Unravelling Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/unravelling How can a deeper understanding of mental health help us see our world, and ourselves, differently? Hosted by therapist Kurt White and journalist Mary Wilson, each episode of Unravelling explores a complex mental health topic with insights from both professionals and people with lived experience. Whether you're trying to make sense of the world or just the slice of it inside of your head, Unravelling is here to foster a more compassionate and informed perspective on life. Brattleboro Retreat dab8a56c-b611-56f3-89aa-271228f3b63e yes Introducing Unravelling en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:40:43 -0400 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:41:18 -0400 https://www.brattlebororetreat.org/ https://img.transistorcdn.com/-2HP0wVIuMcUApy8uGrOCcvt1x_-4ybI0xYL82vOgf4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81NWY1/MWYzNzgwZGIwNmEy/NWNmM2U4N2U3MDA3/NTAwMy5wbmc.jpg Unravelling https://www.brattlebororetreat.org/ episodic Charts & Leisure How can a deeper understanding of mental health help us see our world, and ourselves, differently? Hosted by therapist Kurt White and journalist Mary Wilson, each episode of Unravelling explores a complex mental health topic with insights from both professionals and people with lived experience. Whether you're trying to make sense of the world or just the slice of it inside of your head, Unravelling is here to foster a more compassionate and informed perspective on life. How can a deeper understanding of mental health help us see our world, and ourselves, differently. Brattleboro Retreat mswils00@gmail.com No No We make the story together: Collaborative role-play groups 49 49 We make the story together: Collaborative role-play groups full 3a4999de-1b95-4a57-890d-8ec59558fdde https://share.transistor.fm/s/ef0b36d0 Can a game of Dungeons & Dragons become a powerful tool for therapy?
In this episode of Unravelling, Mary and Kurt explore how tabletop role-playing games are being used in group psychotherapy to help people experiment with new ways of relating, build emotional awareness, and imagine different futures for themselves.
They’re joined by Dr. Vinny Dehili, a licensed psychologist and group therapy specialist, and E. Merten, a clinical social worker and educator. Together, they introduce Collaborative Role-Playing Integrative Therapy (CRIT), an approach that blends the structure of D&D with the goals of process-oriented group therapy.
Through character creation, shared storytelling, and even in-game “failure,” this conversation reveals how fantasy worlds can open up very real possibilities for growth, flexibility, and self-compassion.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. In upcoming episodes, Kurt and Mary, joined by Unravelling producers Andrew and Hans, will step into the game themselves, guided by Vinny and E.

Links:

Change the Narrative Therapy - Vinny Dehili
Advance Psychotherapy Practice - E. Merten
Vinny and E's Substack

]]> Can a game of Dungeons & Dragons become a powerful tool for therapy?
In this episode of Unravelling, Mary and Kurt explore how tabletop role-playing games are being used in group psychotherapy to help people experiment with new ways of relating, build emotional awareness, and imagine different futures for themselves.
They’re joined by Dr. Vinny Dehili, a licensed psychologist and group therapy specialist, and E. Merten, a clinical social worker and educator. Together, they introduce Collaborative Role-Playing Integrative Therapy (CRIT), an approach that blends the structure of D&D with the goals of process-oriented group therapy.
Through character creation, shared storytelling, and even in-game “failure,” this conversation reveals how fantasy worlds can open up very real possibilities for growth, flexibility, and self-compassion.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. In upcoming episodes, Kurt and Mary, joined by Unravelling producers Andrew and Hans, will step into the game themselves, guided by Vinny and E.

Links:

Change the Narrative Therapy - Vinny Dehili
Advance Psychotherapy Practice - E. Merten
Vinny and E's Substack

]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:17:57 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2541 Can a game of Dungeons & Dragons become a powerful tool for therapy?
In this episode of Unravelling, Mary and Kurt explore how tabletop role-playing games are being used in group psychotherapy to help people experiment with new ways of relating, build emotional awareness, and imagine different futures for themselves.
They’re joined by Dr. Vinny Dehili, a licensed psychologist and group therapy specialist, and E. Merten, a clinical social worker and educator. Together, they introduce Collaborative Role-Playing Integrative Therapy (CRIT), an approach that blends the structure of D&D with the goals of process-oriented group therapy.
Through character creation, shared storytelling, and even in-game “failure,” this conversation reveals how fantasy worlds can open up very real possibilities for growth, flexibility, and self-compassion.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. In upcoming episodes, Kurt and Mary, joined by Unravelling producers Andrew and Hans, will step into the game themselves, guided by Vinny and E.

Links:

Change the Narrative Therapy - Vinny Dehili
Advance Psychotherapy Practice - E. Merten
Vinny and E's Substack

]]> Mental health, TTRPG, group Psychotherapy No Not just a mood swing: Untangling the Bipolar spectrum 48 48 Not just a mood swing: Untangling the Bipolar spectrum full a6a92b6c-bc5d-4372-9afb-00104bac2c32 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d0a2e4dd Bipolar disorder is a term many people have heard, but it is often misunderstood. This episode of Unravelling takes a closer look at what bipolar disorder really is and how it shows up in people’s lives.
Kurt speaks with Matt Dove, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, a dual-certified nurse practitioner in family medicine and psychiatric mental health at the Brattleboro Retreat. Their conversation explores the full picture of bipolar disorder, including depression, mania, and hypomania, and how the illness can affect sleep, energy, thinking, relationships, and daily life. They also discuss why the condition is frequently misdiagnosed, how symptoms can overlap with other mental health concerns, and why it can take years for some people to receive the right diagnosis.
Matt shares insights from his clinical work and talks about treatment options such as mood stabilizing medications, the importance of sleep, and the role of therapy and supportive relationships in recovery. He emphasizes that bipolar disorder is treatable. Many people living with it build stable and meaningful lives, and recovery and repair are possible even after difficult episodes

]]> Bipolar disorder is a term many people have heard, but it is often misunderstood. This episode of Unravelling takes a closer look at what bipolar disorder really is and how it shows up in people’s lives.
Kurt speaks with Matt Dove, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, a dual-certified nurse practitioner in family medicine and psychiatric mental health at the Brattleboro Retreat. Their conversation explores the full picture of bipolar disorder, including depression, mania, and hypomania, and how the illness can affect sleep, energy, thinking, relationships, and daily life. They also discuss why the condition is frequently misdiagnosed, how symptoms can overlap with other mental health concerns, and why it can take years for some people to receive the right diagnosis.
Matt shares insights from his clinical work and talks about treatment options such as mood stabilizing medications, the importance of sleep, and the role of therapy and supportive relationships in recovery. He emphasizes that bipolar disorder is treatable. Many people living with it build stable and meaningful lives, and recovery and repair are possible even after difficult episodes

]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:17:59 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2366 Bipolar disorder is a term many people have heard, but it is often misunderstood. This episode of Unravelling takes a closer look at what bipolar disorder really is and how it shows up in people’s lives.
Kurt speaks with Matt Dove, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, a dual-certified nurse practitioner in family medicine and psychiatric mental health at the Brattleboro Retreat. Their conversation explores the full picture of bipolar disorder, including depression, mania, and hypomania, and how the illness can affect sleep, energy, thinking, relationships, and daily life. They also discuss why the condition is frequently misdiagnosed, how symptoms can overlap with other mental health concerns, and why it can take years for some people to receive the right diagnosis.
Matt shares insights from his clinical work and talks about treatment options such as mood stabilizing medications, the importance of sleep, and the role of therapy and supportive relationships in recovery. He emphasizes that bipolar disorder is treatable. Many people living with it build stable and meaningful lives, and recovery and repair are possible even after difficult episodes

]]> Mental health, bipolar disorder No Now we hold each other up: Angela Harrelson on the legacy of George Floyd and the path to collective healing 47 47 Now we hold each other up: Angela Harrelson on the legacy of George Floyd and the path to collective healing full 48dfd438-aaa3-4a27-944e-6597c7d3068d https://share.transistor.fm/s/f72710a6 In this episode of Unravelling, Mary interviews Angela Harrelson, maternal aunt of George Floyd (Perry), a registered nurse, author, and racial justice advocate. Angela remembers Perry as a deeply family-oriented, faithful, and big-hearted dreamer, beyond the global symbol he has become. She describes the shock of his murder during the early pandemic, the disorienting experience of grieving both privately and publicly, and how her grief slowly transformed into purpose through activism and speaking out. Angela reflects on George Floyd Square as a sacred space of collective grief and healing, where people from around the world bring flowers, art, prayers, and stories, and where she has witnessed powerful moments of personal transformation. Throughout, she emphasizes grounding the fight for racial justice in humanity and love.

Links
Interactive Map of George Floyd Square
Rise and Remember
Angela Harrelson's book - Lift Your Voice: How My Nephew George Floyd's Murder Changed the World 

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Mary interviews Angela Harrelson, maternal aunt of George Floyd (Perry), a registered nurse, author, and racial justice advocate. Angela remembers Perry as a deeply family-oriented, faithful, and big-hearted dreamer, beyond the global symbol he has become. She describes the shock of his murder during the early pandemic, the disorienting experience of grieving both privately and publicly, and how her grief slowly transformed into purpose through activism and speaking out. Angela reflects on George Floyd Square as a sacred space of collective grief and healing, where people from around the world bring flowers, art, prayers, and stories, and where she has witnessed powerful moments of personal transformation. Throughout, she emphasizes grounding the fight for racial justice in humanity and love.

Links
Interactive Map of George Floyd Square
Rise and Remember
Angela Harrelson's book - Lift Your Voice: How My Nephew George Floyd's Murder Changed the World 

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:15:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2642 In this episode of Unravelling, Mary interviews Angela Harrelson, maternal aunt of George Floyd (Perry), a registered nurse, author, and racial justice advocate. Angela remembers Perry as a deeply family-oriented, faithful, and big-hearted dreamer, beyond the global symbol he has become. She describes the shock of his murder during the early pandemic, the disorienting experience of grieving both privately and publicly, and how her grief slowly transformed into purpose through activism and speaking out. Angela reflects on George Floyd Square as a sacred space of collective grief and healing, where people from around the world bring flowers, art, prayers, and stories, and where she has witnessed powerful moments of personal transformation. Throughout, she emphasizes grounding the fight for racial justice in humanity and love.

Links
Interactive Map of George Floyd Square
Rise and Remember
Angela Harrelson's book - Lift Your Voice: How My Nephew George Floyd's Murder Changed the World 

]]> Collective grief and trauma, activism, mental health, racism No Giving the music life: Remembering Dad one record at a time 46 46 Giving the music life: Remembering Dad one record at a time full cfc18a18-2e4a-4dd8-ab0f-ac048264f42a https://share.transistor.fm/s/93c6c6dd This episode of Unravelling explores how grief unfolds not only within us but also in community. Kurt interviews Nikki, creator of the Instagram project Dad’s Vinyl Stash, which she began after the death of her father, Bobby, a passionate and deeply private drummer with a vast record collection. By sharing his albums one by one, Nikki continues her relationship with him through the music he loved. She reflects on growing up with a father whose drumming and records formed the soundtrack of her life, and how songs from artists like Pat Benatar, Def Leppard, Robbie Robertson, Cigarettes After Sex, and Beach House now bring him instantly to mind. She also shares the lesson her father taught her about sitting back and simply listening, a practice that now shapes how she approaches grief.

Nikki explains why she chose to share such a personal process publicly and how the community around Dad’s Vinyl Stash has become a place where others reflect on their own losses. Together, they explore how music, memory, and storytelling can help people stay connected to those they love while creating space for healing.

Follow Dad's Vinyl Stash on Instagram

]]> This episode of Unravelling explores how grief unfolds not only within us but also in community. Kurt interviews Nikki, creator of the Instagram project Dad’s Vinyl Stash, which she began after the death of her father, Bobby, a passionate and deeply private drummer with a vast record collection. By sharing his albums one by one, Nikki continues her relationship with him through the music he loved. She reflects on growing up with a father whose drumming and records formed the soundtrack of her life, and how songs from artists like Pat Benatar, Def Leppard, Robbie Robertson, Cigarettes After Sex, and Beach House now bring him instantly to mind. She also shares the lesson her father taught her about sitting back and simply listening, a practice that now shapes how she approaches grief.

