The Broken Brain

I am privileged this episode to have been able to have a conversation with Ana-Maria Leonte, who plays Dasha Promenti in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Ana-Maria talks about this role and her life as an actress, model, and tech expert. She also discusses her passion for advocacy and humanitarianism, working with charities dedicated to equality and world peace, such as Generation Success and Peace One Day. If you are anything like me you will find her own story as compelling as any part of the new Star Wars movie. Make sure to check out Generation Success for their event on March 8th.  Big thanks to Chris Revill of the Lets Chat with Revill and Friends Podcast for helping me to get into contact with Ana-Maria Leonte, and of course super-Star-Wars-Expanded-Universe sized thanks to Ms. Leonte for the generous contribution of her time to speak with me today. 

Chris Revill of the Let's Chat with Revill and Friends Podcast returns to the show to vent and talk about the scandal that recently affected Brain Training giant Lumosity.  We use this as a springboard to chat about pop neurology, brain training, our mutual dislike of positive affirmations, cure-alls in mental health, feeling your feelings, and of course (with us) an overdose of tangents and pop culture references...although I think we avoid any super hero references this time...

I give my take on a news story from last week all about a certain MRA website's jackass founder proposing pro-rape rallies across the world, and a certain Savoy Howe of the Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club using her brilliance and courage to fight back. Originally I came across this story on nymag.com from writer Jessica Roy, and you should read her stuff. 

Narcissism is a chronic and damaging form of self obsession. Ranked as one of the Personality or Trait Disorders by the DSM 5, NPD or Narcissistic Personality Disorder is an ongoing unhealthy survival strategies for life. Even though it can lead to obnoxious, self destructive, or even dangerous behavior. Far from the psychological death sentence that many people think it is, PD is subject to treatment and success, especially if the individual has awareness of their condition. Mike, Lee, and Dwight discuss these things and more on today's episode of The Broken Brain!

In the film Avengers 2: Age of Ultron, the characters are mostly superheroes who have magical, technological, or otherwise comic book enhanced powers. Despite this the main characters frequently refer to themselves as "monsters," throughout the story.  We use this film as a backdrop to talk about self confidence and its relationship to self doubt. We all ride this balance constantly, and the direction we lean can determine our day-to-day choices.  Michael Denniston from the War Machine vs War Horse to add some narrative, storytelling, and movie expertise to the discussion. 

Answering listener questions with Lee Messersmith. We tackle your questions about PTSD, why some are more prone to it than others, how to handle people who think that Mental Health Diagnosis are fake, and (GULP) whether or not we have favorite clients. Want to hear your questions answered on the show? We do this whenever we have enough questions, so send them to us on Twitter @breakabrain or email me directly at dwighthurst@gmail.com 

Blaine Hickman, LCSW, trains the Aspire group on individual and family therapy with LGBTQ individuals who struggle with either personal, family, or societal pressure related to issues of religious belief. Blaine is a specialist in the area of Depression & Anxiety related to faith crisis, religious intolerance, or personal rejection and shame related to sexual orientation, particularly with the LDS (Mormon) population. You can read his blog at http://somestufftoread17.blogspot.com/

David Hart, PhD candidate, researcher, and podcaster joins us to talk about modern trends in addiction research. David is a teacher, psychology student, researcher, and the creator and host of the Pop Culture Case Study Podcast. Join us for a great rollicking good time, which is also our secret bonus addiction themed episode for January!

Jamelia Hand is an expert in addiction, particularly in the medication assisted treatment of addiction. You may not be aware, but there is a debate ranging hard and fast in the world of addiction about whether or not medication can (or should) be used to help wean away from chronic substance abuse. Jamelia was kind enough to talk with us and give us her take on the subject. This is the first episode in January, so therefore it is our monthly Addiction themed episode. 

It's the Christmas & Holiday Episode! Michael Denniston, host & creator of the War Machine vs War Horse Podcast, joins me to discuss Frank Capra's amazing classic "It's a Wonderful Life." We talk about the psychological and storytelling elements and why this movie continues to touch our hearts all the way from the 1940s, as well as pondering why Nick the Bartender was such a dick without George Bailey. Transitional music for this episode was provided by Brian Steckler, with excerpts from his remix of the song "Auld Lang Syne." Check out his YouTube channel: BrianSteckler.   

One of our Group Practice CEU (Continuing Education Unit) trainings, this ones by a real life Legal-Slinging Lawyer! Charles Ahlstrom is a Family and Divorce Attorney who taught us a whole bunch about Protective Orders, their pros and cons, ups and downs. 

Jenna Miller is a Genetic Counselor. "What the hell is that?" you may ask. turns out not only is that a good question, but one that leads to a fascinating conversation! Jenna came to my attention through an article she wrote for the New York Times, and was kind enough to come on the show and talk about this exciting intersection between medical and psychological counseling. 

Shira Goldberg, host of The Addiction Show, an awesome Youtube sensation, dropped by my Google HangOut line to record a podcast and a YouTube show for The Broken Brain. This one is all about staying sober over the holidays, a time with all the trappings & trimmings of a good relapse. We talk about both celebratory and comfort-based relapse, and ways to avoid the pitfalls of drug or alcohol use. Enjoy this one as audio or video (on our YouTube Channel). 

It's an all-cast call for the Broken Brain, as former and frequent guests share what makes them grateful this year, around the US Thanksgiving Holiday. Non Wells of Joy Sandwich also drops by to discuss the deeper meaning and application of gratitude. 

Panel of therapists watching A Nightmare on Elm St and talking about the nature of fear, what is scary, why do we like it...etc! This episode is also the debut of Ivan Rameriz, our sound engineer, as a guest.