

The Broken Brain
Popped Collar Productions
A Psychology & Psychotherapy podcast. Get a therapist's perspective on a variety of topics, some silly and some self-helpy. the Broken Brain is an organized panel discussion, an hour (ish) of therapeutic POV for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 55min
How to Use Chakras with Dr Shai Tubali
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.

Jul 23, 2025 • 53min
Religious & Social Trauma in Queer Patients, with Ann Russo, LCSW
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.

Jul 8, 2025 • 54min
Sexism & Sensibility with Dr Jo-Ann Finkelstein
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

Jul 7, 2025 • 10min
Monday Mental Tip: Assessing Our Expectations
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

Jul 1, 2025 • 55min
Why We Do Things, with JonRobert Tartaglione
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.

Jun 25, 2025 • 57min
A Neurological look at Autism & ADHD, with Dr Steven Lazar
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.

Jun 17, 2025 • 48min
Trauma Informed Violence Recovery with Marcia Holt & Bill Cottringer
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.

Jun 14, 2025 • 1h 44min
RPG in Therapy: Live-Play of Green Oaks, by Roberto de Luca
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.

Jun 10, 2025 • 45min
Cognitive-Behavioral Elements in Health Psychology, with Dr Alan Rozanski
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.

Jun 7, 2025 • 20min
Gender Roles, Invention, and Wheels on Suitcases
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!