Nikki explains why she chose to share such a personal process publicly and how the community around Dad’s Vinyl Stash has become a place where others reflect on their own losses. Together, they explore how music, memory, and storytelling can help people stay connected to those they love while creating space for healing.

Follow Dad's Vinyl Stash on Instagram

]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2393 This episode of Unravelling explores how grief unfolds not only within us but also in community. Kurt interviews Nikki, creator of the Instagram project Dad’s Vinyl Stash, which she began after the death of her father, Bobby, a passionate and deeply private drummer with a vast record collection. By sharing his albums one by one, Nikki continues her relationship with him through the music he loved. She reflects on growing up with a father whose drumming and records formed the soundtrack of her life, and how songs from artists like Pat Benatar, Def Leppard, Robbie Robertson, Cigarettes After Sex, and Beach House now bring him instantly to mind. She also shares the lesson her father taught her about sitting back and simply listening, a practice that now shapes how she approaches grief.

Nikki explains why she chose to share such a personal process publicly and how the community around Dad’s Vinyl Stash has become a place where others reflect on their own losses. Together, they explore how music, memory, and storytelling can help people stay connected to those they love while creating space for healing.

Follow Dad's Vinyl Stash on Instagram

]]> No Comfortably uncomfortable: An introduction to psychotherapy 45 45 Comfortably uncomfortable: An introduction to psychotherapy full 7d12f80b-19a1-4f44-96b0-327a94c75e81 https://share.transistor.fm/s/721ab8b9 Why are there so many types of psychotherapists and mental health professionals, and what do they all DO? On this episode, we take a deep dive into the messy, overlapping histories of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Mary and producer Hans ask Kurt many questions about all of this, looking to get to the bottom of what all of this is about. Kurt shares guideposts for finding the right fit in a psychotherapist, explores the 'pace of safety' in sharing one's story, and explains how therapy helps us metabolize the hard things in life. Whether you’re just curious or currently seeking, this episode replaces professional jargon with a light of clarity.

References:
Benjamin Rush, Medical Inquiries and Observations, On Diseases of the Mind (1812)
William James, Principles of Psychology (1890) 
Sigmund Freud, The Interpretation of Dreams (1900)
Important moments in history of Psychiatry
Friendly Visiting Among the Poor: A Handbook for Charity Workers (1899)

]]> Why are there so many types of psychotherapists and mental health professionals, and what do they all DO? On this episode, we take a deep dive into the messy, overlapping histories of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Mary and producer Hans ask Kurt many questions about all of this, looking to get to the bottom of what all of this is about. Kurt shares guideposts for finding the right fit in a psychotherapist, explores the 'pace of safety' in sharing one's story, and explains how therapy helps us metabolize the hard things in life. Whether you’re just curious or currently seeking, this episode replaces professional jargon with a light of clarity.

References:
Benjamin Rush, Medical Inquiries and Observations, On Diseases of the Mind (1812)
William James, Principles of Psychology (1890) 
Sigmund Freud, The Interpretation of Dreams (1900)
Important moments in history of Psychiatry
Friendly Visiting Among the Poor: A Handbook for Charity Workers (1899)

]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:30:28 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2664 Why are there so many types of psychotherapists and mental health professionals, and what do they all DO? On this episode, we take a deep dive into the messy, overlapping histories of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Mary and producer Hans ask Kurt many questions about all of this, looking to get to the bottom of what all of this is about. Kurt shares guideposts for finding the right fit in a psychotherapist, explores the 'pace of safety' in sharing one's story, and explains how therapy helps us metabolize the hard things in life. Whether you’re just curious or currently seeking, this episode replaces professional jargon with a light of clarity.

References:
Benjamin Rush, Medical Inquiries and Observations, On Diseases of the Mind (1812)
William James, Principles of Psychology (1890) 
Sigmund Freud, The Interpretation of Dreams (1900)
Important moments in history of Psychiatry
Friendly Visiting Among the Poor: A Handbook for Charity Workers (1899)

]]> Mental health, Psychotherapy No A Cage on Mars: Peter Mendelsund on Depression's Alienation 44 44 A Cage on Mars: Peter Mendelsund on Depression's Alienation full a3979ceb-a416-4f6d-995a-6de967cc6aa8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b0ecfff4 Recorded at the 2025 Brattleboro Literary Festival, Kurt White speaks with author, designer, and Creative Director of The Atlantic, Peter Mendelsund. Their conversation centers on Mendelsund’s book Exhibitionist: 1 Journal, 1 Depression, 100 Paintings, an unconventional work that pairs personal journal entries with paintings created during a period of severe depression. Through vivid, abstract imagery and unfiltered reflection, Mendelsund explores the lived experience of depression, including its loneliness, alienation, shame, and the difficulty of sharing suffering with loved ones. He speaks candidly about bipolar depression, suicidal ideation, the limits of creativity as a coping mechanism, and the life-saving roles of therapy, medication, and human connection. The conversation reflects on the slow work of getting through each day, the courage it takes to ask for help, and the possibility of greater openness and compassion on the other side of despair.

Links:
Peter Mendelsund's website
Paintings by Peter Mendelsund
Exhibitionist and other books by Peter Mendelsund
Brattleboro Literary Festival

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Dial or text 988 in the US and Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

]]> Recorded at the 2025 Brattleboro Literary Festival, Kurt White speaks with author, designer, and Creative Director of The Atlantic, Peter Mendelsund. Their conversation centers on Mendelsund’s book Exhibitionist: 1 Journal, 1 Depression, 100 Paintings, an unconventional work that pairs personal journal entries with paintings created during a period of severe depression. Through vivid, abstract imagery and unfiltered reflection, Mendelsund explores the lived experience of depression, including its loneliness, alienation, shame, and the difficulty of sharing suffering with loved ones. He speaks candidly about bipolar depression, suicidal ideation, the limits of creativity as a coping mechanism, and the life-saving roles of therapy, medication, and human connection. The conversation reflects on the slow work of getting through each day, the courage it takes to ask for help, and the possibility of greater openness and compassion on the other side of despair.

Links:
Peter Mendelsund's website
Paintings by Peter Mendelsund
Exhibitionist and other books by Peter Mendelsund
Brattleboro Literary Festival

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Dial or text 988 in the US and Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:14:38 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2508 Recorded at the 2025 Brattleboro Literary Festival, Kurt White speaks with author, designer, and Creative Director of The Atlantic, Peter Mendelsund. Their conversation centers on Mendelsund’s book Exhibitionist: 1 Journal, 1 Depression, 100 Paintings, an unconventional work that pairs personal journal entries with paintings created during a period of severe depression. Through vivid, abstract imagery and unfiltered reflection, Mendelsund explores the lived experience of depression, including its loneliness, alienation, shame, and the difficulty of sharing suffering with loved ones. He speaks candidly about bipolar depression, suicidal ideation, the limits of creativity as a coping mechanism, and the life-saving roles of therapy, medication, and human connection. The conversation reflects on the slow work of getting through each day, the courage it takes to ask for help, and the possibility of greater openness and compassion on the other side of despair.

Links:
Peter Mendelsund's website
Paintings by Peter Mendelsund
Exhibitionist and other books by Peter Mendelsund
Brattleboro Literary Festival

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Dial or text 988 in the US and Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

]]> Mental health, depression, literature No Shred Sisters: Understanding Bipolar Disorder through Literature and Lived Experience 43 43 Shred Sisters: Understanding Bipolar Disorder through Literature and Lived Experience full 82f2a1bf-6d7c-42a8-a5db-fdde512ce506 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d0592954 In this episode of Unravelling, recorded at the 2025 Brattleboro Literary Festival, Mary Wilson sits down with author and literary agent Betsy Lerner for an intimate conversation about writing, mental illness, and family dynamics.
Betsy shares how she began keeping diaries as a child after reading Anne Frank, using journaling to process secret feelings and a sense of being different within her family. She discusses her early diagnosis of bipolar disorder at 15, years of ineffective treatment, and how finally finding the right care in her 30s allowed her to live stably and write clearly for decades.

The conversation centers on Betsy’s novel Shred Sisters, which blends fiction with emotional truth to explore bipolar disorder, sibling rivalry, and shame. Betsy speaks about her mission to destigmatize bipolar disorder, challenge sensationalized portrayals, and validate both those living with bipolar disorder and their loved ones, while emphasizing the importance of boundaries and self-preservation.

She also discusses her popular TikTok diary project! Her social media account encourages young people to prioritize mental health, keep handwritten journals, and seek help.

Links -
Visit Betsy Lerner's website
Buy Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner
Follow Betsy Lerner on TikTok
Brattleboro Literary Festival

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, recorded at the 2025 Brattleboro Literary Festival, Mary Wilson sits down with author and literary agent Betsy Lerner for an intimate conversation about writing, mental illness, and family dynamics.
Betsy shares how she began keeping diaries as a child after reading Anne Frank, using journaling to process secret feelings and a sense of being different within her family. She discusses her early diagnosis of bipolar disorder at 15, years of ineffective treatment, and how finally finding the right care in her 30s allowed her to live stably and write clearly for decades.

The conversation centers on Betsy’s novel Shred Sisters, which blends fiction with emotional truth to explore bipolar disorder, sibling rivalry, and shame. Betsy speaks about her mission to destigmatize bipolar disorder, challenge sensationalized portrayals, and validate both those living with bipolar disorder and their loved ones, while emphasizing the importance of boundaries and self-preservation.

She also discusses her popular TikTok diary project! Her social media account encourages young people to prioritize mental health, keep handwritten journals, and seek help.

Links -
Visit Betsy Lerner's website
Buy Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner
Follow Betsy Lerner on TikTok
Brattleboro Literary Festival

]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:24:29 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2164 In this episode of Unravelling, recorded at the 2025 Brattleboro Literary Festival, Mary Wilson sits down with author and literary agent Betsy Lerner for an intimate conversation about writing, mental illness, and family dynamics.
Betsy shares how she began keeping diaries as a child after reading Anne Frank, using journaling to process secret feelings and a sense of being different within her family. She discusses her early diagnosis of bipolar disorder at 15, years of ineffective treatment, and how finally finding the right care in her 30s allowed her to live stably and write clearly for decades.

The conversation centers on Betsy’s novel Shred Sisters, which blends fiction with emotional truth to explore bipolar disorder, sibling rivalry, and shame. Betsy speaks about her mission to destigmatize bipolar disorder, challenge sensationalized portrayals, and validate both those living with bipolar disorder and their loved ones, while emphasizing the importance of boundaries and self-preservation.

She also discusses her popular TikTok diary project! Her social media account encourages young people to prioritize mental health, keep handwritten journals, and seek help.

Links -
Visit Betsy Lerner's website
Buy Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner
Follow Betsy Lerner on TikTok
Brattleboro Literary Festival

]]> Mental health, bipolar disorder, literature No Treat the poison: MLK Jr.'s challenge to mental health 42 42 Treat the poison: MLK Jr.'s challenge to mental health full 62845ece-face-444e-b990-d6592464d605 https://share.transistor.fm/s/13ac9785 This episode explores how the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to shape conversations about mental health. Mary speaks with Kurt and special guest Dr. Nnamdi Pole, who for the past five years have collaborated on annual MLK Day presentations at the Brattleboro Retreat, a mental health hospital in Vermont. The live events draw directly from King’s speeches and writings to examine racism as a central mental health issue. From King’s 1967 APA keynote, where he challenged psychologists to stop pathologizing Black communities and instead confront the psychological damage of racism itself, to his framing of racism as a societal “poison,” the conversation traces how King’s ideas remain urgently relevant amid contemporary racial conflict and political polarization.

They preview an upcoming MLK Day presentation focused on derogatory speech in inpatient settings, using King’s own words as a guide for naming harm, supporting staff, and shaping compassionate but clear institutional responses. Throughout, the discussion returns to King’s enduring challenge-- a commitment to love and hope, even, and especially, in difficult times.

