The Broken Brain

Latest Episodes:

Finding Hope Through Action: Responding To Social Injustice Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

This week for Monday Mental Health Tip I want to share the use of action as a form of self-care and service, finding ways to support and help during times of political and social injustice, targeting of immigrants and marginalized populations, violation of civil rights, and even public executions.

Anxiety can be managed through purposeful action, here are some ideas about funneling the emotional energy into areas that can help these situations, and will more so the more of us that join in.

Highlighted charities in this episode include:

Immigrant Legal Resource Center: www.ilrc.org

National Immigration Law Center: www.NILC.org

Transgender Law Center: www.transgenderlawcenter.org

Thursday Thistory: The Chess Machine Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

In 1770 a weird and amazing machine known as "The Chess Machine," or "The Mechanical Turk," was created by Civil Servant and Engineer Wolfgang von Kempelen. He claimed it could play chess as an automated machine, and indeed it played and defeated many talented players and well-known people, including Napolean and Benjamin Franklin. This device kicked off the type of thinking that influenced the development of the computer, and probably even AI. Unfortunately it was all a hoax...

Thursday Thistory is a look at psychological or cultural history. Half today's episode is available to all listeners, while the other half is only for Patreon members.

This month's highlighted charity is Stand in Pride, a nonprofit helping LGBTQ+ individuals find support after facing rejection from family. Go to www.standinpride.org to learn more.

AI & Delusion, with Dr Ian Gold, Dr Joel Gold, and Sean King O'Grady Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Psychiatrist Joel Gold & Philosopher Ian Gold wrote "Suspicious Minds: How Culture Shapes Madness," examining the effects of culture and social media on delusions. Cue the creation of Artificial Intelligence, with quickly increasing presence and impact. The brothers teamed up with Award Winning Filmmaker Sean King O'Grady to create the docuseries "Suspicious Minds," interviewing researchers, AI engineers, and individuals who have experienced what is increasingly being called "AI Delusion." This is a fascinating discussion about the relationship with new technology, and how it can impact mental health.

Watch Suspicious Minds on Youtube, or find the audio anywhere you find podcasts.

Our highlighted charity this month is Stand In Pride, an organization helping LGBTQ+ individuals who have been abandoned by family and friends to find stand-in family for events such as weddings and graduations, and to build found family relationships. Support them by downloading their app, going to www.standinpride.org, and follow founder Dan Blevins on IG @the_zombie_dan

Monday Mental Tip AI use as tool Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

How does technology and culture impact mental health? Today's Monday Mental Health Tip is focused on finding a healthy balance in how we embrace new tech, Particularly AI (more to come on that tomorrow)

Our highlighted charity is Stand in Pride, helping LGBTQ+ individuals to discover found family and build new support systems, especially if they have faced rejection in response to coming out. Go to www.standinpride.org to learn more.

The Year Without a Santa...and other stuff, with Isabel Tehran! Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Isabel Tehran returns for another Christmas Special, talkign about...a Christmas Special. This year we are focused on Rankin-Bass' "The Year Without A Santa Claus." Along with a BUNCH of other stuff, Christmas Special related and otherwise.

Go to www.dwighthurst.com/santa for a free gift, the TTRPG A Bunch Of Santas. Happy Holidays to all!

PJ Glassey is Helping Us Be Healthy Dec 20, 2025

Show notes

Being healthy is one of the difficult challenges of being a human person. So PJ Glassey joins us today to help us. A trained physiologist, Glassey shares guidance on physical and cognitive techniques for well ronded health, using tools like cognitive behavioral interventions, gratitude, and meditative practices along with physical exercise. Follow his work at www.xgym.com

We are continuing to support the Because Organization this month, supporting survivors of human trafficking to build stable, healthy lives following an exit from trafficking. Support their great work at www.becauseorganization.org

Role of Attachment Patterns in Relationships & Healing, with Jessica Baum Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Jessica Baum is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in relationships, particularly the role of attachment. She is also the author of "SAFE: Coming Home to Yourself and Others," a look at building more secure relationships by understanding ours and our partner's patterns of attachment.

We are continuing the focus on The Because Organization as our nonprofit of choice for the remainder of this year. Go to www.becauseorganization.org to learn more and support their work with survivors of human trafficking.

The Importance of Mediation & Communication with Oswald Newbold Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Oswald Newbold is a Certified Mediator, specializing in conflict resolution for individuals, groups, and organizations. He has been managing conflict and communication since 2008, when he mediated disputes between incarcerated individuals in the Florida Criminal Justice system, reducing tension and violence within the prisons. Oswald talks today about the mediation process, communication, and social advocacy for rehabilitation. Follow his work at www.oswaldnewbold.com

This month we are highlighting The Because Organization, a nonprofit supporting survivors of human trafficking. Get involved in their work: www.becauseorganization.org

Empowering Children, Teens, & Young Adults with Dr Christine Silverstein Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Dr Christine Silverstein believes that young people are strong, and that their strength increases the more the believe in themselves. As a Behavioral Health RN, author, and clinical hypnotist she specializes in helping children to find empowerment through healthy self-talk, academics, and strong relationships. Follow her work at www.idealperformance.net and www.drchristinesilverstein.com

The Because Organization is a nonprofit dedicated to helping former victims of human trafficking to rebuild their lives, and is the charity of focus this month. You can get involved with their work at www.becauseorganization.org

Foster Care and Step Parenting, with Debbie Ausburn Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Debbie Ausburn is a social worker and the author of "Raising Other Peoples Children: What Foster Parenting Taught Me About Bringing Together A Blended Family." She shares her experiences as a Foster and Step Parent, and the lessons learned from successes and mistakes connecting and parenting children in situations where trust must be earned instead of assumed.

Donate, participate, and promote The Because Organization, this month's highlighted nonprofit. They work with survivors of human trafficking, helping people to build safe and healthy lives after emerging from these abusive situations.

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