The Broken Brain

Latest Episodes:

Live Event Audio for Overdose Awareness (part 1) Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

This is the first half of the Annual Live Stream for International Overdose Awareness Day, 2025. Join hosts Dwight and Izzie as we look at how Engagement & Avoidance factor into addiction. In Part one we are joined by Chris Revill and Mike Lundsford.

Please support & share our highlighted charity of the month, Akshaya Pahtra, a NGO in India providing hot midday meals to provide incentive and support for children to attend school. Visit www.akshayapatra.org to learn more.

Monday Mental Tip Do Things Poorly Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Monday Mental Health Tip Time, talking about the human tendency to wait to act until we feel sure of success, and what that can cost us in experiences.

Big thank you and shout out to the folks who appeared on and helped the Live Stream for Overdose Awareness yesterday. That audio will be showing up in the feed soon.

Thanks to: Isabel Teran, Ryan Luis Rodriguez, Robb Maynard, Ben Haslar, Dylan Schlender, Mike Lundsford, & Dr Delice Coffey for jumping onto the stream and sharing so openly.

Live Stream tomorrow! Aug 30, 2025

Show notes

Tomorrow will be the Broken Brain's 4th annual Live Stream for Overdose Awareness! Go to www.dwighthurst.com/live to WATCH live, on YouTube FB or Linkedin, or you can JOIN the live stream with me! Links and details all at that page.

Depiction of Youth Suicide in American Cinema, with Dr Alessandra Seggi Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

Dr Alessandra Seggi is a Professor of Sociology and Crimonology for Villanova University, and Author of the book "Youth and Suicide in American Cinema: Context, Causes, and Consequences." She talks about the ethics and effects of depictions of suicide, the possible positive applications, processing emotions, as well as the risks. With suicide being such a huge risk for youth, this is an important topic for everyone. Go to www.alessandraseggi.com to learn more about her work.

This Sunday (8/31) is the Broken Brain's 4th Annual Live Stream for Overdoes Awareness. Visit www.dwighthurst.com/live for times, links, and ways to join the stream.

Resiliance & How Events Shape Us, with Dr John Demartini Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Author, educator, and Behavioral Psychology expert Dr John Demartini is a survivor. Faced with literacy & academic challenges, physical injury, and a period of homelessness as a youth, he learned to overcome obstacles by finding opportunities within struggle. He teaches others how to reframe traumatic events to aid personal development, to "send us ON the way, not be IN the way." Learn more about his work at www.drdemartini.com.

Visit www.dwighthurst.com/live to find information and links to the 4th annual Broekn Brain Live Stream for Overdose Awareness, broadcasting 8/31. Watch or JOIN the program anytime during the 5 hour live stream.

And please support Improving Lives, a wonderful nonprofit in Nottingham, UK, that seeks to hep those facing mental health with supports and bridge services for those awaiting treatment. Go to www.improvinglivesnotts.org.uk to follow and support them.

Healing through Breathing, Feeling, and Crying, with MJ Renshaw Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

MJ Renshaw is a breathwork trainer, podcast host, and author of the book "How To Cry." She helps individuals use spirituality, breath, and somatic techniques for emotional regulation and healing. Drawing from her own experiences with Trauma, she shares her experiences of trauma, healing, and learining to help others. Follow her work at www.beingmethod.ca and check out her podcast "The Being Method Podcast."

Make sure to go to www.dwighthurst.com/live to see the details for the 4th annual Broken Brain Live Stream for International Overdose Awareness day on 8/31. AND go to www.improvinglivesnotts.or.uk to support Improving Lives, this month's highlighted charity.

The Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery with Mallary Tenore Tarpley Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Over 30 million people in the USA have a diagnosable eating disorder, with many going undiagnosed, and even more having distorted thoughts about food and body issues.

Mallary Tenor Tarpley is the author of the new book "Slip: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery," (RELEASED TODAY!) where she shares information about the genetic influences on eating disorders, how our brain changes both while suffering from ED and while recovering, and the under-discussed grey area between being total symptomatic and in active recovery.

This month we are highlighting Improving Lives, a wonderful nonprofit helping those in Nottingham, UK, to receive enhanced mental health services and case management. Go to www.improvinglivesnotts.org.uk

Mental Health Tip: Engagement vs Avoidance in Addiction Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Holy cow! The upload on Monday didn't work, so this is now a mid-week mental health tip!

This episode is setting the stage for the Live Event coming up on 8/31, for International Overdose Awareness Day. Go to www.dwighthurst.com/live for the sweet details.

Last chance to sign up and have 50% of your Patreon donation each month go the Learning Works of Maine. www.learningworks.me will take you to this wonderful nonprofit helping adults & kids at risk for academic disadvantage. Next episode will have the new charity for August.

How to Use Chakras with Dr Shai Tubali Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Shai Tubali is a specialist in meditation, mental flexibility, and the modern application of ancient philosophies. He is also the author of the new book: Your Chakra Personality, in which he details ways that people use the philosophy of Chakras in healing. He also shares the dangers of comparison and how to find healthy tension in our lives. Follow his work at www.shaitubali.com

Learning Works of Maine is this month's highlighted nonprofit. They focus on meeting the academic needs of adults and children in need. Follow them at: www.learningworks.me.

Religious & Social Trauma in Queer Patients, with Ann Russo, LCSW Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Ann Russo is a clinical social worker, therapist, and founder of AMR Therapy & Support Services. She specializes in healing religious trauma, client empowerment, and inclusivity in mental health. Ann is a strong advocate for all survivors within marginalized communities. Follow her work at www.amrtherapy.com

Visit www.dcoffeyfoundation.org to support this month's highlighted nonprofit, helping youth to further their education through athleticism.