Links:
MLK's speech at the APA's 1967 Convention in Washington, D.C.
I Have a Dream Speech
Where Do We Go From Here?  

]]> This episode explores how the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to shape conversations about mental health. Mary speaks with Kurt and special guest Dr. Nnamdi Pole, who for the past five years have collaborated on annual MLK Day presentations at the Brattleboro Retreat, a mental health hospital in Vermont. The live events draw directly from King’s speeches and writings to examine racism as a central mental health issue. From King’s 1967 APA keynote, where he challenged psychologists to stop pathologizing Black communities and instead confront the psychological damage of racism itself, to his framing of racism as a societal “poison,” the conversation traces how King’s ideas remain urgently relevant amid contemporary racial conflict and political polarization.

They preview an upcoming MLK Day presentation focused on derogatory speech in inpatient settings, using King’s own words as a guide for naming harm, supporting staff, and shaping compassionate but clear institutional responses. Throughout, the discussion returns to King’s enduring challenge-- a commitment to love and hope, even, and especially, in difficult times.

Links:
MLK's speech at the APA's 1967 Convention in Washington, D.C.
I Have a Dream Speech
Where Do We Go From Here?  

]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:25:04 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2433 This episode explores how the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to shape conversations about mental health. Mary speaks with Kurt and special guest Dr. Nnamdi Pole, who for the past five years have collaborated on annual MLK Day presentations at the Brattleboro Retreat, a mental health hospital in Vermont. The live events draw directly from King’s speeches and writings to examine racism as a central mental health issue. From King’s 1967 APA keynote, where he challenged psychologists to stop pathologizing Black communities and instead confront the psychological damage of racism itself, to his framing of racism as a societal “poison,” the conversation traces how King’s ideas remain urgently relevant amid contemporary racial conflict and political polarization.

They preview an upcoming MLK Day presentation focused on derogatory speech in inpatient settings, using King’s own words as a guide for naming harm, supporting staff, and shaping compassionate but clear institutional responses. Throughout, the discussion returns to King’s enduring challenge-- a commitment to love and hope, even, and especially, in difficult times.

Links:
MLK's speech at the APA's 1967 Convention in Washington, D.C.
I Have a Dream Speech
Where Do We Go From Here?  

]]> Mental health, social justice, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. No Tending the wound, holding the vision 41 41 Tending the wound, holding the vision full b3cf996b-636f-41f1-a28b-86e40579dd8a https://share.transistor.fm/s/05f77555 As the year comes to a close, Mary and Kurt welcome listeners to a reflective New Year’s conversation from Dr. Justin Hecht, Jungian analyst and psychologist. This episode explores the cyclical nature of endings and beginnings, and how pain, grief, and disappointment can be metabolized into vision, vocation, and hope. Drawing on Jungian ideas of individuation, the “wound and the vision,” Dr. Hecht shares clinical insights and personal stories about midlife crisis, creativity, spirituality, and the importance of holding a vision, sometimes with the help of therapists, groups, or community, when we cannot hold it ourselves.

Links: 

Visit Dr. Justin Hecht's website - https://www.justinhecht.com/

More about Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D - 
https://www.jeanbolen.com/

More about Auld Lang Syne -
https://genius.com/Robert-burns-auld-lang-syne-annotated

More about Year Compass:
https://yearcompass.com/

]]> As the year comes to a close, Mary and Kurt welcome listeners to a reflective New Year’s conversation from Dr. Justin Hecht, Jungian analyst and psychologist. This episode explores the cyclical nature of endings and beginnings, and how pain, grief, and disappointment can be metabolized into vision, vocation, and hope. Drawing on Jungian ideas of individuation, the “wound and the vision,” Dr. Hecht shares clinical insights and personal stories about midlife crisis, creativity, spirituality, and the importance of holding a vision, sometimes with the help of therapists, groups, or community, when we cannot hold it ourselves.

Links: 

Visit Dr. Justin Hecht's website - https://www.justinhecht.com/

More about Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D - 
https://www.jeanbolen.com/

More about Auld Lang Syne -
https://genius.com/Robert-burns-auld-lang-syne-annotated

More about Year Compass:
https://yearcompass.com/

]]> Wed, 31 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2603 As the year comes to a close, Mary and Kurt welcome listeners to a reflective New Year’s conversation from Dr. Justin Hecht, Jungian analyst and psychologist. This episode explores the cyclical nature of endings and beginnings, and how pain, grief, and disappointment can be metabolized into vision, vocation, and hope. Drawing on Jungian ideas of individuation, the “wound and the vision,” Dr. Hecht shares clinical insights and personal stories about midlife crisis, creativity, spirituality, and the importance of holding a vision, sometimes with the help of therapists, groups, or community, when we cannot hold it ourselves.

Links: 

Visit Dr. Justin Hecht's website - https://www.justinhecht.com/

More about Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D - 
https://www.jeanbolen.com/

More about Auld Lang Syne -
https://genius.com/Robert-burns-auld-lang-syne-annotated

More about Year Compass:
https://yearcompass.com/

]]> Jungian psychology, psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, mental health No No neutral ground: Navigating the political self 40 40 No neutral ground: Navigating the political self full 5f6b9528-5771-44e3-a307-2ef2f74698e2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5f3c37da In this special roundtable episode, Unravelling turns its focus to the complex intersection of politics and mental health. Hosts Kurt and Mary are joined by clinicians Sarah Turbow and Dr. Geoff Kane, and researcher and professor Dr. Nnamdi Pole, for a conversation on how political identity, policy, and power shape our inner lives and the lives of the patients clinicians serve. The panel examines how social and political forces enter the therapy room, from the psychological toll of polarization and systemic inequities to the loss of agency many individuals experience in response to policy decisions.
The panelists reflect on their own clinical experiences navigating political differences, examining how therapists can acknowledge political stressors without compromising the therapeutic alliance. They debate the ethics of neutrality versus self-disclosure and raise broader questions about the role of mental health professionals in engaging with public health, social responsibility, and efforts to address the systemic conditions that shape mental health.

If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> In this special roundtable episode, Unravelling turns its focus to the complex intersection of politics and mental health. Hosts Kurt and Mary are joined by clinicians Sarah Turbow and Dr. Geoff Kane, and researcher and professor Dr. Nnamdi Pole, for a conversation on how political identity, policy, and power shape our inner lives and the lives of the patients clinicians serve. The panel examines how social and political forces enter the therapy room, from the psychological toll of polarization and systemic inequities to the loss of agency many individuals experience in response to policy decisions.
The panelists reflect on their own clinical experiences navigating political differences, examining how therapists can acknowledge political stressors without compromising the therapeutic alliance. They debate the ethics of neutrality versus self-disclosure and raise broader questions about the role of mental health professionals in engaging with public health, social responsibility, and efforts to address the systemic conditions that shape mental health.

If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:05:52 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 3380 In this special roundtable episode, Unravelling turns its focus to the complex intersection of politics and mental health. Hosts Kurt and Mary are joined by clinicians Sarah Turbow and Dr. Geoff Kane, and researcher and professor Dr. Nnamdi Pole, for a conversation on how political identity, policy, and power shape our inner lives and the lives of the patients clinicians serve. The panel examines how social and political forces enter the therapy room, from the psychological toll of polarization and systemic inequities to the loss of agency many individuals experience in response to policy decisions.
The panelists reflect on their own clinical experiences navigating political differences, examining how therapists can acknowledge political stressors without compromising the therapeutic alliance. They debate the ethics of neutrality versus self-disclosure and raise broader questions about the role of mental health professionals in engaging with public health, social responsibility, and efforts to address the systemic conditions that shape mental health.

If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> No Architecture of the self: Gene expression, environment, and adaptation 39 39 Architecture of the self: Gene expression, environment, and adaptation full bc56d431-2cef-4dfe-9e87-095ef1981c88 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0a2975ce In the final installment of our special series, Architecture of the Self, Kurt and Mary dive into the future of mental health through the lens of epigenetics. Featuring Dr. Tesfaye Mersha, epigenetics expert, Endowed Chair, and Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and weaving in insights from earlier guests in the series, this episode explores how genetics, environment, and life experiences shape who we become, and how trauma and healing can leave lasting marks at the genetic level. Discover why adaptation, not destiny, is at the heart of mental health and why new science offers hope for more personalized and effective treatments.

Links - 

Learn more about the Mersha Lab: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/a/asthma/labs/mersha

Be sure to listen to the other episodes in this series: Architecture of the Self: Diagnosis, Architecture of the Self: Memory, Dissociation, and Traumatic Experiences, and Architecture of the Self: Unlocking Neuroplasticity 

]]> In the final installment of our special series, Architecture of the Self, Kurt and Mary dive into the future of mental health through the lens of epigenetics. Featuring Dr. Tesfaye Mersha, epigenetics expert, Endowed Chair, and Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and weaving in insights from earlier guests in the series, this episode explores how genetics, environment, and life experiences shape who we become, and how trauma and healing can leave lasting marks at the genetic level. Discover why adaptation, not destiny, is at the heart of mental health and why new science offers hope for more personalized and effective treatments.

Links - 

Learn more about the Mersha Lab: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/a/asthma/labs/mersha

Be sure to listen to the other episodes in this series: Architecture of the Self: Diagnosis, Architecture of the Self: Memory, Dissociation, and Traumatic Experiences, and Architecture of the Self: Unlocking Neuroplasticity 

]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:22:09 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1805 In the final installment of our special series, Architecture of the Self, Kurt and Mary dive into the future of mental health through the lens of epigenetics. Featuring Dr. Tesfaye Mersha, epigenetics expert, Endowed Chair, and Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and weaving in insights from earlier guests in the series, this episode explores how genetics, environment, and life experiences shape who we become, and how trauma and healing can leave lasting marks at the genetic level. Discover why adaptation, not destiny, is at the heart of mental health and why new science offers hope for more personalized and effective treatments.

Links - 

Learn more about the Mersha Lab: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/a/asthma/labs/mersha

Be sure to listen to the other episodes in this series: Architecture of the Self: Diagnosis, Architecture of the Self: Memory, Dissociation, and Traumatic Experiences, and Architecture of the Self: Unlocking Neuroplasticity 

]]> mental health, epigenetics, genetics, adaptation No Architecture of the self: Unlocking neuroplasticity 38 38 Architecture of the self: Unlocking neuroplasticity full 9781a35b-fd76-430b-8ec6-484df9ea1607 https://share.transistor.fm/s/67416a0e In part three of our special series, Architecture of the Self, Kurt sits down with neuroscientist and pioneer in the world of psychedelic research, Dr. Gül Dölen, to explore the concept of “critical periods,” unique windows when the brain is most open to learning and change. Dr. Dölen explains how these periods shape everything from language and social behavior to habits and personality, drawing on decades of research that reveal why early experiences hold such lasting power.

The conversation explores how and when these windows can reopen: naturally, after injury, or through Dr. Dölen’s discovery that psychedelics like MDMA, ketamine, psilocybin, and LSD can create a state of heightened plasticity in the adult brain. She also discusses why environment, support, and therapeutic integration are essential for turning that plasticity into meaningful growth and healing.
Join us for a look at the future of medicine, mental health and the new possibilities for healing, growth, and lasting change at any stage of life.

Links:
dölenLAB: exploring critical periods, psychedelics, and the social brain

]]> In part three of our special series, Architecture of the Self, Kurt sits down with neuroscientist and pioneer in the world of psychedelic research, Dr. Gül Dölen, to explore the concept of “critical periods,” unique windows when the brain is most open to learning and change. Dr. Dölen explains how these periods shape everything from language and social behavior to habits and personality, drawing on decades of research that reveal why early experiences hold such lasting power.

The conversation explores how and when these windows can reopen: naturally, after injury, or through Dr. Dölen’s discovery that psychedelics like MDMA, ketamine, psilocybin, and LSD can create a state of heightened plasticity in the adult brain. She also discusses why environment, support, and therapeutic integration are essential for turning that plasticity into meaningful growth and healing.
Join us for a look at the future of medicine, mental health and the new possibilities for healing, growth, and lasting change at any stage of life.

