))
Practical Blasphemy
Manage episode 280792644 series 2844661
Content provided by Calvin Marty and Once Upon A Westler. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Calvin Marty and Once Upon A Westler or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
WARNING: This podcast contains content that may not be suitable or appropriate for all listeners. Suicide and other subjects are discussed explicitly. If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline now at 1-800-273-8255.
Even if you are not experiencing thoughts of suicide but consider yourself to be in a fragile psychological state of any kind, consider listening to this episode at a different time and/or with others.
------------
In this third episode of irRegular People, we're joined by LJT, author of Practical Blasphemy: The New Testament. Her intense and groundbreaking book is a fictionalized memoir of her suicidal act and subsequent stay at a psych ward.
LJT generously shares with us about her own experiences living with Bi-Polar 2 Disorder with psychosis. We talk about the book itself; the accompanying soundtrack; psych wards; medication; the way Hollywood depicts mental illness; Joker; the importance of human connection between patients; the religiosity of psych ward group therapy; living with mental illness; and more.
This book is a masterpiece. It deserves a larger audience of both mental health professionals and serious readers interested in the real experience of someone who suffers from a debilitating mental disorder. LJT's brilliant use of the written word brings the torment she herself has endured off of the page and into the mind of the reader.
It might be a challenging experience for you, but you will not regret reading this work. This is the kind of vital artistic endeavor that we must insist more people discover. The most essential works of art are often unappreciated at first; this mostly unknown book is a fierce look at suicide, mental illness, and our country's failed attempts to treat those in great need. It is also, despite its subject matter, wildly entertaining; it is an experience.
Buy the book HERE.
------------
EPISODE CREDITS:
Created, produced, hosted, engineered, and edited by Calvin Marty.
Music composed and performed by Calvin Marty.
Trigger Warning voiced by Meghann Marty.
------------
RESOURCES:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.
The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line:
The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. 1-800-273-8255 Press 1.
Crisis Text Line:
Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.
7 episodes
Share
