The Broken Brain

Latest Episodes:

Mental Health Tip: Celebration as a form of self-care Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

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.

E. Kitch Childs, Psychologist, LGBTQ Advocate, Icon Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

E. Kitch Childs, PhD, was an influential and tireless advocate for the civil rights of women, Black Americans, and the LGBTQ community. Her work in academics, research, treatment, and advocacy forever changed the world of Psychology and the social landscape of the United States.

This is the first half of this week's dive into the history of psychology. The second half is available to all Broken Brain Patrons, over at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

Check out this month's highlighted nonprofit, the Lavender Project, a Feminist, Queer charity benefitting Black Trans people facing practical, emotional, and legal struggles. Go to www.lavenderproject.org to learn more.

Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms, with Christian Rasmussen Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

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

Thursday Thistory: Dr Solomon Carter Fuller Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Patreon sample: This week in our history deep dive we are examining the life of Dr Solomon Carter Fuller, credited as the first Black Psychiatrist in the USA. Born of formerly enslaved parents, Dr Fuller grew up to become a psychiatrist, neurologist, and professor at Boston College. His groundbreaking research in the discovery of Alzheimer's disease is still the foundation of much research and treatment today.

Go to www.thelavenderproject.org to support this month's highlighted nonprofit, providing legal and practical assistance for Black Trans Americans. 50% of donations from Patreon members who join this month will go to The Lavender Project as long as they remain donors. That's why they get 50% more episode today than the general public.

Parenting and Disabilities, with Jane Fischer, Author of "If You Knew Suzy" Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

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.

Monday Mental Tip: Staying Aware & Healthy Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

It is hard to navigate day-to-day with all of the bullshit going on in the USA right now. How. dowe stay informed, do our part to help, advocate, and avoid burnout, avoidance, or self-destructive coping mechanisms?

Go to www.lavenderrightsproject.org to get aware and involved with this month's highlighted nonprofit. Lavender Rights Project helps Black Trans people with community advocacy, increasing safety, and practical needs such as housing.

Dr Inez Beverly Prosser, the first Black Woman to gain a PhD Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

With Black History month I have been looking into some of the underreported Black pioneers in the field of education and psychology, and was very impressed with the impact of Dr Inez Beverly Prosser. An educator, researcher, psychologist, she is the first Black woman to earn a PhD in the United States, in 1933. Her research into the emotional, cognitive, and psychological effects of segregation on Black children was vital to the Brown v Board of Education case, 20 years after her death.

This is the first half of this week's dive into psychological history, available to all. The entire episode each week is available to supporters of the show. Consider lending your support: www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

The highlighted charity this month is the Lavender Rights Project, a Black Trans Feminist nonprofit advocating, supporting, and providing legal and housing assistance for Black Transgendered individuals. Get involved at: www.lavenderrightsproject.org

The role of Clinical Hypnosis in managing health, with Garrett Wood Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Garrett Wood, Clinical Hypnotherapist and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, joins to talk about the role that hypnotherapy can play in treating burnout, anxiety, chronic pain, and overall health management. He discusses the difference between medically sound, best practice ways hypnosis is used to find solutions to health problems. Check out his practice, Gnosis Therapy, at www.gnosistherapy.com

This month the Broken Brain is focused on Stand In Pride, a charity helping connect LGBTQ+ individuals to community and found family after facing abandonment from their support systems when coming out. Learn more and get involved at www.standinpride.org, or download their app to get involved today.

Thursday Thistory: When Frank Sinatra Jr was kidnapped Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

Patreon sample: the first half of the true story of the bungled, ridicolous kidnapping of Frank Sinatr Jr in the sixties, and the role that scrupilosity. grandiosity, and delusion played in this scheme.

This month's charity is Stand In Pride, a nonprofit helping LGBTQ+ individuals to establish friends and found family, especially when facing rejection from their family of origin. Go to www.standinpride.org to learn more.

Sufi Philosophy and Finding Peace, with Salima Adelstein Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Salima Adelstein is the first woman to become a Murshida, a spiritual guide in the Shadhiliyya Sufi Tradition, the mystical dimension of Islam. She has 35 years guiding people in meditation, spirituality, and using the Shadhiliyya principles. Follow her and her work at www.sufi.net

The highlighted charity this month is Stand In Pride, a nonprofit organization helping members of the LGBTQ+ community to build their own support community after facing rejection from friends and family. Go to www.standinpride.org or find their app in your app store to get involved.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Broken Brain

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6