The Broken Brain

Latest Episodes:

Sexism & Sensibility with Dr Jo-Ann Finkelstein Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Dr Jo-Ann Finkelstein is a Psychologist and Author. Her new book, "Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls in the Modern World," helps parents and young women to face toxic messages about body image, femininity, and sex. Follow her work at www.joannfinkelstein.com.

Our charity of focus this month is Learning Works, a delightful nonprofit aiming to help adults & youth in Maine who are at-risk for academic disadvantage. Learn more about them at www.learningworks.me

Monday Mental Tip: Assessing Our Expectations Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Anxiety magnifies and distorts worries, making them seem even more urgent than they are. One technique to mitigate this is to look at underlying assumptions and expectations about our lives and duties.

The highlighted charity this month on the podcast is Learning Works, a nonprofit dedicated to providing academic assistance to those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the educational system. Learn more about their work at www.learningworks.me

Why We Do Things, with JonRobert Tartaglione Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Psychology is primarily a study of understanding why we do things. This is an important part of measuring, predicting, and providing treatment for aspects of behavior. The question of how to accurately study this behavior and how to use it ethically is the work of today's guest.

JonRobert Tartaglione uses social and psychological research to help decison-makers in political movements, nonprofits, and corporations to align their approach in a way that will clearly communicate their goals and values. You can follow his work at www.influence51.com

It's a new month, so we have a new charity-of-focus for the show. Learning Work is a nonprofit providing academic and social support for youth and adults in Southern Maine. Go to www.learningworks.me to learn more.

A Neurological look at Autism & ADHD, with Dr Steven Lazar Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Dr Steven Lazar is a pediatric neurologist specializing in detection, diagnosis, and management of neurodevelopmental disorders. He is also the Medical Director of Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Clinics for Texas Children's Hospital, and is here today to teach us about modern understanding and study of ADHD and Autism, and his focus on individualized and strength-based treatment.

With so much misunderstanding and disinformation about ASD & ADHD, Dr Lazar is one of many medical researchers helping to share science-based information. Follow him and his work @smlazarMD on Instagram and BluSky.

Visit www.covenanthousecalifornia.org to support this month's highlighted charity, helping homeless youth in California to find safety and stability.

Trauma Informed Violence Recovery with Marcia Holt & Bill Cottringer Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

Marcia Holt is the CEO & Founder of Because Organization, helping survivors of Trafficking. She returns to the podcast with Dr Bill Cottringer, Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Expert, to discuss the use of Trauma Informed Care, and the importance of this specialty when working with the after-effects of Human Trafficking.

Follow their work at www.becauseorganization.org, including the upcoming walk&run fundraising and awareness event in October.

RPG in Therapy: Live-Play of Green Oaks, by Roberto de Luca Jun 14, 2025

Show notes

Another example of the use of TTRPG for emotional and therapeutic applications. This is a live-play session of a mysterious nursing home environment. Players created characters of retired individuals (with sketchy pasts) and gained advantages in their choices through communicating negative emotions, communication, and problem-solving. Go to www.dwighthurst.com/rpg to watch the video of this game, and see more about the use of RPG play in therapy.

This game was created using the Green Oaks RPG system, by Roberto De Luca. Go to www.drivethrurpg.com to find and purchase this lovely indie game.

Cognitive-Behavioral Elements in Health Psychology, with Dr Alan Rozanski Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

Dr Alan Rozanski is a professor of medicine at Icahn University of MEdicine, teaching cardiology, health psychology, and the importance of cognitive techniques in healthcare. He has developed a 6 stage health model, exercise, muscle care, diet, sleep, emotions, and thinking quality. Follow his work at www.alanrozanski.com.

Go to www.covenanthousecalifornia.org to view and get involved with our monthly charity of focus this month, helping homeless youth in California.

Gender Roles, Invention, and Wheels on Suitcases Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

What happens when gender stereotypes, economic development, societal expectations and the 5,000 year old technology known as the wheel all converge? You get wheels on the bottom of your suitcase! This is the monthly dive into psychological & cultural history available to all listeners of the show. To hear the weekly bonus history episodes go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain and become a supporter of the podcast today!

How To Build and Keep Motivation with Mr Motivation (Sean Murphy) Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Sean Murphy, AKA Mr Motivation, is an educator and motivational speaker. He has taught students, Scholars as he calls them, at every level from Elementary School to College. As a Veteran and someone who has overcome many obstacles he has developed expertise in motivation, and how we can reframe challenges to help catapult personal development. Learn more about his work at www.mister-motivation.com

Our highlighted charity this month is Covenant House California, meeting the needs of homeless youth. Did you know that 1/3 of homeless young people in the US are in California? They certainly do. Go to www.covenanthousecalifornia.org to support this nonprofit.

Monday Mental Tip: What Do You Think You Will Answer? Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

It's about time Piglet started pulling his weight on this show. For this week's mental health tip we look at a technique of Cognitive Reframing endorsed by both Winnie the Pooh and David Mamet.

It's a new month, which means we have a new charity-of-focus. Covenant House California is a nonprofit that helps Homeless Youth to find housing and resources. Go to www.covenanthousecalifornia.org to learn more and support this exciting organization.

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