Links:
dölenLAB: exploring critical periods, psychedelics, and the social brain

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:04:26 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2563 In part three of our special series, Architecture of the Self, Kurt sits down with neuroscientist and pioneer in the world of psychedelic research, Dr. Gül Dölen, to explore the concept of “critical periods,” unique windows when the brain is most open to learning and change. Dr. Dölen explains how these periods shape everything from language and social behavior to habits and personality, drawing on decades of research that reveal why early experiences hold such lasting power.

The conversation explores how and when these windows can reopen: naturally, after injury, or through Dr. Dölen’s discovery that psychedelics like MDMA, ketamine, psilocybin, and LSD can create a state of heightened plasticity in the adult brain. She also discusses why environment, support, and therapeutic integration are essential for turning that plasticity into meaningful growth and healing.
Join us for a look at the future of medicine, mental health and the new possibilities for healing, growth, and lasting change at any stage of life.

Links:
dölenLAB: exploring critical periods, psychedelics, and the social brain

]]> mental health, developmental neuroscience, critical periods, psychedelic science No Architecture of the Self: Memory, Dissociation, and Traumatic Experiences 37 37 Architecture of the Self: Memory, Dissociation, and Traumatic Experiences full 99370aff-4119-48d6-a04a-ca2f2d398381 https://share.transistor.fm/s/40688121 On today's episode of Unravelling, we continue our exploration of the architecture of the sellf as Mary sits down with Dr. J. Douglas Bremner, who has spent much of his career exploring trauma, memory, and dissociation. Trauma-related diagnoses are especially significant in the mental health field, because they can be quite disabling and are also not uncommon, and also because they represent a problem that develops at the intersection of mind and body, biology and experience, past experience and the present moment. Mary and Dr. Bremner cover much terrain in this exploration of how memory works, why it gets interrupted by trauma, and what all of this shows us about how the mind works. 

Dr Bremner's Bio:

J. Douglas Bremner, MD, is  Professor of Psychiatry and Radiology and Director of the Emory Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Staff Psychiatrist at the Atlanta VAMC in Decatur, Georgia. Dr. Bremner moved to Emory from Yale in November of 2000 where he spent the first 12 years of his career.

Dr. Bremner’s research has used neuroimaging and neurobiology measures to study the neural correlates and neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to combat and childhood abuse, as well as the related area of depression. His more recent work is expanding to look at the relationship between brain, behavior, and physical health including studies of heart disease and the brain. Dr. Bremner has worked continuously throughout his career as a physician scientist, with the support of funding from two successive VA Career Development Awards, VA Merit Review, NIH, DOD, and various private sources. His research included studies of the neurobiology and assessment of PTSD, hippocampus and memory in PTSD and depression, neural correlates of declarative memory and traumatic remembrance in PTSD, PET measurement of neuroreceptor binding in mood and anxiety disorders, neural correlates of myocardial ischemia, and the effects of treatments on the  brain including psychotropic medication, mindfulness training, and Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS).

Dr. Bremner has authored or co-authored over 400 peer reviewed articles and book chapters, and written or edited nine books, including Does Stress Damage the Brain? Understanding Trauma-Related Disorders from a Mind-Body Perspective published by W.W. Norton & Co. (2002), You Can’t Just Snap Out of It (2014) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: From Neurobiology to Treatment (Wiley, 2016, Edited). He is on the editorial boards of several journals and has received several awards for his work, including the Chaim Danieli Award for Research and Service in Traumatic Stress from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the Millipub Award for highly cited publications from Emory University (2016, 2018). His personal website is at dougbremner.com.

]]> On today's episode of Unravelling, we continue our exploration of the architecture of the sellf as Mary sits down with Dr. J. Douglas Bremner, who has spent much of his career exploring trauma, memory, and dissociation. Trauma-related diagnoses are especially significant in the mental health field, because they can be quite disabling and are also not uncommon, and also because they represent a problem that develops at the intersection of mind and body, biology and experience, past experience and the present moment. Mary and Dr. Bremner cover much terrain in this exploration of how memory works, why it gets interrupted by trauma, and what all of this shows us about how the mind works. 

Dr Bremner's Bio:

J. Douglas Bremner, MD, is  Professor of Psychiatry and Radiology and Director of the Emory Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Staff Psychiatrist at the Atlanta VAMC in Decatur, Georgia. Dr. Bremner moved to Emory from Yale in November of 2000 where he spent the first 12 years of his career.

Dr. Bremner’s research has used neuroimaging and neurobiology measures to study the neural correlates and neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to combat and childhood abuse, as well as the related area of depression. His more recent work is expanding to look at the relationship between brain, behavior, and physical health including studies of heart disease and the brain. Dr. Bremner has worked continuously throughout his career as a physician scientist, with the support of funding from two successive VA Career Development Awards, VA Merit Review, NIH, DOD, and various private sources. His research included studies of the neurobiology and assessment of PTSD, hippocampus and memory in PTSD and depression, neural correlates of declarative memory and traumatic remembrance in PTSD, PET measurement of neuroreceptor binding in mood and anxiety disorders, neural correlates of myocardial ischemia, and the effects of treatments on the  brain including psychotropic medication, mindfulness training, and Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS).

Dr. Bremner has authored or co-authored over 400 peer reviewed articles and book chapters, and written or edited nine books, including Does Stress Damage the Brain? Understanding Trauma-Related Disorders from a Mind-Body Perspective published by W.W. Norton & Co. (2002), You Can’t Just Snap Out of It (2014) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: From Neurobiology to Treatment (Wiley, 2016, Edited). He is on the editorial boards of several journals and has received several awards for his work, including the Chaim Danieli Award for Research and Service in Traumatic Stress from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the Millipub Award for highly cited publications from Emory University (2016, 2018). His personal website is at dougbremner.com.

]]> Wed, 05 Nov 2025 07:10:01 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2676 On today's episode of Unravelling, we continue our exploration of the architecture of the sellf as Mary sits down with Dr. J. Douglas Bremner, who has spent much of his career exploring trauma, memory, and dissociation. Trauma-related diagnoses are especially significant in the mental health field, because they can be quite disabling and are also not uncommon, and also because they represent a problem that develops at the intersection of mind and body, biology and experience, past experience and the present moment. Mary and Dr. Bremner cover much terrain in this exploration of how memory works, why it gets interrupted by trauma, and what all of this shows us about how the mind works. 

Dr Bremner's Bio:

J. Douglas Bremner, MD, is  Professor of Psychiatry and Radiology and Director of the Emory Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Staff Psychiatrist at the Atlanta VAMC in Decatur, Georgia. Dr. Bremner moved to Emory from Yale in November of 2000 where he spent the first 12 years of his career.

Dr. Bremner’s research has used neuroimaging and neurobiology measures to study the neural correlates and neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to combat and childhood abuse, as well as the related area of depression. His more recent work is expanding to look at the relationship between brain, behavior, and physical health including studies of heart disease and the brain. Dr. Bremner has worked continuously throughout his career as a physician scientist, with the support of funding from two successive VA Career Development Awards, VA Merit Review, NIH, DOD, and various private sources. His research included studies of the neurobiology and assessment of PTSD, hippocampus and memory in PTSD and depression, neural correlates of declarative memory and traumatic remembrance in PTSD, PET measurement of neuroreceptor binding in mood and anxiety disorders, neural correlates of myocardial ischemia, and the effects of treatments on the  brain including psychotropic medication, mindfulness training, and Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS).

Dr. Bremner has authored or co-authored over 400 peer reviewed articles and book chapters, and written or edited nine books, including Does Stress Damage the Brain? Understanding Trauma-Related Disorders from a Mind-Body Perspective published by W.W. Norton & Co. (2002), You Can’t Just Snap Out of It (2014) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: From Neurobiology to Treatment (Wiley, 2016, Edited). He is on the editorial boards of several journals and has received several awards for his work, including the Chaim Danieli Award for Research and Service in Traumatic Stress from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the Millipub Award for highly cited publications from Emory University (2016, 2018). His personal website is at dougbremner.com.

]]> Memory, dissociation, psychological trauma, mental health No Architecture of the Self: Diagnosis 36 36 Architecture of the Self: Diagnosis full 1430ac7e-e0e6-46fc-be67-901a36735016 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aba1428b This episode is the first in a series of four episodes that we are calling "the architecture of the self" wherein we explore human development, genetics and epigenetics, memory and trauma, and, today, diagnosis and the delineation of "normal" and "abnormal" in the field of mental health. These episodes can all be listened to on their own, but each of them is exploring contributions from medicine, psychiatry, and psychology to shed light on the complicated question of how we become who we are. 

Kurt speaks with Smith College Professor Emeritus Randy O. Frost, whose decades of teaching, research, and publication experience -- as well as his participation in working groups which helped revise diagnostic criteria (for Hoarding Disorder, though that topic is not the focus today) -- make him the perfect person to help us unpack what "diagnosis" in mental health IS and ISN'T, from historical, research, and cultural perspectives. In a special "in-studio" sit down, they dive deep into this topic from the code of Hammurabi to DSM-5 and set the table for the series of episodes to come!

Bio:
Dr. Randy O. Frost is the Harold and Elsa Siipola Israel Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Smith College. He is an internationally recognized expert on obsessive-compulsive disorder and hoarding disorder and has published more than 200 scientific articles, books, and book chapters on these topics. Dr. Frost has served on the Scientific Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and has been co-editor of the Hoarding Center on the IOCDF website. He has co-authored several books on hoarding including Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding. Buried in Treasures received a Self-Help Book of Merit Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy in 2010. This book is the backbone of the Buried in Treasures Workshops that have been found to produce significant improvements in hoarding behaviors and are now running in many locations around the world. He has also published the Compulsive Hoarding and Acquiring Therapist Guide and client Workbook. All three of these books are in their second editions. His book, Stuff: Compulsive hoarding and the meaning of things, was a finalist for the 2010 Books for a Better Life Award. Stuff was also a New York Times Bestseller and named a Must-Read Book for 2011 by Massachusetts Book Awards. Stuff has been translated into 4 languages. His newest book, Hoarding Disorder: Comprehensive Clinical Guide, was published in June of 2022. His work has been funded by the IOCDF and the National Institute of Mental Health. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in innovation, treatment, and research in the field of hoarding and cluttering by the Mental Health Association of San Francisco. He has also received a Career Achievement Award from the International OCD Foundation for his work on hoarding and a Distinguished Contribution Award from the New England Psychological Association.  
He has given hundreds of talks and workshops on hoarding. His research has been featured on numerous radio and TV news shows including Dateline, CBS Morning News, Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20 Downtown, BBC News, Fresh Air, The Infinite Mind, and the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s The Nature of Things.

]]> This episode is the first in a series of four episodes that we are calling "the architecture of the self" wherein we explore human development, genetics and epigenetics, memory and trauma, and, today, diagnosis and the delineation of "normal" and "abnormal" in the field of mental health. These episodes can all be listened to on their own, but each of them is exploring contributions from medicine, psychiatry, and psychology to shed light on the complicated question of how we become who we are. 

Kurt speaks with Smith College Professor Emeritus Randy O. Frost, whose decades of teaching, research, and publication experience -- as well as his participation in working groups which helped revise diagnostic criteria (for Hoarding Disorder, though that topic is not the focus today) -- make him the perfect person to help us unpack what "diagnosis" in mental health IS and ISN'T, from historical, research, and cultural perspectives. In a special "in-studio" sit down, they dive deep into this topic from the code of Hammurabi to DSM-5 and set the table for the series of episodes to come!

