What happens when larger social issues intersect with our individual lives? We are surrounded by social, environmental, economic, and many other factors that interact with our psychology and the ability to live our lives. Dr Sebastienne Grant is a psychologist who studies the intersections of individual and societal wellbeing, social justice, envir…

Dr Don St John joins the program to discuss his approach to healing from trauma and becoming a whole and healthy self. His treatment strategies include the use of Somatic Techniques to tie the mind and body together for deeper psychological healing. Follow his work at www.pathsofconnection.com --- Consider becoming part of the Broken Brain by suppo…

In the 1960s, Walter J Miller travelled around the USA performing lobotomies for the media and the public, as well as training staff in psychiatric facilities. As the inventor of the Transoptical method of lobotomy, Miller unfortunately caused thousands of people to receive this dangerous, and often very damaging, procedure. This episode is the mon…

You know (and love) Sharon, frequent cohost and All-Things-Marvel Correspondent for The Broken Brain. She is here today to share all about K-pop, her invovlement and interest in this movement, and how it has culturally and politically had an impact in Western culture. As a former politician herself, Sharon understands the nuances of advocacy and ha…

Christopher Morris is the author of the new book "We Are All Made of Scars," which tells the story of the extreme difficulties caused by living with his mother's alcohol addiction, and how this caused pain for him and for her. His story is one of vulnerability, pain, trauma, and healing. ---- If you would like to contribute to the podcast, please s…

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

Joe Shaeppi is a therapist who uses adventure and adrenaline to amplify trauma recovery. This triggers a type of stress known as Eustress, or healthy stress. He also discusses the use of technology in psychological assessment, and the research behind the heathy aspects of playing video games. Follow his work, or use the free assessment tools on his…

Happy Mario Day! March 10, or MAR10, is a day to remember and celebrate our favorite Italian Plumber, and his expansive squad of characters. This episode focuses on psychological benefits of approaching the world the way we play video games, which some psychologists call the Mario Effect. This episode is a Thursday Thistory, a weekly feature for Pa…

How we feel about ourselves has a powerful effect upon what choices we make, our quality of life, and the relationships we have with others. Our self-to-self relationship can amplify happiness, health, or create obstacles. The way we relate to ourselves is also heavily influenced by experiences and treatment from others. Sheleana Aiyana is an exper…

Tim Lewis is a Psychologist, Author, and Survivor of family violence. When he was 28 his father murdered his mother, and then killed himself. Tim shares the story on the podcast, and in his book "Daddy: A Son's Reckoning with Personal and Collective Trauma in America." Tim has routed the energy from his trauma into studying, educating, and providin…

What makes family? How do we define connection, and what are the actions that separate those that care from those that simply claim to care? Marvel's new series Echo showcases these issues, and much more. Join Sharon and Dwight discussing things like family, relationships, power dynamics, culture, and colonialism. Sharon also shares her experiences…

You've heard of the Placebo Effect, which is the tendency to experience improvement in disease or complication because we expect it to get better. But do you know about the Nocebo effect? Turns out we also experience negative side effects and health problems more often when we expect them. This psychological dynamic has implications for counseling,…

Welcome to Thursday This-story, a dive into the history of mental health practices. This is a new feature for the podcast, appearing once a month on the main feed, and every Thursday on the Patrons Only Bonus Materials. Today's Thistory lesson is a look into the history of the mental health crisis or suicide help line. A practice since the 1950s, t…

Sharon & Dwight are focused on "The Marvels" today, discussing issues like relationship repair, hope, self-image, and what it's like when your concept of someone is nudged one way or another.

A long overdue return to the topic of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Kelly Tuttle is an advocate, expert, and author who joins the podcast to give guidance about life with TBI, including her own story of recovery and acceptance. You can read more in her book "After The Crash." Check out the ever evolving resources and materials at www.dwighthurst.co…

Please be aware, this episode deals with issues related to a case of murder-suicide. Audrey Laura White is an expert in grief, loss, and major life trauma. She shares her story about coping with extreme loss due to violence, as well as the myths, research, and reality of healing through grief over the loss of loved ones. Visit www.dwighthurst.com t…

Brian Bachand is a friend of the show from way back. He is a specialist in motivation, making difficult decisions, creating plans, and aspects of how human beings experience change. He is also active in nonprofit, charity, and fundraising work with many different organizations. In addition he's a cool guy and a great person who uplifts those around…

Selwyn Jones is a Community advocate and the Uncle of George Floyd. Liz Darden is a City Councilwoman in Harrison, Arkansas, called by some "the most racist town in America." They are the founders of the Nonprofit Organization Hope929, organized to help promote racial equality and community opportunities to disenfranchised individuals. They join to…

