The Broken Brain

Attachment theory and understanding our own styles of attachment are foundational to mental health, and one of the most important elements of our psychology. At the same time very few people outside the mental health field talk about it, and unfortunately does not come up in treatment circles often enough.  Thais Gibson is a Pastoral Counselor, Therapist, and expert in Attachment Theory. She provides education and techniques for people to understand their own attachment styles, and what to do when an attachment style is insecure from trauma or life experiences. She joins the program today to share her techniques and perspectives.  To learn more about Thais and her work go to: www.personaldevelopmentschool.com. If you would like to support The Broken Brain go to www.dwighthurst.com/support to see the various ways you can help the show.  

Part 2 of our efforts to provide more meaningful diagnostic information for Batman's Rogue Gallery. We dive right into it this time and ask questions like: Is this villain even mentally ill? Are the stories using bias and public perception of mental illness, sometimes in an exploitive way?  What's Arkham's deal anyway?  And more. Christian and Dwight Hurst take a deep dive and consider some lesser talked about goons from the list of Batman's enemies.  Get invovled with the podcast by going to www.dwighthurst.com/support and learning the ways you can help the show to keep the virtual lights on.   

Happy Batman Day! Every September 16th we all (at least those who observe) celebrate the creation of Batman in 1939. Christian Hurst, widely known as Dwight's brother, joins to talk about the use of psychological disorders in the Batman stories. This leads to chatting about the basis of diagnosis, representation of mental illness in media, bias, and a lot of side stepping into other superhero and cultural topics.  Stay tuned for PART 2 for more discussion of your favorite members of Batman's Rogues Gallery, AND check out @brainiacsahoy on Instagram to see more specific diagnosing and treating of these characters as part of the series "Arkham Asylum Internship."  Go to www.dwighthurst.com/support to see all the ways you can support the program on one page! 

It's Batman month on the Broken Brain! Watch for new Batman Mental Health episodes and video clips on social media links. To start us off, this episode is a replay of an episode from June 2022, around the release of the film "The Batman."  Sharon Blady is the perfect CoHost for this episode. We take a look at this representation of Batman, which above all is a story of trying to discover hope in the face of loss, trauma, and pain.  ------- Go to www.dwighthurst.com/support to see various ways to support the show Instagram @brainiacsahoy  Facebook www.facebook.com/breakabrain Twitter/X @breakabrain

This is a Patreon Exclusive episode, released in July on the Patron-Only feed. Become a supporter on Patreon to hear this and other special episodes like this one.  Dalin & Dwight return to talk about the third episode of the Netflix series, and newest iteration of Anne of Green Gables, "Anne With An E." The discussion covers acceptance, trauma, social anxiety, social change, feminism, and more!

Did you love Marvel's miniseries Secret Invasion? Based on online reactions you may not have... BUT that couldn't stop Sharon and Dwight from taking it apart and analyzing the psychological factors of this Comic-Book, Sci-Fi, Spy-Thriller, Character-Study of our old pal Nick Fury. Specifically we found a lot of interesting elements of relationships, betrayal, and surprisingly healthy conflict management among a very unique married couple. Sharon is a recurring guest and friend, certified nerd, mental health advocate, and former Health Minister of Manitoba, CA. Follow her work at www.speak-up.co Support the Broken Brain by joining our Patreon at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain!

A great conversation about parenting, talking to teens, and confronting our own fears and limitations. Sean Donohue brings his knowledge and infectious excitement to the show. Super fun episode! Sean is a coach and educator for all things Parenting and Family. He is also the creator and host of the Sean Donohue Show, a podcast for parents. Follow him on Instagram @the.familycoach or go to www.parentingmodernteens.com.  The Broken Brain's second annual Live event for Opioid Overdose Awareness will be on Thursday 8/31. Watch, listen, and even JOIN the broadcast live. Find links on social media or go to www.dwighthurst.com/live for all the information and links.  

Diagnosis of ADHD can lead to both hope and fear. Hope in the form of knowledge, self-acceptance, and increased understanding of ourselves. Fear due adjustment, new self-concept, and social stigma aimed at neurodiverse individuals, especially when there is a lack of useful information.  Alice Gendorn joins the show to help those diagnosed with ADHD and increase understanding of this form of neurodiversity. She shares theory and actionable steps to increase success with understanding, tips, insights, and finding strength in our identity, Join in the support & fun that can be found in being a part of The Broken Brain team. Join the show Patreon, get bonus material and be a patron of the arts. www.patreon.com/brokenbrain. 

Shari Corbitt returns to the show to discuss ongoing research into the dangers of chronic long-term use of Marijuana. With the legalization of recreational and medical cannabis, and the positive impact that it can have, some have leaned into chronic or daily use of high concentrate THC. In some cases individuals with high levels of long-term overuse are experiencing a psychotic break from reality, even those who have never had psychosis before. This alarming correlation needs further research, but is already observable in patients. Shari describes how this information is used in her work with patients with chronic pain and long-term medical needs. Get involved with The Broken Brain by joining the Patreon at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, get bonus materials and help keep the lights on. 

