The Broken Brain

The history of how we diagnose psychological issues is long, interesting, and several kinds of messed up. We begin to take that apart today. I was joined for this conversation by Tehya Fencik (TK), creator & host of "For The Love Of History Podcast." As a historian, TK found incredible information about therapeutic communities in the early 1900s. "The Statistical Manual for Use of Institutions for the Insane" is a text written in 1918 and an early attempt at categorizing mental health disorders. While it never caught on, it represents an experiment in the type of thinking that led to modern diagnostic practice.

Photographer and author Antonio Johnson is on the podcast today to talk about his book, You Next: Reflections in Black Barber Shops, a beautiful photography book profiling the culture of Black Barber Shops and the role they play in the development and identity of Black men. These shops fill the community center, a space of belonging, a center of wellness, and more. This is a fascinating look at identity development, bonding, and individual, societal, and generational racial issues. Learn more about Antonio's work at www.antonio-johnson.com. The Broken Brain will be giving out 2 copies of You Next to our next 2 Patreon subscribers. Our new Patreon page at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain has rewards for supporters of the show, and the next 2 official patrons will receive a copy of Antonio's book.

Sharon Blady returns to the podcast! This time we are discussing Marvel's new TV series The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, and the heavy elements of psychological development woven into that series. We discuss Trauma, amends work, recovery, trust, generational distress, racism...what don't we talk about? Give it a listen and find out! The go to www.speak-up.co to learn more about Sharon's work in mental health education and recovery. If you would like to hear this month's bonus episode where Sharon and I delve into WandaVision, sign up to become a patron of the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, and you can get access to that and other goodies.

Rerun from 2019 (new episode also coming out Wednesday) Lisa Frederiksen is an author, speaker, and expert in the area of Secondhand Drinking, a term she coined to describe the effects of alcohol abuse on those within the support system of those caught in addiction. Lisa discusses the complexity of addiction, the sometimes damaging labels of codependent or enabler, and what to do to protect yourself in one of life's most difficult situations. Check out her book, The 10th Anniversary Edition of If You Loved Me You'd Stop.

Colleen Thomas is an expert in rituals and rites of passage. She even started a podcast about it called Shame Piñata. She talks here about the importance of rituals and rites in our lives, and how creating your own rituals can be a powerful way to heal from trauma, grief, and stress. Colleen was a guest on the Let's Chat Live YouTube show focused on introductions to new podcasts, and I was lucky enough to be guest hosting that day. Check out Colleen's show and also the Let's Chat Live Show on Youtube. If you want to support the show and get some cool rewards, check out The Broken Brain Patreon page at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain.

When a loved one is caught up in addiction, they suffer. So do we. Terms like "enmeshment," "enabling," and "codependent," sometimes serve to shame and confuse more than to help. Beth Gardner is an expert in helping those who have loved ones deep in addiction. As a life Coach, a champion rower, cancer survivor, and research expert, Beth has built up resources and expertise in helping those who support their loved ones. In this episode she talks about addiction, sobriety, trauma, and empathy. Learn more about Beth's work at selfreliant.info Become a patron of the Broken Brain at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, check out the tiers of rewards we have set up. Or drop us a tip at www.buymeacoffee.com/brokenbrain. It helps to fund more frequent episodes with more Brain-Breakingly cool stuff.

Kristen Lopez is a Film and TV critic, writer, and creator and host of the Ticklish Business Podcast. She joins me on the Broken Brain to discuss the depictions, tropes, and (often) failures of Hollywood in capturing the experience and the depictions of individuals with disabilities on the big screen.

Hannah Boone & Reed Anderson are comedians and podcasters who work in the medium of mental health related humor, among other funny things they talk about. They join me today to discuss the balance of being funny and sharing their own mental health and trauma. How can you be funny about things that are so serious? When do the jokes land, when do they not, and how does the crowd react? Check out their Podcast, Disordered, on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you pick up your freshly baked podcasts!

Sharon Blady is the creator of Embrace Your Superpowers & Bulletproof to Stigma, and a passionate advocate for mental health and Trauma Recovery. Last time on the program she shared the concept of reframing mental health 'struggles' into harnessing them as our personal superpowers. This time we discuss the film Captain Marvel and its empowerment and images of recovery.

Abi Perez is a mental health advocate, mediator, and the creator and host of the Friends of Friends AmigosDAmigos Podcast. She joins today to talk about her experiences with mental health within the Mexican-American community, the importance of community, relationships, conflict, self-awareness, and the power of a nonjudgemental attitude. Become a patron of the show at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain, or give a one time tip at Brains Breaking www.buymeacoffee.com/brokenbrain