The Broken Brain

Mariano & Allegra, fellow Core Temp Podcasters on the CTA network, join me to discuss the dynamics of racism and privilege in the United States. This is part one of a two-part discussion, and a goal of the show to bring you more information in 2017 about equality, inclusivity, and racial matters. Part two will focus more heavily on the dynamic of privilege, and be released in 1-2 weeks. Listen to Allegra & Mariano and their on point cultural commentary on CTA's TV Ate My Brain.

Non rejoins me to discuss Anxiety, something we both deal with, and a key part to mental health. A confirmed Joymonger, Non is the cohost of the Joy Sandwich Podcast, and writes does other stuff at subjectplusverb DOT com. You can follow him on twitter @subjectplusverb.

This is a rerun episode from last year's holiday season. Super special guest Shira Goldberg, host of The Addiction Show on YouTube came on to discuss tips for remaining sober in the holidays. Rerunning this for the 2016 holiday, it's been a rough year, but if staying sober is your goal, please please please stay sober this year. Be safe and don't drink, drug, or drive. Well, you can drive if you don't drink or drug....I guess.

Chris Revill is a swell person, and swell people love Christmas Specials. Sometimes cheesy, often silly, these wonderful moments of holiday recognition have stayed in our hearts and brains, sometimes for decade after decade. Why? That's what we want to figure out. That, and to go on and on about our favorites. This is one of the three Holiday specials The Broken Brain is offering this year, like three gifts from three wisemen, I found three wise guys to host with me. Enjoy. Thanks for listening in 2016, and I hope you have a very Happy Holiday Season.

Lee and Dwight are responding to a listener request this week! We are discussing the holidays and the tricky dynamics that come up with family. We talk about response plans for assertive, passive-aggressive, and just downright aggressive family members. We mention coping skills, some involving Adele, and how to respond to that rascal Uncle Bob.

Returning champion guest Michael Denniston from the War Machine vs War Horse Podcast returns to help me analyze the 2000 film Return to Me, and discuss what it demonstrates about coping with grief and change in life. Mike and I get drippy about romance, loss, dogs, and old men filled with passion in this under-appreciated rom-com about loss, love, and organ donation.

Ecosexuality? What's that? Ecosexuality is the study of sexuality and ecology, of course. A fascinating type of synergy, pioonered by researchers, activists, and artists, Ecosexuality is an approach to inclusion, environmentalism, and a different way to appreciate the world. Pioneers in this field include Stefanie Weiss, author of Eco-Sex: Go Green Between the Sheets, and Elizabeth Stephens & Annie Sprinkle, who you can find at http://sexecology.org. My guest today is Jennifer Reed, PhD candidate for Sociology at UNLV. She has been studying this fascinating field and is currently writing her dissertaion on this subject. She was kind enough to join me and explain what Ecosexuality is and how it impacts Sociology, Culture, and the way we interact with the Earth. Follow her on Twitter @sociojen.

Polyvagal Trauma Theory, pioneered by Stephen Porges, is a powerful approach to trauma recovery that takes into account ways that the body stores traumatic emotional experiences. Brittany Varney, Stacy McKenzie, and Kristal James join us today to conduct a training on this theory and how it applies to trauma recovery. This episode is a CEU training for the Aspire Group Therapy Practice in Northern Utah.

YouTube Phenom Kelsey Nimbly rejoins the show to help me discuss some of the psychology behind why we done be hatin' on each other all election long. We also discuss Tribalism, One-Shot Learning, and Confirmation Bias, and how to repair election-traumatized relationships. Happy Election Day America! Whoever wins, let's try to play nice!

Craig Pomranz has been an entertainer since he was 12. He recently wrote the children's book "Made by Raffi," in which he tells the story of his Godson's experience learning to knit. The reactions, support, and questions brought up by this young boy's new hobby lead to an important and charming story about gender roles, personal identity, self-confidence, and acceptance. We discuss these things and more, including childhood development, parenting, and the fact that Craig is a delightful person. Buy "Made by Raffi," and check out Craig's website by clicking HERE. Also listen to his Song "Different," on YouTube. This episode in being simelcast for this week's episodes of The Broken Brain and Amygdala Magazine Podcasts.