Mel Schwartz is a Psychotherapist who applies principles of Quantum Physics in his practice. Examining dynamics of matter and energy has helped Mel to develop techniques for anxiety reduction, healing from trauma, and much more. To learn more about Mel's work visit melschwartz.com Learn about how you can support the Broken Brain: www.dwighthurst.co…

Sharon Blady was kind enough to stop on by the virtual studio to record an episode about Santa, the myth, the legend, and why people do what they do with this tradition. Including a peek into (surprise) the world of Marvel Comics...in which Santa uses his powers as a powerful mutant to help and protect children. Wow. If you like RPG play then pleas…

Holiday times are a time of food, folks, and fun. They can also be times triggering for body issues, food concerns, and Eating Disorders. Some of these feelings make us unhappy, and at a certain level can even be life-threatening. Kwint & Gina Kemp are the cofounders of The Greator You, a coaching service for all aspects of health based in Positive…

This episode is for all you Podcast lovers and/or Podcasters out there. Shaun Michael Colon is an independent filmmaker, creator and director of the documentary "Age of Audio," now in post production. This documentary looks into the phenomenon of podcasting, the role it plays in our world, and what the future might hold. Shaun's past work include "…

Valerie Probstfeld is a Nurse Practitioner, Author, and Host of the podcast "To Mom is To Love." Her specialty is working with issues of motherhood, including Post-Partum depression, health management, self-care, fertility, and much more. Follow her work by listening to her podcast and follow her on Instagram @valerie_probstfeld The Broken Brain is…

The pursuit of external validation, titles, or wealth can contribute to problems such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship stress. It can even get in the way of achieving the goals that drove us in the first place. Nick Jonsson joins the show to discuss how achievement can mask pain. As an athlete & corporate leader, Nick found himse…

Loki Season 2 recently became available, and you know what that means! Dwight & Sharon are back to talk about the psychological elements of this run of episodes about our favorite God of Mischief. This episode focuses on breaking toxic patterns, failing better, and figuring out which hard decisions are the right ones to make. Through her experience…

Anton Wormon, @anton.injapan on Instagram, has gained a huge following online from his videos chronicling his experience renovating his home in Japan, in a place largely without renovation culture. His new book "Free Houses in Japan," tells his story of immigrating from Sweden and creating a home in a new community. Anton's story is an example of t…

Comedian Paul Morissey joins the show today to discuss the importance of laughter, comedy, and the ways we connect through humor. He also shares his own philosophy of living and working as an artist. Among Paul's professional appearances are his work on Dry Bar Comedy, The Late Show with David Letterman, Craig Ferguson, and headlining the 4th of Ju…

The use of psychedelic substances in mental health treatment has been studies for many years. Modern use of Ketamine, explored in past episodes, has become common enough to be evaluated as a best practice treatment and is beginning to gain ground with insurance reimbursement. The use of MDMA and Psilocybin mushrooms in treatment of Depression, PTSD…

What will it be like when I walk into my first session of Eye-Movement-Desensitization-Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy? Why would I look for this? How can it help me? This episode is a theoretical and practical description of how EMDR is conducted, what issues it addresses, and what you should expect from this powerful technique in healing from trauma.…

Karly Beaumont returns to the show to discuss the ins and outs of working in the Nonprofit field. We discuss how nonprofit organizations identify, address and solve problems, tips about working in a challenging field, and the way that Karly brings her talent for filmmaking and podcasting to help in her specific work. This episode is ideal for anyon…

This is a segment that was pre-recorded for the live event for Opioid Awareness on 8/31, but was not used that day due to a time crunch. You can also view the full video of this interview on the Broken Brain YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/brokenbrainpodcast Ryan Luis Rodriguez, friend of the show, is here to talk about the depiction of addiction …

Attachment theory and understanding our own styles of attachment are foundational to mental health, and one of the most important elements of our psychology. At the same time very few people outside the mental health field talk about it, and unfortunately does not come up in treatment circles often enough. Thais Gibson is a Pastoral Counselor, Ther…

Part 2 of our efforts to provide more meaningful diagnostic information for Batman's Rogue Gallery. We dive right into it this time and ask questions like: Is this villain even mentally ill? Are the stories using bias and public perception of mental illness, sometimes in an exploitive way? What's Arkham's deal anyway? And more. Christian and Dwight…

Happy Batman Day! Every September 16th we all (at least those who observe) celebrate the creation of Batman in 1939. Christian Hurst, widely known as Dwight's brother, joins to talk about the use of psychological disorders in the Batman stories. This leads to chatting about the basis of diagnosis, representation of mental illness in media, bias, an…