How should we go about picking a treatment program? For problems such as addiction, behavioral health, services for youth, adults, and so on...it can be intimidating to find a therapy or treatment option that meets our needs. Dwight and guest Marsha Stone are here to help.  Marsha Stone is CEO and Founder of Foundation Stone, a network of highly focused programs for individuals and families struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. She joins the show today to give tips and guidance for those trying to evaluate and select treatment options.    The Broken Brain's 2nd annual Live Broadcast in observance of International Overdose Awareness day is coming up on 8/31! Listen to the end of this episode and watch our social media for instructions on how to watch, listen, or even participate in the broadcast. 

David Rosen is a friend, a podcaster, musician, and about to release a comedy album where he sings with his pets. So naturally he is here, because we love fun people. They are fun after all. David's podcast, Piecing it Together, is focused on the elements of stories that are repeated and inspire new creativity, where he and his guest watch a new movie and highlight things that remind them of other films.   Consider helping out the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, or make a one time donation at www.buymeacoffee.com/brokenbrain because I just remembered that exists. 

David Richards joins the podcast to discuss his novel The Lighthouse Keeper, a  journey through memory, mindfulness and trauma told from the point of view of a creative young man apprenticed to a lighthouse keeper. David's writing focuses on healing from trauma, confronting the past, and ultimately accepting ourselves. Please consider supporting the program by becoming an official Brainiac at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain. 

Briana Daniels is the Nursing Supervisor for the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center, a Crisis Center operated by Pioneer Human Services. She is here to tell us how her program follows through with mental health treatment for those at need, and as a diversion program to help those at risk for criminal justice involvement.  Participate in The Broken Brain Annual Overdose awareness LIVE broadcast August 31! Follow the socials for more details: www.facebook.com/breakabrain IG: @brainiacsahoy Twitter: @breakabrain

Across The Spiderverse is sweeping the multiverse due to great storytelling and groundbreaking artistic style. Now Sharon & Dwight give it the Broken Brain treatment, analyzing elements of internal strife, dysfunctional coping patterns, control issues, and of course our old friend: Trauma. Enjoy this movie with us and break your brain around our discussion.  Support the program by joining the Brainiac team over at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain.

Depictions of weight in media are notoriously unhealthy, from unrealistic body-image to negative characterization of people who are larger or heavyset. Dallin Rowell joins the show to discuss the role of heavier weights in story and characters, the fat-advocacy movement, and specific examples of movies & television and how they present "fat" people. Dalin Rowell is a film writer for Slash Film, and a regular contributor to the Broken Brain, cohost/reviewer of the Netflix series "Anne With an E." Follow her work at ;  https://www.slashfilm.com/author/dalinrowell/ Support the program by subscribing on Patreon, at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, get bonus materials and be part of the Brainiac crew. 

Marian Wilson, RN, PhD, joins the podcast to discuss her research into chronic pain, cognitive behavioral pain management strategies, and the interaction that pain patients have with opiate medication and opioid dependancy.  If you would like to join the Broken Brain Patrons, help support the show and get cool bonus materials, hop on over to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to sign up today!

Dr Akeem Sule is a Psychiatrist in Essex, UK, and founder of the Black Psychiatrists Culture Club, and is a specialist in medication, treatment, and the application of psychological theory to popular culture. He has done tons of work in the use of Hip-Hop as a tool to educate patients about their own mental health, and is now using TV & Movie storytelling to understand our own mental health. We discuss trauma, identity issues, toxic masculinity, racism, and much more. For bonus materials, including video of this and other interviews, consider supporting the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain

Sophie Edwards is a returning guest to The Broken Brain. She is an author, vocal coach, and the creator of "We Have Always Existed," a YouTube series focused on historical accounts of Gender-Fluid and Transgender individuals throughout history.  Sophie joins me today to share stories from her research Transgendered people through history. Although open dialogue about Gender may feel new for many people, Gender Identity issues have been around since there has been human culture. Important Spoiler Alert: something being new to one does not make it new for all.  Today's episode is all about the understanding that people are people, no matter where or when they are.  Follow Sophie's work and learn more about vocal coaching for Trans Women at: sbedwards.gay, and follow her on IG @queer.trans.writer.sophie

Sharon Blady joins to talk about the psychological elements of Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. We discuss personal community building, trauma, the dynamic of found family and the tricky balance of improving relationships and self while still accepting things as they are.  Please share and rate the podcast, and consider becoming a patron of the arts (specifically this show) by setting up your donation at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain.   

Addiction is a problem that has historically been left to law enforcement professionals. Criminal charge diversion is a growing approach to giving individuals struggling with addiction the chance to opt for treatment rather than legal punishment. This has been shown to be effective in reducing recidivism and overdose death. Thresholds is one of the oldest mental health clinics in Illinois, and Jeff Gilbert & Ann Brekke are Directors of a groundbreaking program that helps those who have been arrested to be given the option of treatment in lieu of receiving a criminal charge. An individual treatment plan is then designed, within a Harm Reduction approach. Learn more about their program at https://www.thresholds.org.  If you would like to support the show, and see the video of all of the episode recordings, please go to www.patreon.com/brokenbrain to become a patron today!