Bio:
Dr. Randy O. Frost is the Harold and Elsa Siipola Israel Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Smith College. He is an internationally recognized expert on obsessive-compulsive disorder and hoarding disorder and has published more than 200 scientific articles, books, and book chapters on these topics. Dr. Frost has served on the Scientific Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and has been co-editor of the Hoarding Center on the IOCDF website. He has co-authored several books on hoarding including Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding. Buried in Treasures received a Self-Help Book of Merit Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy in 2010. This book is the backbone of the Buried in Treasures Workshops that have been found to produce significant improvements in hoarding behaviors and are now running in many locations around the world. He has also published the Compulsive Hoarding and Acquiring Therapist Guide and client Workbook. All three of these books are in their second editions. His book, Stuff: Compulsive hoarding and the meaning of things, was a finalist for the 2010 Books for a Better Life Award. Stuff was also a New York Times Bestseller and named a Must-Read Book for 2011 by Massachusetts Book Awards. Stuff has been translated into 4 languages. His newest book, Hoarding Disorder: Comprehensive Clinical Guide, was published in June of 2022. His work has been funded by the IOCDF and the National Institute of Mental Health. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in innovation, treatment, and research in the field of hoarding and cluttering by the Mental Health Association of San Francisco. He has also received a Career Achievement Award from the International OCD Foundation for his work on hoarding and a Distinguished Contribution Award from the New England Psychological Association.  
He has given hundreds of talks and workshops on hoarding. His research has been featured on numerous radio and TV news shows including Dateline, CBS Morning News, Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20 Downtown, BBC News, Fresh Air, The Infinite Mind, and the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s The Nature of Things.

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:15:56 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2486 This episode is the first in a series of four episodes that we are calling "the architecture of the self" wherein we explore human development, genetics and epigenetics, memory and trauma, and, today, diagnosis and the delineation of "normal" and "abnormal" in the field of mental health. These episodes can all be listened to on their own, but each of them is exploring contributions from medicine, psychiatry, and psychology to shed light on the complicated question of how we become who we are. 

Kurt speaks with Smith College Professor Emeritus Randy O. Frost, whose decades of teaching, research, and publication experience -- as well as his participation in working groups which helped revise diagnostic criteria (for Hoarding Disorder, though that topic is not the focus today) -- make him the perfect person to help us unpack what "diagnosis" in mental health IS and ISN'T, from historical, research, and cultural perspectives. In a special "in-studio" sit down, they dive deep into this topic from the code of Hammurabi to DSM-5 and set the table for the series of episodes to come!

Bio:
Dr. Randy O. Frost is the Harold and Elsa Siipola Israel Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Smith College. He is an internationally recognized expert on obsessive-compulsive disorder and hoarding disorder and has published more than 200 scientific articles, books, and book chapters on these topics. Dr. Frost has served on the Scientific Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and has been co-editor of the Hoarding Center on the IOCDF website. He has co-authored several books on hoarding including Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding. Buried in Treasures received a Self-Help Book of Merit Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy in 2010. This book is the backbone of the Buried in Treasures Workshops that have been found to produce significant improvements in hoarding behaviors and are now running in many locations around the world. He has also published the Compulsive Hoarding and Acquiring Therapist Guide and client Workbook. All three of these books are in their second editions. His book, Stuff: Compulsive hoarding and the meaning of things, was a finalist for the 2010 Books for a Better Life Award. Stuff was also a New York Times Bestseller and named a Must-Read Book for 2011 by Massachusetts Book Awards. Stuff has been translated into 4 languages. His newest book, Hoarding Disorder: Comprehensive Clinical Guide, was published in June of 2022. His work has been funded by the IOCDF and the National Institute of Mental Health. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in innovation, treatment, and research in the field of hoarding and cluttering by the Mental Health Association of San Francisco. He has also received a Career Achievement Award from the International OCD Foundation for his work on hoarding and a Distinguished Contribution Award from the New England Psychological Association.  
He has given hundreds of talks and workshops on hoarding. His research has been featured on numerous radio and TV news shows including Dateline, CBS Morning News, Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20 Downtown, BBC News, Fresh Air, The Infinite Mind, and the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s The Nature of Things.

]]> Mental health, diagnosis No Be yourself, it takes a lifetime: Gary Gulman 35 35 Be yourself, it takes a lifetime: Gary Gulman full 53530e01-5790-4367-aff5-b3d2fcf9a1d6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f2774e70 In this very special episode, Kurt sits down with comedian Gary Gulman to talk about recovery from serious mental health problems, depression, getting treatment and his journey of becoming such a powerful advocate on behalf of mental health. From childhood struggles to finding a way to be oneself, they find humor and hope in the exploration of some of life's darkest moments.

Gary has several comedy specials including notably The Great Depresh (on HBO) which combines comedy show and documentary... As well as a equally comedic and poignant memoir of his childhood from Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade, Misfit. We strongly encourage you to check these out! 

We also encourage folks to check out Sherwin Nuland's TED talk about ECT treatment, which is referenced in the episode.

Special thanks to Brattleboro Literary Festival for facilitating the connection that made this possible, and to Latchis Theatre for being host to the event that accompanied this interview! 

]]> In this very special episode, Kurt sits down with comedian Gary Gulman to talk about recovery from serious mental health problems, depression, getting treatment and his journey of becoming such a powerful advocate on behalf of mental health. From childhood struggles to finding a way to be oneself, they find humor and hope in the exploration of some of life's darkest moments.

Gary has several comedy specials including notably The Great Depresh (on HBO) which combines comedy show and documentary... As well as a equally comedic and poignant memoir of his childhood from Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade, Misfit. We strongly encourage you to check these out! 

We also encourage folks to check out Sherwin Nuland's TED talk about ECT treatment, which is referenced in the episode.

Special thanks to Brattleboro Literary Festival for facilitating the connection that made this possible, and to Latchis Theatre for being host to the event that accompanied this interview! 

]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:16:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2343 In this very special episode, Kurt sits down with comedian Gary Gulman to talk about recovery from serious mental health problems, depression, getting treatment and his journey of becoming such a powerful advocate on behalf of mental health. From childhood struggles to finding a way to be oneself, they find humor and hope in the exploration of some of life's darkest moments.

Gary has several comedy specials including notably The Great Depresh (on HBO) which combines comedy show and documentary... As well as a equally comedic and poignant memoir of his childhood from Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade, Misfit. We strongly encourage you to check these out! 

We also encourage folks to check out Sherwin Nuland's TED talk about ECT treatment, which is referenced in the episode.

Special thanks to Brattleboro Literary Festival for facilitating the connection that made this possible, and to Latchis Theatre for being host to the event that accompanied this interview! 

]]> mental health, comedy, ECT, depression No Demystifying non-suicidal self-injury 34 34 Demystifying non-suicidal self-injury full aa66f741-d7d5-4858-8ecf-5cee91853119 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3346675 In this episode, Kurt sits down with guest Dr. Stephanie Jarvi Steele, a clinician and researcher who has extensive experience and knowledge about "non-suidical self-injury". In this detailed and thought provoking interview, she helps unravel common misperceptions about NSSI, including it's differentiation from suicidal behavior, and its complicated relationship to suicidal thinking. We discuss myths about the topic - like that there is a contagion effect to discussing it or sharing information about it - as well as the varying groupings of motivation for those who engage in this behavior. 


Resources:

Cornell resources are excellent through the Self-Injury and Recovery Resources program

NAMI

Crisis line info (if someone is struggling with urges/thoughts/etc)

Dr. Steele referred at an article of hers about contagion we discussed, and generously wanted to let folks can also email her directly at ssteele@smith.edu for the full paper.

Dr. Steele's faculty page at Smith College

Dr. Steele Bio:

Dr. Stephanie Jarvi Steele is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Smith College. Dr. Steele directs the Behavioral Assessment of Self-Injury Lab (BASIL), which aims to further elucidate risk factors for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. She regularly teaches undergraduate classes on Abnormal Psychology, Personality Disorders, and a seminar on high-risk behaviors in psychological disorders.

Dr. Steele is a licensed clinical psychologist in Massachusetts; she earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Suffolk University in Boston and completed her predoctoral clinical internship at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University. Dr. Steele has published extensively on the topic of non-suicidal self-injury, or "NSSI", for more than a decade, and is currently working on projects related to NSSI and self-disugst, and understanding NSSI among parents.

]]> In this episode, Kurt sits down with guest Dr. Stephanie Jarvi Steele, a clinician and researcher who has extensive experience and knowledge about "non-suidical self-injury". In this detailed and thought provoking interview, she helps unravel common misperceptions about NSSI, including it's differentiation from suicidal behavior, and its complicated relationship to suicidal thinking. We discuss myths about the topic - like that there is a contagion effect to discussing it or sharing information about it - as well as the varying groupings of motivation for those who engage in this behavior. 


Resources:

Cornell resources are excellent through the Self-Injury and Recovery Resources program

NAMI

Crisis line info (if someone is struggling with urges/thoughts/etc)

Dr. Steele referred at an article of hers about contagion we discussed, and generously wanted to let folks can also email her directly at ssteele@smith.edu for the full paper.

Dr. Steele's faculty page at Smith College

Dr. Steele Bio:

Dr. Stephanie Jarvi Steele is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Smith College. Dr. Steele directs the Behavioral Assessment of Self-Injury Lab (BASIL), which aims to further elucidate risk factors for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. She regularly teaches undergraduate classes on Abnormal Psychology, Personality Disorders, and a seminar on high-risk behaviors in psychological disorders.

Dr. Steele is a licensed clinical psychologist in Massachusetts; she earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Suffolk University in Boston and completed her predoctoral clinical internship at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University. Dr. Steele has published extensively on the topic of non-suicidal self-injury, or "NSSI", for more than a decade, and is currently working on projects related to NSSI and self-disugst, and understanding NSSI among parents.

]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2370 In this episode, Kurt sits down with guest Dr. Stephanie Jarvi Steele, a clinician and researcher who has extensive experience and knowledge about "non-suidical self-injury". In this detailed and thought provoking interview, she helps unravel common misperceptions about NSSI, including it's differentiation from suicidal behavior, and its complicated relationship to suicidal thinking. We discuss myths about the topic - like that there is a contagion effect to discussing it or sharing information about it - as well as the varying groupings of motivation for those who engage in this behavior. 


Resources:

Cornell resources are excellent through the Self-Injury and Recovery Resources program

NAMI

Crisis line info (if someone is struggling with urges/thoughts/etc)

Dr. Steele referred at an article of hers about contagion we discussed, and generously wanted to let folks can also email her directly at ssteele@smith.edu for the full paper.

Dr. Steele's faculty page at Smith College

Dr. Steele Bio:

Dr. Stephanie Jarvi Steele is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Smith College. Dr. Steele directs the Behavioral Assessment of Self-Injury Lab (BASIL), which aims to further elucidate risk factors for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. She regularly teaches undergraduate classes on Abnormal Psychology, Personality Disorders, and a seminar on high-risk behaviors in psychological disorders.

Dr. Steele is a licensed clinical psychologist in Massachusetts; she earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Suffolk University in Boston and completed her predoctoral clinical internship at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University. Dr. Steele has published extensively on the topic of non-suicidal self-injury, or "NSSI", for more than a decade, and is currently working on projects related to NSSI and self-disugst, and understanding NSSI among parents.

]]> Non-suidical self-injury, mental health No Youth and suicide in a social media world 33 33 Youth and suicide in a social media world full 50c9c50c-6c4b-4a9d-8a19-e5fb6baf3a05 https://share.transistor.fm/s/80996e5f In this episode of Unravelling, we are taking a moment to acknowledge September as Suicide Prevention Month, specifically World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10, 2025.  Host Mary Wilson had the opportunity to sit down with Dr Rachel Conrad, who serves as Medical Director of Adolescent Services at the Brattleboro Retreat.  Together, they discuss issues relating to youth suicide prevention, and how social media plays a role - in both contagion and prevention;  as well as how difficult it can be to recognize youth suicide risks in real life, and how our current medical systems could play a critical role in all of this.

Dr. Conrad is currently medical director of Adolescent Services at Brattleboro Retreat. She was previously medical director of Young Adult Mental Health at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at Emory University School of Medicine, her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, and her bioethics fellowship at the Harvard Medical School. She is on faculty at Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics. Her academic work focuses on autonomy and psychiatric treatment of adolescents and young adults.  She received the Eisenhower Fellowship for her work in Youth Mental Health in 2022.

Resources: 988 suicide lifeline - please call or text 988 if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide. Help is available!