It's Batman month on the Broken Brain! Watch for new Batman Mental Health episodes and video clips on social media links. To start us off, this episode is a replay of an episode from June 2022, around the release of the film "The Batman." Sharon Blady is the perfect CoHost for this episode. We take a look at this representation of Batman, which abo…

This is a Patreon Exclusive episode, released in July on the Patron-Only feed. Become a supporter on Patreon to hear this and other special episodes like this one. Dalin & Dwight return to talk about the third episode of the Netflix series, and newest iteration of Anne of Green Gables, "Anne With An E." The discussion covers acceptance, trauma, soc…

Did you love Marvel's miniseries Secret Invasion? Based on online reactions you may not have... BUT that couldn't stop Sharon and Dwight from taking it apart and analyzing the psychological factors of this Comic-Book, Sci-Fi, Spy-Thriller, Character-Study of our old pal Nick Fury. Specifically we found a lot of interesting elements of relationships…

A great conversation about parenting, talking to teens, and confronting our own fears and limitations. Sean Donohue brings his knowledge and infectious excitement to the show. Super fun episode! Sean is a coach and educator for all things Parenting and Family. He is also the creator and host of the Sean Donohue Show, a podcast for parents. Follow h…

Diagnosis of ADHD can lead to both hope and fear. Hope in the form of knowledge, self-acceptance, and increased understanding of ourselves. Fear due adjustment, new self-concept, and social stigma aimed at neurodiverse individuals, especially when there is a lack of useful information. Alice Gendorn joins the show to help those diagnosed with ADHD …

Shari Corbitt returns to the show to discuss ongoing research into the dangers of chronic long-term use of Marijuana. With the legalization of recreational and medical cannabis, and the positive impact that it can have, some have leaned into chronic or daily use of high concentrate THC. In some cases individuals with high levels of long-term overus…

How should we go about picking a treatment program? For problems such as addiction, behavioral health, services for youth, adults, and so on...it can be intimidating to find a therapy or treatment option that meets our needs. Dwight and guest Marsha Stone are here to help. Marsha Stone is CEO and Founder of Foundation Stone, a network of highly foc…

David Rosen is a friend, a podcaster, musician, and about to release a comedy album where he sings with his pets. So naturally he is here, because we love fun people. They are fun after all. David's podcast, Piecing it Together, is focused on the elements of stories that are repeated and inspire new creativity, where he and his guest watch a new mo…

David Richards joins the podcast to discuss his novel The Lighthouse Keeper, a journey through memory, mindfulness and trauma told from the point of view of a creative young man apprenticed to a lighthouse keeper. David's writing focuses on healing from trauma, confronting the past, and ultimately accepting ourselves. Please consider supporting the…

Briana Daniels is the Nursing Supervisor for the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center, a Crisis Center operated by Pioneer Human Services. She is here to tell us how her program follows through with mental health treatment for those at need, and as a diversion program to help those at risk for criminal justice involvement. Participate in The Broke…

Across The Spiderverse is sweeping the multiverse due to great storytelling and groundbreaking artistic style. Now Sharon & Dwight give it the Broken Brain treatment, analyzing elements of internal strife, dysfunctional coping patterns, control issues, and of course our old friend: Trauma. Enjoy this movie with us and break your brain around our di…

Depictions of weight in media are notoriously unhealthy, from unrealistic body-image to negative characterization of people who are larger or heavyset. Dallin Rowell joins the show to discuss the role of heavier weights in story and characters, the fat-advocacy movement, and specific examples of movies & television and how they present "fat" people…

Marian Wilson, RN, PhD, joins the podcast to discuss her research into chronic pain, cognitive behavioral pain management strategies, and the interaction that pain patients have with opiate medication and opioid dependancy. If you would like to join the Broken Brain Patrons, help support the show and get cool bonus materials, hop on over to www.pat…

Dr Akeem Sule is a Psychiatrist in Essex, UK, and founder of the Black Psychiatrists Culture Club, and is a specialist in medication, treatment, and the application of psychological theory to popular culture. He has done tons of work in the use of Hip-Hop as a tool to educate patients about their own mental health, and is now using TV & Movie story…

Sophie Edwards is a returning guest to The Broken Brain. She is an author, vocal coach, and the creator of "We Have Always Existed," a YouTube series focused on historical accounts of Gender-Fluid and Transgender individuals throughout history. Sophie joins me today to share stories from her research Transgendered people through history. Although o…

Sharon Blady joins to talk about the psychological elements of Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. We discuss personal community building, trauma, the dynamic of found family and the tricky balance of improving relationships and self while still accepting things as they are. Please share and rate the podcast, and consider becoming a patron of the art…