The Broken Brain

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.

Happy International Podcast Day Braniacs! A little bit from Dwight today about this wonderful new holiday, and the chance it gives us to take stock of our own passions, hobbies, and interests. Hear 3 (or 4 maybe?) tips for embracing your passions for your mental health, stuff that I have picked up through years of counseling. You should read Maisha Johnson's article "KEEP JOY ALIVE: PUSUING MY PASSION FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH," and Kelsey (from wearthelabel.com)'s "HOW MY PASSIONS HAVE HELPED MY MENTAL HEALTH," as your new IPD tradition. The Broken Brain is looking for more listener questions as well for our next #AskATherapist segment, coming soon. email me at dwigthhurst@gmail.com or tweet @breakabrain if you gots any.

Rachel Grant joins me today to discuss her program for recovery from sexual abuse. A survivor and thriver of her own abuse experience, Rachel has trained and worked to become a highly educated and qualified recovery coach. She opens up with me about her experience, recovery, and the techniques she uses to help people work through the recovery process. Check out Rachel's program online at: rachelgrantcoaching.com, or click on rachelgrantcoaching.com/checklist to get her free instructions for recovery.

Namaste and Aloha, Candice is back! Candice Christiansen from Namaste Center for Healing returns to the Broken Brain to discuss Accountability, and the role it plays in addiction and mental health recovery. Hey! Candice also wrote an article about this topic recently, CLICK HERE or go to:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/woe-you-embracing-accountability-your-recovery-candice-christiansen?trk=prof-post to read it.

Anyone who knows Michael Denniston knows he is a born romantic, helpless in the face of any emotionally laden romantic fiction...well maybe... Whether or not that is true, he did get Married last week! Congrats to Mike and Brittany on their nuptials. To celebrate this The Broken Brain is releasing this episode we recorded earlier this year, all about relationship dynamics as depicted in the 2011 film "Crazy Stupid Love." We talk about relationships, fidelity, love, masculinity, a little about childhood development, and a whole lot about RyRy Gosling. When he isn't honeymooning, Michael hosts his own podcasts about movies (War Machine vs War Horse, and Original Remake) and is lord and master of the Following Films Podcasting Network. By the way the picture attached to this episode is of course me and Michael. Vote which one you think is which @breakabrain, #whichiswhich

Kelsey Nimbly joins me to discuss Trust, the dynamics of how it is earned, what it represents, and how to get it back once it is lost. Kelsey is an active YouTuber and a behavioral specialist focused on the use of Brain Science to help with day to day problems. Her channels: "Nimblylife" for adults and "AsPrettyDoes," for teens, host weekly (sometimes daily, holy cow!) YouTube updates teaching skills to help her viewers with self-confidence, addiction, relationships, and more.

You know what's hard? Managing your weight, fitness, and physical health is hard. Whether you need to loose weight, get yourself to eat healthier, or have a dangerous eating disorder, finding a solution isn't easy. Virtually all weight management plans (by themselves) have been demonstrated to be ineffective. Using principles of psychology, addiction recovery, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help with weight and eating related problems, because these approaches look at the underlying causes of the problems. Kwentin Kemp is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of The Greater U, a program dedicated to effective physical and mental treatment of weight related health problems. He and Chris Tittle join me today to discuss this tricky problem through the lens of mental health. Also, check out Charles Duhigg's book that we talk about in the discussion, if you want to...

First of all...I'm not dead, I am very much still alive and a-podcastin'. This mini episode will explain the brief break in the program (the last 2 weeks) and let you know what to expect in the upcoming episodes of The Broken Brain Podcast. BTW, the show is now a proud member of the Core Temp Arts family of podcasts, check out the website or the FaceBook Group to learn more about this network. See you soon with more cool mental health based programming!