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, we are taking a moment to acknowledge September as Suicide Prevention Month, specifically World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10, 2025.  Host Mary Wilson had the opportunity to sit down with Dr Rachel Conrad, who serves as Medical Director of Adolescent Services at the Brattleboro Retreat.  Together, they discuss issues relating to youth suicide prevention, and how social media plays a role - in both contagion and prevention;  as well as how difficult it can be to recognize youth suicide risks in real life, and how our current medical systems could play a critical role in all of this.

Dr. Conrad is currently medical director of Adolescent Services at Brattleboro Retreat. She was previously medical director of Young Adult Mental Health at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at Emory University School of Medicine, her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, and her bioethics fellowship at the Harvard Medical School. She is on faculty at Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics. Her academic work focuses on autonomy and psychiatric treatment of adolescents and young adults.  She received the Eisenhower Fellowship for her work in Youth Mental Health in 2022.

Resources: 988 suicide lifeline - please call or text 988 if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide. Help is available!


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:08:12 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2116 In this episode of Unravelling, we are taking a moment to acknowledge September as Suicide Prevention Month, specifically World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10, 2025.  Host Mary Wilson had the opportunity to sit down with Dr Rachel Conrad, who serves as Medical Director of Adolescent Services at the Brattleboro Retreat.  Together, they discuss issues relating to youth suicide prevention, and how social media plays a role - in both contagion and prevention;  as well as how difficult it can be to recognize youth suicide risks in real life, and how our current medical systems could play a critical role in all of this.

Dr. Conrad is currently medical director of Adolescent Services at Brattleboro Retreat. She was previously medical director of Young Adult Mental Health at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at Emory University School of Medicine, her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, and her bioethics fellowship at the Harvard Medical School. She is on faculty at Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics. Her academic work focuses on autonomy and psychiatric treatment of adolescents and young adults.  She received the Eisenhower Fellowship for her work in Youth Mental Health in 2022.

Resources: 988 suicide lifeline - please call or text 988 if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide. Help is available!


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> Mental health, suicide, social media, world suicide prevention day No Our recipes, ourselves: The cultural psychology of food 32 32 Our recipes, ourselves: The cultural psychology of food full 3fb9d59e-6d16-4f7e-acc7-29934dfa5fb3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/91caf9ad In this week’s episode of Unravelling, we have a bit of a special episode: a roundtable discussion with our hosts Mary and Kurt, joined by our producers Hans and Andrew, and our guest, Professor Sean Duffy.  Sean is a psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at Rutgers-Camden, and together, we share a bit of a metaphorical meal of a discussion about something that unites us all:  food.  We caught up with Prof. Duffy in Paris on Bastille Day, and he was fresh back from the Louvre researching food:s depiction in art. Together we explore questions such as: How food can bring us closer to family, culture, identity, our history? Can we know ourselves through what we eat? Can it help us keep the past alive in us, and give us a felt sense of our personal and cultural identities? Can we know each other better through the sharing of a meal? Join us in this feast of a discussion, as we explore all of this and more.

Website for more about Prof. Duffy:  

https://duffy.camden.rutgers.edu/

Resources:

High on the Hog 

]]> In this week’s episode of Unravelling, we have a bit of a special episode: a roundtable discussion with our hosts Mary and Kurt, joined by our producers Hans and Andrew, and our guest, Professor Sean Duffy.  Sean is a psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at Rutgers-Camden, and together, we share a bit of a metaphorical meal of a discussion about something that unites us all:  food.  We caught up with Prof. Duffy in Paris on Bastille Day, and he was fresh back from the Louvre researching food:s depiction in art. Together we explore questions such as: How food can bring us closer to family, culture, identity, our history? Can we know ourselves through what we eat? Can it help us keep the past alive in us, and give us a felt sense of our personal and cultural identities? Can we know each other better through the sharing of a meal? Join us in this feast of a discussion, as we explore all of this and more.

Website for more about Prof. Duffy:  

https://duffy.camden.rutgers.edu/

Resources:

High on the Hog 

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:31:16 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2359 In this week’s episode of Unravelling, we have a bit of a special episode: a roundtable discussion with our hosts Mary and Kurt, joined by our producers Hans and Andrew, and our guest, Professor Sean Duffy.  Sean is a psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at Rutgers-Camden, and together, we share a bit of a metaphorical meal of a discussion about something that unites us all:  food.  We caught up with Prof. Duffy in Paris on Bastille Day, and he was fresh back from the Louvre researching food:s depiction in art. Together we explore questions such as: How food can bring us closer to family, culture, identity, our history? Can we know ourselves through what we eat? Can it help us keep the past alive in us, and give us a felt sense of our personal and cultural identities? Can we know each other better through the sharing of a meal? Join us in this feast of a discussion, as we explore all of this and more.

Website for more about Prof. Duffy:  

https://duffy.camden.rutgers.edu/

Resources:

High on the Hog 

]]> Psychology, food, cultural psychology, culture No Large group dynamics and the origins of human aggression 31 31 Large group dynamics and the origins of human aggression full 719ded61-03fc-4fa8-b4f6-6f757f5fdc04 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f5093d06 This episode of Unravelling has Dr. Kevin Volkan, psychologist, psychoanalyst, professor, and author of Human Aggression, War, and Genocide joins Kurt to talk about large group psychology and continue the conversation about what drives so much of the great evils of world. Dr. Volkan shares insights on a vast array of associated topics, as they together work to approach and understand the darker side of human nature... and the potential power of psychological insight to give the hope in dark times.

Some resources:

Dr. Volkan, has authored and co-authored many books, including these with his father Vamik Volkan:

Human Aggression, War, and Genocide

Schizophrenia: Science, Psychoanalysis, and Culture

How the Mind Works: Concepts and Cases in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Webpage for Dr. Volkan

Resource to find some of Dr. Volkan's books, free of charge:

https://www.freepsychotherapybooks.org/?ebook_author=volkan-kevin

]]> This episode of Unravelling has Dr. Kevin Volkan, psychologist, psychoanalyst, professor, and author of Human Aggression, War, and Genocide joins Kurt to talk about large group psychology and continue the conversation about what drives so much of the great evils of world. Dr. Volkan shares insights on a vast array of associated topics, as they together work to approach and understand the darker side of human nature... and the potential power of psychological insight to give the hope in dark times.

Some resources:

Dr. Volkan, has authored and co-authored many books, including these with his father Vamik Volkan:

Human Aggression, War, and Genocide

Schizophrenia: Science, Psychoanalysis, and Culture

How the Mind Works: Concepts and Cases in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Webpage for Dr. Volkan

Resource to find some of Dr. Volkan's books, free of charge:

https://www.freepsychotherapybooks.org/?ebook_author=volkan-kevin

]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2602 This episode of Unravelling has Dr. Kevin Volkan, psychologist, psychoanalyst, professor, and author of Human Aggression, War, and Genocide joins Kurt to talk about large group psychology and continue the conversation about what drives so much of the great evils of world. Dr. Volkan shares insights on a vast array of associated topics, as they together work to approach and understand the darker side of human nature... and the potential power of psychological insight to give the hope in dark times.

Some resources:

Dr. Volkan, has authored and co-authored many books, including these with his father Vamik Volkan:

Human Aggression, War, and Genocide

Schizophrenia: Science, Psychoanalysis, and Culture

How the Mind Works: Concepts and Cases in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Webpage for Dr. Volkan

Resource to find some of Dr. Volkan's books, free of charge:

https://www.freepsychotherapybooks.org/?ebook_author=volkan-kevin

]]> War, human aggression, psychology, mental health No A certain weakness in us: Destructive followership, obedience and authority 30 30 A certain weakness in us: Destructive followership, obedience and authority full 37769c70-125b-45d6-a7e7-c6ae16905832 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e007b75 In today’s episode of Unravelling, host Kurt White sits down with Alette Smeulers, Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology, and International Crimes at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands.  Professor Smeulers has spent decades trying to answer the question: What is it that makes people perpetrators of mass atrocities, and why do people follow such leaders?  Together, they unravel the specifics of the Milgram Experiment, the mental health implications thereof, and what we can learn about ourselves from that field of work and research.

Alette is the author of the book “Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities: Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?” (Routledge, 2024), as well as the co-host of a podcast by the same title.  She believes that if we understand the true nature and causes of violence and mass atrocities, and understand who the perpetrators are, and why they commit such crimes, we may be in a much better position to prevent such horrific things from happening.

First They Came
Pastor Martin Niemöller

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me

Website: 

https://alettesmeulers.org/en/home/

Book:

https://www.routledge.com/Perpetrators-of-Mass-Atrocities-Terribly-and-Terrifyingly-Normal/Smeulers/p/book/9781032568027?srsltid=AfmBOorPR1Ke5X_-mx2P8s8rOqQM19OAGa1xqF8phur7TR3W-bRRlCbW

Podcast:

https://www.rug.nl/rechten/actueel/in-de-media/podcasts/terribly-and-terrifyingly-normal/?lang=en

https://open.spotify.com/show/2Bt5Wg5nbekeSo8UBDI5MY

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/terribly-and-terrifyingly-normal/id1708596464

]]> In today’s episode of Unravelling, host Kurt White sits down with Alette Smeulers, Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology, and International Crimes at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands.  Professor Smeulers has spent decades trying to answer the question: What is it that makes people perpetrators of mass atrocities, and why do people follow such leaders?  Together, they unravel the specifics of the Milgram Experiment, the mental health implications thereof, and what we can learn about ourselves from that field of work and research.

Alette is the author of the book “Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities: Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?” (Routledge, 2024), as well as the co-host of a podcast by the same title.  She believes that if we understand the true nature and causes of violence and mass atrocities, and understand who the perpetrators are, and why they commit such crimes, we may be in a much better position to prevent such horrific things from happening.

First They Came
Pastor Martin Niemöller

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me

Website: 

https://alettesmeulers.org/en/home/

Book:

https://www.routledge.com/Perpetrators-of-Mass-Atrocities-Terribly-and-Terrifyingly-Normal/Smeulers/p/book/9781032568027?srsltid=AfmBOorPR1Ke5X_-mx2P8s8rOqQM19OAGa1xqF8phur7TR3W-bRRlCbW

Podcast:

https://www.rug.nl/rechten/actueel/in-de-media/podcasts/terribly-and-terrifyingly-normal/?lang=en

https://open.spotify.com/show/2Bt5Wg5nbekeSo8UBDI5MY

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/terribly-and-terrifyingly-normal/id1708596464

]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:38:42 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 3063 In today’s episode of Unravelling, host Kurt White sits down with Alette Smeulers, Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology, and International Crimes at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands.  Professor Smeulers has spent decades trying to answer the question: What is it that makes people perpetrators of mass atrocities, and why do people follow such leaders?  Together, they unravel the specifics of the Milgram Experiment, the mental health implications thereof, and what we can learn about ourselves from that field of work and research.

Alette is the author of the book “Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities: Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?” (Routledge, 2024), as well as the co-host of a podcast by the same title.  She believes that if we understand the true nature and causes of violence and mass atrocities, and understand who the perpetrators are, and why they commit such crimes, we may be in a much better position to prevent such horrific things from happening.

