The Broken Brain

Do you like reading or watching media that is an episodic/anthology style one-off story? Or do you prefer the more frequent modern storytelling that follows an overarching arc? Sci-Fi Auhtor Christian Hurst joins to discuss different approaches to creating stories, how they speak to us differently, and how we someitmes can throw the good out with the bad when we fail to balance things out. Read Chris' Lily Starling Series wherever books are sold, and follow him @churstpublishing to learn more about the release of the 3rd book in the series, Lily Starling and the Death Machine. Goto www.prismunited.org to view this month's highlighted charity. Prism United helps LGBTQ+ youth with leadership training, meaningful activities, medical, mental health treatment, and more. Get involved in their work today!

Dr Susan Trachman is a Psychiatrist with 30 years of experience specializing in treating medically unexplained illnesses through the lens of psychiatry. She helps patients delves into the brain-body connection, and addresses the damaging misconception that a condition is "all in your head. Follow her work at www.susanbtrachmanmd.com, and check out her new book, It's Not Just in Your Head: Demystifying the Brain-Body Connection in Medical Illness. Go to www.kidsandart.org to follow and support this month's highlighted nonprofit, helping children with cancer and their families through Art.

Many films are related to psychology. Nathan Presley's short film, "Flesh and Blood," puts therapy directly in the spotlight. This film recently won the Audience Award for best short film at the Dallas International Film Festival. It is the story of an EMDR therapist trying to help a young girl with selective mutism...or is there something more going on? Follow Nathan's work @nathanpresley on IG. Go to www.kidsandart.org to support this month's highlighted nonprofit, helping children in cancer treatment through the arts.

The Isolation Helmet was an inventive, and quite odd, treatment device for mental health. Today we revisit this former episode of Thursday Thistory, with one important difference: Everyone gets the FULL episode! Try to control your excitement! Usually these history lessons are only available in full to Patreon donors, but everyone gets this one. The highlighted nonprofit this month is CHIRLA: The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. Go to www.CHIRLA.org to learn more and support this amazing and important organization.

Today's dive into history of psychology focuses on a modern pioneer in therapy: Dr Joy Harden Bradford. She is the founder of Therapy For Black Girls, a platform for education, advocacy, and mental health treatment focused on the needs of Black women and girls. Her foundational work is based on overcoming obstacles such as bias, medical discrimination, and stigma of seeking out therapy. You can follow her work at www.therapyforblackgirls.com This is a sample of this Thursday Thistory, a weekly dive into psychology, available in full to supporting patrons of the show. Consider supporting the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

With the recent passing of Rev. JesseJackson, many have been concerned at the lack of celebration and respect being shown by the current administration, including lack of official direction to fly flags at half-mast, and Mike Johnson's flat refusal to consider Jackson's potential for interment in the Capital Rotunda. Lack of respect or outright erasure of civil rights can contribute to advocacy burnout, or stress from the current political climate. Along with many other forms of action, openly celebrating causes or individuals is a form of self-care. Today I want to share a brief story about Jackson's skill as a diplomat and negotiator, and how he used these talents to successfully aid in the release of hostages on the international stage. Please go check out www.lavenderproject.org, our highlighted nonprofit for this month, to support this wonderful organization helping Black Trans Americans. Share, support, and celebrate their important work.

Microdosing of mushroom products is prominent on the horizon of healthcare and research. Christian Rasmussen, host of The Amanita Podcast, joins the podcast to discuss the Amanita Muscaria Mushroom, also known as fly agaric. Christian went through his own addiction and mental health struggles, and shares with us the role that Amanita played in his recovery. He has built a career sharing information and growing safe, non-recreational botanical products. Check out his podcast, and learn more about his work at www.amentara.com This month our highlighted charity is The Lavender Project, a Queer led organization helping Black Trans people to meet practical, legal, and emotional needs. Follow them at www.lavenderproject.org

Jane Fischer is a Teacher, Special Educator, Learning Consultant, and the Author of "If You Knew Suzy: Pushing Past the Boundaries of Never." Jane's daughter Suzy was diagnosed at a young age with rare brain abnormalities and Joubert Syndrome. The book tells the story of what types of acceptance, grieving, and hope can exist when a parent and a child have to decide how to respond to a long list of "nevers," and how to help Suzy build her own fulfilling life. Go to www.lavenderrightsproject.org to support this month's highlighted charity, a lovely nonprofit helping Black Trans individuals to thrive through legal help, advocacy, and meeting their health and wellness needs.