other things.

Tim Pickett is a Physician's Assistant (PA-C) in the State of Utah. He is a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, a founding team member of utahmarijuana.org and one of the hosts of the Utah in the Weeds Podcast. He is an advocate and educator for safe, research based Medical Marijuana use. He writes and speaks in order to de-stigmatize prescription of Cannabis. We discuss pros, cons, risks and benefits of Marijuana prescription.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is a diagnosis that was created to help treatment of children in order to differentiate between non-cycling mood instability (especially anger) and Bipolar Disoder. This is another Quadruple D episode, Deep Dives Delving into Diagnosis. I'll review the diagnostic criteria and talk a little about this diagnosis, added for the first time to the DSM 5, the current version of the Diagnostic manual for mental health disorders.

This is a rerun of a classic episode and partnership episode of the Broken Brain. Right before the release of the MonkeyTraps book and podcast, Steve Hauptman appeared on the Broken Brain to talk about the desire for Control, and how it plays into our own addictive processes. Check out the book Monkeytraps, and listen to the first several chapters for no charge on the MonkeyTraps Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.

About 10 minutes of updates and stuff. I haven't talked about the goals of the program or who I even am for quite a while. A few minutes talking about: What are the goals of this show? Why is it called The Broken Brain? What's coming up? I'd love to hear from you. Check in with me @breakabrain on the Twitter. Join the new mental health, trauma and addiction group I started on Facebook: IIOP https://www.facebook.com/groups/innovateintensive/

New recurring feature for the podcast: Quintuple D! D's Deep Dive into Dope Diagnoses or DDDDD Today we dive into Major Depressive Disorder, starting a series of deep dives into Depressive Disorders. Although there is no such diagnosis of simple depression, there are many disorders representing the different types of depression. This episode focuses on the most commonly diagnosed, Major Depressive Disorder.

This is a rerun episode of the Podcast from 2015, when I spoke to addiction specialists Rev-Kev Coughlin and Ron Siegel about addictive gambling. There is a fascinating dynamic behind non-substance addictions, also known as "process addiction," one that can often be downplayed to our own detriment.

The animated film Song of the Sea is super cool. That's good enough reason to talk about it, but it also effectively showcases the effects of complicated grief and loss. And who better to have this conversation with than Podcaster, Pop Culture Expert, and founder of the Core Temp Arts Podcast Network, Karly Beaumont. Focusing on a dual story that intertwines real life and a fairy tale, this story demonstrates the options of lashing out at others, shutting down, or embracing feelings of loss and beginning the difficult path to healing. While we'd suggest watching the film, this episode starts out with a quick synopsis of the movie by friend of the show Bri Poe.

The history of how we diagnose psychological issues is long, interesting, and several kinds of messed up. We begin to take that apart today. I was joined for this conversation by Tehya Fencik (TK), creator & host of "For The Love Of History Podcast." As a historian, TK found incredible information about therapeutic communities in the early 1900s. "The Statistical Manual for Use of Institutions for the Insane" is a text written in 1918 and an early attempt at categorizing mental health disorders. While it never caught on, it represents an experiment in the type of thinking that led to modern diagnostic practice.

Photographer and author Antonio Johnson is on the podcast today to talk about his book, You Next: Reflections in Black Barber Shops, a beautiful photography book profiling the culture of Black Barber Shops and the role they play in the development and identity of Black men. These shops fill the community center, a space of belonging, a center of wellness, and more. This is a fascinating look at identity development, bonding, and individual, societal, and generational racial issues. Learn more about Antonio's work at www.antonio-johnson.com. The Broken Brain will be giving out 2 copies of You Next to our next 2 Patreon subscribers. Our new Patreon page at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain has rewards for supporters of the show, and the next 2 official patrons will receive a copy of Antonio's book.

Sharon Blady returns to the podcast! This time we are discussing Marvel's new TV series The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, and the heavy elements of psychological development woven into that series. We discuss Trauma, amends work, recovery, trust, generational distress, racism...what don't we talk about? Give it a listen and find out! The go to www.speak-up.co to learn more about Sharon's work in mental health education and recovery. If you would like to hear this month's bonus episode where Sharon and I delve into WandaVision, sign up to become a patron of the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, and you can get access to that and other goodies.

Rerun from 2019 (new episode also coming out Wednesday) Lisa Frederiksen is an author, speaker, and expert in the area of Secondhand Drinking, a term she coined to describe the effects of alcohol abuse on those within the support system of those caught in addiction. Lisa discusses the complexity of addiction, the sometimes damaging labels of codependent or enabler, and what to do to protect yourself in one of life's most difficult situations. Check out her book, The 10th Anniversary Edition of If You Loved Me You'd Stop.