First They Came
Pastor Martin Niemöller

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me

Website: 

https://alettesmeulers.org/en/home/

Book:

https://www.routledge.com/Perpetrators-of-Mass-Atrocities-Terribly-and-Terrifyingly-Normal/Smeulers/p/book/9781032568027?srsltid=AfmBOorPR1Ke5X_-mx2P8s8rOqQM19OAGa1xqF8phur7TR3W-bRRlCbW

Podcast:

https://www.rug.nl/rechten/actueel/in-de-media/podcasts/terribly-and-terrifyingly-normal/?lang=en

https://open.spotify.com/show/2Bt5Wg5nbekeSo8UBDI5MY

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/terribly-and-terrifyingly-normal/id1708596464

]]> Mental health, power and authority, obedience No A barrier exists: Disability justice and the social construction of disability 29 29 A barrier exists: Disability justice and the social construction of disability full 4b2d9a2e-5143-4ad9-8591-3c78a54151e2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e490f7ec In this Disability Pride Month episode of Unravelling, hosts Mary Wilson Kurt White sit down with Cat Milo, former Coordinator of Accessibility and Diversity at Hampshire College and Dr. Madeline Peters, former longtime Director of Disability Services at the University of Massachusetts, to discuss the intersection of mental health and disability. They explore the concept of disability justice, emphasizing that societal barriers, not inherent conditions, are what truly disable people. Cat Milo and Dr. Peters highlight the importance of accommodations and the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards disability. They discuss the challenges of invisible disabilities and the benefits of community and care networks. The conversation underscores the need for inclusive policies and spaces that support all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Links
Readings for Diversity and Social Justice, 4th Edition

]]> In this Disability Pride Month episode of Unravelling, hosts Mary Wilson Kurt White sit down with Cat Milo, former Coordinator of Accessibility and Diversity at Hampshire College and Dr. Madeline Peters, former longtime Director of Disability Services at the University of Massachusetts, to discuss the intersection of mental health and disability. They explore the concept of disability justice, emphasizing that societal barriers, not inherent conditions, are what truly disable people. Cat Milo and Dr. Peters highlight the importance of accommodations and the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards disability. They discuss the challenges of invisible disabilities and the benefits of community and care networks. The conversation underscores the need for inclusive policies and spaces that support all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Links
Readings for Diversity and Social Justice, 4th Edition

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:22:28 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2402 In this Disability Pride Month episode of Unravelling, hosts Mary Wilson Kurt White sit down with Cat Milo, former Coordinator of Accessibility and Diversity at Hampshire College and Dr. Madeline Peters, former longtime Director of Disability Services at the University of Massachusetts, to discuss the intersection of mental health and disability. They explore the concept of disability justice, emphasizing that societal barriers, not inherent conditions, are what truly disable people. Cat Milo and Dr. Peters highlight the importance of accommodations and the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards disability. They discuss the challenges of invisible disabilities and the benefits of community and care networks. The conversation underscores the need for inclusive policies and spaces that support all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Links
Readings for Diversity and Social Justice, 4th Edition

]]> Mental health, disability pride, disability justice No Asking questions and maintaining curiosity: Embracing gender exploration in youth 28 28 Asking questions and maintaining curiosity: Embracing gender exploration in youth full dc9399f9-f4b5-4d68-acb6-bb4d39824bbe https://share.transistor.fm/s/5e9f4dc6
In the third installment of Unravelling's 2025 Pride series, Mary speaks with Dr. Marley Balasco, an inpatient psychology specialist at the Brattleboro Retreat, about how to support young people as they explore and affirm their gender identities.

Dr. Balasco breaks down the difference between gender and sexuality, and offers insight into how children and adolescents come to understand who they are. She highlights the vital role that family support plays in mental health outcomes, and explains why curiosity, validation, and open-mindedness are essential when working with gender-diverse youth.

Together, they explore how gender development is a natural and expected part of growing up, and how cultural, societal, and political forces can either uplift or deeply harm young people in the process. Whether you're a parent, provider, educator, or ally, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and concrete ways to support the well-being of trans and gender-expansive youth.

Links -
The Trevor Project - The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people, providing information and support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.

Gender Spectrum - Gender Spectrum's mission is to create a gender-inclusive world for all children and youth. To accomplish this, we help families, organizations, and institutions increase their understanding of gender and consider the implications that evolving views have for each of us.

]]>
In the third installment of Unravelling's 2025 Pride series, Mary speaks with Dr. Marley Balasco, an inpatient psychology specialist at the Brattleboro Retreat, about how to support young people as they explore and affirm their gender identities.

Dr. Balasco breaks down the difference between gender and sexuality, and offers insight into how children and adolescents come to understand who they are. She highlights the vital role that family support plays in mental health outcomes, and explains why curiosity, validation, and open-mindedness are essential when working with gender-diverse youth.

Together, they explore how gender development is a natural and expected part of growing up, and how cultural, societal, and political forces can either uplift or deeply harm young people in the process. Whether you're a parent, provider, educator, or ally, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and concrete ways to support the well-being of trans and gender-expansive youth.

Links -
The Trevor Project - The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people, providing information and support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.

Gender Spectrum - Gender Spectrum's mission is to create a gender-inclusive world for all children and youth. To accomplish this, we help families, organizations, and institutions increase their understanding of gender and consider the implications that evolving views have for each of us.

]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1823
In the third installment of Unravelling's 2025 Pride series, Mary speaks with Dr. Marley Balasco, an inpatient psychology specialist at the Brattleboro Retreat, about how to support young people as they explore and affirm their gender identities.

Dr. Balasco breaks down the difference between gender and sexuality, and offers insight into how children and adolescents come to understand who they are. She highlights the vital role that family support plays in mental health outcomes, and explains why curiosity, validation, and open-mindedness are essential when working with gender-diverse youth.

Together, they explore how gender development is a natural and expected part of growing up, and how cultural, societal, and political forces can either uplift or deeply harm young people in the process. Whether you're a parent, provider, educator, or ally, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and concrete ways to support the well-being of trans and gender-expansive youth.

Links -
The Trevor Project - The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people, providing information and support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.

Gender Spectrum - Gender Spectrum's mission is to create a gender-inclusive world for all children and youth. To accomplish this, we help families, organizations, and institutions increase their understanding of gender and consider the implications that evolving views have for each of us.

]]> mental health, gender and sexuality, youth, pride No Soundtracks of the self: Protection and expression in (unsafe) spaces 27 27 Soundtracks of the self: Protection and expression in (unsafe) spaces full 341f42fc-bdf9-40a8-9e42-d292bb8c0517 https://share.transistor.fm/s/43233a19 In this episode of Unravelling, host Kurt speaks with Evelyn Lee, a music therapist based in Singapore, about how music can be a powerful tool for identity, healing, and connection, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Evelyn shares insights from her work with queer clients in a country where homosexuality was only recently decriminalized. Together, they explore how music supports self-expression, the evolving landscape of queer-affirming care, and the role of social media in shaping how we experience and share music.

We want to know what you're listening to and what it might say about you! Send us an email, a voice message, or a voice memo by emailing unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

Links
Evelyn's website - prospectmusictherapy.com
Prospect Music Therapy on Instagram
Sign up for Prospect Music Therapy's mailing list. 

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, host Kurt speaks with Evelyn Lee, a music therapist based in Singapore, about how music can be a powerful tool for identity, healing, and connection, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Evelyn shares insights from her work with queer clients in a country where homosexuality was only recently decriminalized. Together, they explore how music supports self-expression, the evolving landscape of queer-affirming care, and the role of social media in shaping how we experience and share music.

We want to know what you're listening to and what it might say about you! Send us an email, a voice message, or a voice memo by emailing unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

Links
Evelyn's website - prospectmusictherapy.com
Prospect Music Therapy on Instagram
Sign up for Prospect Music Therapy's mailing list. 

]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:15:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2445 In this episode of Unravelling, host Kurt speaks with Evelyn Lee, a music therapist based in Singapore, about how music can be a powerful tool for identity, healing, and connection, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Evelyn shares insights from her work with queer clients in a country where homosexuality was only recently decriminalized. Together, they explore how music supports self-expression, the evolving landscape of queer-affirming care, and the role of social media in shaping how we experience and share music.

We want to know what you're listening to and what it might say about you! Send us an email, a voice message, or a voice memo by emailing unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

Links
Evelyn's website - prospectmusictherapy.com
Prospect Music Therapy on Instagram
Sign up for Prospect Music Therapy's mailing list. 

]]> Music therapy, Pride, LGBTQIA issues, Mental Health No Queering the self: Finding the space to show up as you are 26 26 Queering the self: Finding the space to show up as you are full 9d0c32f3-a1cc-4b2f-af04-25de7e594ad7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c010bae8 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with poet, playwright, and social worker Britt Billmeyer-Finn to unpack the ideas and impact of queer theory. Far from being just an academic concept, queer theory is presented as a lens that challenges societal norms around gender and sexuality, invites curiosity, and honors fluidity in how we relate to ourselves and others. Kurt and Britt delve into the pressures of hetero-cisnormativity, the psychological toll of rigid social expectations, and the role of agency, joy, and community in healing and liberation. This conversation is part of our special Pride Month series.

Britt is accepting clients in Massachusetts and can be reached at bebfinn.psychotherapy@gmail.com.

Also check out the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst

The conversation on YouTube between James Baldwin and Maya Angelou that Brit mentioned can be found here.

***
This episode version replaces an earlier recording, and includes some re-recorded segments. This is due to a mistake explained in the intro segment. 

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with poet, playwright, and social worker Britt Billmeyer-Finn to unpack the ideas and impact of queer theory. Far from being just an academic concept, queer theory is presented as a lens that challenges societal norms around gender and sexuality, invites curiosity, and honors fluidity in how we relate to ourselves and others. Kurt and Britt delve into the pressures of hetero-cisnormativity, the psychological toll of rigid social expectations, and the role of agency, joy, and community in healing and liberation. This conversation is part of our special Pride Month series.

Britt is accepting clients in Massachusetts and can be reached at bebfinn.psychotherapy@gmail.com.

Also check out the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst

The conversation on YouTube between James Baldwin and Maya Angelou that Brit mentioned can be found here.

***
This episode version replaces an earlier recording, and includes some re-recorded segments. This is due to a mistake explained in the intro segment. 

]]> Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2312 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with poet, playwright, and social worker Britt Billmeyer-Finn to unpack the ideas and impact of queer theory. Far from being just an academic concept, queer theory is presented as a lens that challenges societal norms around gender and sexuality, invites curiosity, and honors fluidity in how we relate to ourselves and others. Kurt and Britt delve into the pressures of hetero-cisnormativity, the psychological toll of rigid social expectations, and the role of agency, joy, and community in healing and liberation. This conversation is part of our special Pride Month series.

Britt is accepting clients in Massachusetts and can be reached at bebfinn.psychotherapy@gmail.com.

Also check out the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst

The conversation on YouTube between James Baldwin and Maya Angelou that Brit mentioned can be found here.

***
This episode version replaces an earlier recording, and includes some re-recorded segments. This is due to a mistake explained in the intro segment. 

]]> mental health, LGBTQIA+ issues, Pride, queer theory, liberation health No The space between us: Healing in groups across difference 25 25 The space between us: Healing in groups across difference full 14cef89d-5309-40f1-a6f7-4882c29dd624 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fb29dabe In this episode of Unraveling, Mary Wilson talks with psychotherapist and group facilitator Donna Harris, LCSW, CGP, about the challenging work of healing across lines of difference. Donna explains that real connection in group settings isn’t built by avoiding discomfort, but by risking it with care, curiosity, and accountability. She speaks to the importance of confronting bias, honoring impact over intent, and working through the mistrust that often exists in diverse spaces.

Donna highlights the power of affinity groups, spaces where people with shared identities can speak freely without navigating broader societal dynamics. She also pushes back on the idea that simply being surrounded by diversity equates to engaging with it, and critiques traditional therapy models for overlooking systemic forces like racism and sexism. For Donna, group work is a powerful, small-scale practice in collective healing, one that helps us truly see and connect across the lines that too often divide us.


Resources:


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> In this episode of Unraveling, Mary Wilson talks with psychotherapist and group facilitator Donna Harris, LCSW, CGP, about the challenging work of healing across lines of difference. Donna explains that real connection in group settings isn’t built by avoiding discomfort, but by risking it with care, curiosity, and accountability. She speaks to the importance of confronting bias, honoring impact over intent, and working through the mistrust that often exists in diverse spaces.

Donna highlights the power of affinity groups, spaces where people with shared identities can speak freely without navigating broader societal dynamics. She also pushes back on the idea that simply being surrounded by diversity equates to engaging with it, and critiques traditional therapy models for overlooking systemic forces like racism and sexism. For Donna, group work is a powerful, small-scale practice in collective healing, one that helps us truly see and connect across the lines that too often divide us.


