The Broken Brain

Latest Episodes:

Rerun of A Sober Holiday Dec 27, 2016

Show notes

This is a rerun episode from last year's holiday season. Super special guest Shira Goldberg, host of The Addiction Show on YouTube came on to discuss tips for remaining sober in the holidays.

Rerunning this for the 2016 holiday, it's been a rough year, but if staying sober is your goal, please please please stay sober this year. Be safe and don't drink, drug, or drive.

Well, you can drive if you don't drink or drug....I guess.

Revill in Christmas Specials Dec 23, 2016

Show notes

Chris Revill is a swell person, and swell people love Christmas Specials. Sometimes cheesy, often silly, these wonderful moments of holiday recognition have stayed in our hearts and brains, sometimes for decade after decade. Why? That's what we want to figure out. That, and to go on and on about our favorites.

This is one of the three Holiday specials The Broken Brain is offering this year, like three gifts from three wisemen, I found three wise guys to host with me. Enjoy. Thanks for listening in 2016, and I hope you have a very Happy Holiday Season.

Holidays and Family Relationships Dec 17, 2016

Show notes

Lee and Dwight are responding to a listener request this week! We are discussing the holidays and the tricky dynamics that come up with family. We talk about response plans for assertive, passive-aggressive, and just downright aggressive family members. We mention coping skills, some involving Adele, and how to respond to that rascal Uncle Bob.

Grief, Loss & "Return To Me" Dec 12, 2016

Show notes

Returning champion guest Michael Denniston from the War Machine vs War Horse Podcast returns to help me analyze the 2000 film Return to Me, and discuss what it demonstrates about coping with grief and change in life. Mike and I get drippy about romance, loss, dogs, and old men filled with passion in this under-appreciated rom-com about loss, love, and organ donation.

Ecosexuality with Jennifer Reed Nov 28, 2016

Show notes

Ecosexuality? What's that?

Ecosexuality is the study of sexuality and ecology, of course. A fascinating type of synergy, pioonered by researchers, activists, and artists, Ecosexuality is an approach to inclusion, environmentalism, and a different way to appreciate the world. Pioneers in this field include Stefanie Weiss, author of Eco-Sex: Go Green Between the Sheets, and Elizabeth Stephens & Annie Sprinkle, who you can find at http://sexecology.org.

My guest today is Jennifer Reed, PhD candidate for Sociology at UNLV. She has been studying this fascinating field and is currently writing her dissertaion on this subject. She was kind enough to join me and explain what Ecosexuality is and how it impacts Sociology, Culture, and the way we interact with the Earth. Follow her on Twitter @sociojen.

Polyvagal Theory of Trauma Nov 19, 2016

Show notes

Polyvagal Trauma Theory, pioneered by Stephen Porges, is a powerful approach to trauma recovery that takes into account ways that the body stores traumatic emotional experiences.

Brittany Varney, Stacy McKenzie, and Kristal James join us today to conduct a training on this theory and how it applies to trauma recovery.

This episode is a CEU training for the Aspire Group Therapy Practice in Northern Utah.

Election Day & Relationships with Kelsey Nimbly Nov 09, 2016

Show notes

YouTube Phenom Kelsey Nimbly rejoins the show to help me discuss some of the psychology behind why we done be hatin' on each other all election long. We also discuss Tribalism, One-Shot Learning, and Confirmation Bias, and how to repair election-traumatized relationships.

Happy Election Day America! Whoever wins, let's try to play nice!

Gender Roles, Individuality, and Acceptance with Craig Pomranz Oct 19, 2016

Show notes

Craig Pomranz has been an entertainer since he was 12. He recently wrote the children's book "Made by Raffi," in which he tells the story of his Godson's experience learning to knit. The reactions, support, and questions brought up by this young boy's new hobby lead to an important and charming story about gender roles, personal identity, self-confidence, and acceptance. We discuss these things and more, including childhood development, parenting, and the fact that Craig is a delightful person.

Buy "Made by Raffi," and check out Craig's website by clicking HERE. Also listen to his Song "Different," on YouTube.

This episode in being simelcast for this week's episodes of The Broken Brain and Amygdala Magazine Podcasts.

Happy International Podcast Day Sep 30, 2016

Show notes

Happy International Podcast Day Braniacs! A little bit from Dwight today about this wonderful new holiday, and the chance it gives us to take stock of our own passions, hobbies, and interests. Hear 3 (or 4 maybe?) tips for embracing your passions for your mental health, stuff that I have picked up through years of counseling.

You should read Maisha Johnson's article "KEEP JOY ALIVE: PUSUING MY PASSION FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH," and Kelsey (from wearthelabel.com)'s "HOW MY PASSIONS HAVE HELPED MY MENTAL HEALTH," as your new IPD tradition.

The Broken Brain is looking for more listener questions as well for our next #AskATherapist segment, coming soon. email me at dwigthhurst@gmail.com or tweet @breakabrain if you gots any.

Neurological Techniques for Abuse Recovery Sep 21, 2016

Show notes

Rachel Grant joins me today to discuss her program for recovery from sexual abuse. A survivor and thriver of her own abuse experience, Rachel has trained and worked to become a highly educated and qualified recovery coach. She opens up with me about her experience, recovery, and the techniques she uses to help people work through the recovery process.

Check out Rachel's program online at: rachelgrantcoaching.com, or click on rachelgrantcoaching.com/checklist to get her free instructions for recovery.