Resources:


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> Wed, 21 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2425 In this episode of Unraveling, Mary Wilson talks with psychotherapist and group facilitator Donna Harris, LCSW, CGP, about the challenging work of healing across lines of difference. Donna explains that real connection in group settings isn’t built by avoiding discomfort, but by risking it with care, curiosity, and accountability. She speaks to the importance of confronting bias, honoring impact over intent, and working through the mistrust that often exists in diverse spaces.

Donna highlights the power of affinity groups, spaces where people with shared identities can speak freely without navigating broader societal dynamics. She also pushes back on the idea that simply being surrounded by diversity equates to engaging with it, and critiques traditional therapy models for overlooking systemic forces like racism and sexism. For Donna, group work is a powerful, small-scale practice in collective healing, one that helps us truly see and connect across the lines that too often divide us.


Resources:


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> No Group therapy: The room that reflects you back 24 24 Group therapy: The room that reflects you back full c9220ab2-1ea8-4bc0-85d2-73d003b9b9fc https://share.transistor.fm/s/f4a58766 What makes a therapy group more than just a room full of people? In this episode, group psychotherapist J. Scott Rutan, Ph.D. joins Kurt to explore the transformative power of group therapy. Drawing on Dr. Rutan's decades of experience, he shares how people often reenact personal dynamics in groups, sometimes unconsciously, which gives therapists and peers the opportunity to reflect those patterns back in real-time. Rutan emphasizes that group therapy doesn't just talk about problems—it lives them, revealing defenses that protect against deeper vulnerability.

Dr. Rutan highlights the unique power of group therapy, where multiple members act as mirrors, making interpersonal patterns more visible than in individual therapy. Group dynamics often bring to light behaviors that individuals can describe but not fully demonstrate one-on-one. He and Kurt explore the deep human need for belonging, the therapist’s role as both leader and participant, and why groups so often become the place where the most profound change happens.

Links
Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy by J. Scott Rutan, Walter Stone, & Joseph Shay
This widely adopted text and clinical reference covers the "whats," "whys," and "how-tos" of setting up therapy groups and making them work.


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> What makes a therapy group more than just a room full of people? In this episode, group psychotherapist J. Scott Rutan, Ph.D. joins Kurt to explore the transformative power of group therapy. Drawing on Dr. Rutan's decades of experience, he shares how people often reenact personal dynamics in groups, sometimes unconsciously, which gives therapists and peers the opportunity to reflect those patterns back in real-time. Rutan emphasizes that group therapy doesn't just talk about problems—it lives them, revealing defenses that protect against deeper vulnerability.

Dr. Rutan highlights the unique power of group therapy, where multiple members act as mirrors, making interpersonal patterns more visible than in individual therapy. Group dynamics often bring to light behaviors that individuals can describe but not fully demonstrate one-on-one. He and Kurt explore the deep human need for belonging, the therapist’s role as both leader and participant, and why groups so often become the place where the most profound change happens.

Links
Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy by J. Scott Rutan, Walter Stone, & Joseph Shay
This widely adopted text and clinical reference covers the "whats," "whys," and "how-tos" of setting up therapy groups and making them work.


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> Wed, 07 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2414 What makes a therapy group more than just a room full of people? In this episode, group psychotherapist J. Scott Rutan, Ph.D. joins Kurt to explore the transformative power of group therapy. Drawing on Dr. Rutan's decades of experience, he shares how people often reenact personal dynamics in groups, sometimes unconsciously, which gives therapists and peers the opportunity to reflect those patterns back in real-time. Rutan emphasizes that group therapy doesn't just talk about problems—it lives them, revealing defenses that protect against deeper vulnerability.

Dr. Rutan highlights the unique power of group therapy, where multiple members act as mirrors, making interpersonal patterns more visible than in individual therapy. Group dynamics often bring to light behaviors that individuals can describe but not fully demonstrate one-on-one. He and Kurt explore the deep human need for belonging, the therapist’s role as both leader and participant, and why groups so often become the place where the most profound change happens.

Links
Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy by J. Scott Rutan, Walter Stone, & Joseph Shay
This widely adopted text and clinical reference covers the "whats," "whys," and "how-tos" of setting up therapy groups and making them work.


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> No Creativity as a lifeline: Healing trauma through expression 23 23 Creativity as a lifeline: Healing trauma through expression full 6eeadb4b-31b2-49f0-9238-dfb451837ec8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d727ff6 In this episode of Unravelling, Mary sits down with Lane Gardner, musician, educator, and founder of Thread, a nonprofit using collaborative songwriting to help communities heal from trauma. Lane shares the story of a powerful workshop with students affected by a school shooting, illustrating how music became a lifeline and a symbol of resilience.
Through personal reflection and professional insight, Lane explains how creativity can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, emotional release, and connection. Whether it's a simple drumbeat, a line of lyrics, or a moment of movement, Lane shows us how tapping into our innate creativity can help us navigate pain and reclaim our voice.

This episode highlights the transformative power of the arts, the importance of safe spaces, and why creativity isn't just for artists but for all of us.

Links
Lane's website: https://lanegardner.com/
Song written by Marjory Stoneman Douglas students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLrgTEJm__w
Lane's album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/49dPMfbxhXlBhd9154hRne


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Mary sits down with Lane Gardner, musician, educator, and founder of Thread, a nonprofit using collaborative songwriting to help communities heal from trauma. Lane shares the story of a powerful workshop with students affected by a school shooting, illustrating how music became a lifeline and a symbol of resilience.
Through personal reflection and professional insight, Lane explains how creativity can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, emotional release, and connection. Whether it's a simple drumbeat, a line of lyrics, or a moment of movement, Lane shows us how tapping into our innate creativity can help us navigate pain and reclaim our voice.

This episode highlights the transformative power of the arts, the importance of safe spaces, and why creativity isn't just for artists but for all of us.

Links
Lane's website: https://lanegardner.com/
Song written by Marjory Stoneman Douglas students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLrgTEJm__w
Lane's album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/49dPMfbxhXlBhd9154hRne


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:07:44 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1898 In this episode of Unravelling, Mary sits down with Lane Gardner, musician, educator, and founder of Thread, a nonprofit using collaborative songwriting to help communities heal from trauma. Lane shares the story of a powerful workshop with students affected by a school shooting, illustrating how music became a lifeline and a symbol of resilience.
Through personal reflection and professional insight, Lane explains how creativity can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, emotional release, and connection. Whether it's a simple drumbeat, a line of lyrics, or a moment of movement, Lane shows us how tapping into our innate creativity can help us navigate pain and reclaim our voice.

This episode highlights the transformative power of the arts, the importance of safe spaces, and why creativity isn't just for artists but for all of us.

Links
Lane's website: https://lanegardner.com/
Song written by Marjory Stoneman Douglas students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLrgTEJm__w
Lane's album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/49dPMfbxhXlBhd9154hRne


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> mental health, creativity, trauma No Saying "yes" to our creative impulse 22 22 Saying "yes" to our creative impulse full 15442467-4661-4033-962e-4ac55b25b8e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/13da9b27 In this episode of Unravelling, filmmaker and Occidental College professor Aleem Hossain joins host Kurt White for a wide-ranging conversation on the role creativity plays in both personal fulfillment and mental health. Aleem reflects on how making art can serve not only others, but our future selves—leaving behind breadcrumbs of who we were and what we felt. Together, he and Kurt unpack the personal and cultural barriers to embracing creativity, the importance of play and exploration without an end goal, and the joy of saying yes to one’s creative impulses.
They also explore the idea that consuming art is a creative act in itself—one that invites us to pause, feel, reflect, and connect with the full spectrum of being human. This episode is a reminder that being creative doesn’t mean being perfect or productive. Sometimes it just means making a little space, not judging yourself, and seeing what shows up.

Links:

Go to aleemhossein.com to learn more about Aleem's films and to subscribe to his newsletter on issues of creativity, inclusion, and diversity in filmmaking.

For an old photo of Kurt and Aleem at University of Chicago, and a picture of the 25 aliens that Kurt drew after this episode, click here!


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, filmmaker and Occidental College professor Aleem Hossain joins host Kurt White for a wide-ranging conversation on the role creativity plays in both personal fulfillment and mental health. Aleem reflects on how making art can serve not only others, but our future selves—leaving behind breadcrumbs of who we were and what we felt. Together, he and Kurt unpack the personal and cultural barriers to embracing creativity, the importance of play and exploration without an end goal, and the joy of saying yes to one’s creative impulses.
They also explore the idea that consuming art is a creative act in itself—one that invites us to pause, feel, reflect, and connect with the full spectrum of being human. This episode is a reminder that being creative doesn’t mean being perfect or productive. Sometimes it just means making a little space, not judging yourself, and seeing what shows up.

Links:

Go to aleemhossein.com to learn more about Aleem's films and to subscribe to his newsletter on issues of creativity, inclusion, and diversity in filmmaking.

For an old photo of Kurt and Aleem at University of Chicago, and a picture of the 25 aliens that Kurt drew after this episode, click here!


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2922 In this episode of Unravelling, filmmaker and Occidental College professor Aleem Hossain joins host Kurt White for a wide-ranging conversation on the role creativity plays in both personal fulfillment and mental health. Aleem reflects on how making art can serve not only others, but our future selves—leaving behind breadcrumbs of who we were and what we felt. Together, he and Kurt unpack the personal and cultural barriers to embracing creativity, the importance of play and exploration without an end goal, and the joy of saying yes to one’s creative impulses.
They also explore the idea that consuming art is a creative act in itself—one that invites us to pause, feel, reflect, and connect with the full spectrum of being human. This episode is a reminder that being creative doesn’t mean being perfect or productive. Sometimes it just means making a little space, not judging yourself, and seeing what shows up.

Links:

Go to aleemhossein.com to learn more about Aleem's films and to subscribe to his newsletter on issues of creativity, inclusion, and diversity in filmmaking.

For an old photo of Kurt and Aleem at University of Chicago, and a picture of the 25 aliens that Kurt drew after this episode, click here!


If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us!

And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!

]]> mental health, creativity, film No Finding the self online: Identity, algorithms, and the digital mirror 21 21 Finding the self online: Identity, algorithms, and the digital mirror full 653fb71e-da68-4c02-9bc9-5ba0db3155d6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cbbe47eb In this special crossover episode with Never Post, Unravelling host Kurt White joins writer and digital media expert Mike Rugnetta to explore how the internet shapes identity, self-perception, and mental health. From TikTok trends to the eerie accuracy of algorithmic recommendations, they unpack the tension between authenticity and performance in online spaces. How does the internet reinforce or distort who we are? What happens when our digital selves feel more real than our offline ones?

They also explore surprising parallels between online spaces and therapy, both offering structured spaces for identity exploration, while discussing the dangers of rigid self-concepts and the necessity of relationships in making sense of our experiences. Ultimately, this episode offers a hopeful perspective on engaging with the digital world: with awareness, playfulness, and the power to shape our own narratives.

Listen to Never Post, A Podcast About and For the Internet: https://www.neverpo.st/

]]> In this special crossover episode with Never Post, Unravelling host Kurt White joins writer and digital media expert Mike Rugnetta to explore how the internet shapes identity, self-perception, and mental health. From TikTok trends to the eerie accuracy of algorithmic recommendations, they unpack the tension between authenticity and performance in online spaces. How does the internet reinforce or distort who we are? What happens when our digital selves feel more real than our offline ones?

They also explore surprising parallels between online spaces and therapy, both offering structured spaces for identity exploration, while discussing the dangers of rigid self-concepts and the necessity of relationships in making sense of our experiences. Ultimately, this episode offers a hopeful perspective on engaging with the digital world: with awareness, playfulness, and the power to shape our own narratives.

Listen to Never Post, A Podcast About and For the Internet: https://www.neverpo.st/

]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:52:32 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2835 In this special crossover episode with Never Post, Unravelling host Kurt White joins writer and digital media expert Mike Rugnetta to explore how the internet shapes identity, self-perception, and mental health. From TikTok trends to the eerie accuracy of algorithmic recommendations, they unpack the tension between authenticity and performance in online spaces. How does the internet reinforce or distort who we are? What happens when our digital selves feel more real than our offline ones?

They also explore surprising parallels between online spaces and therapy, both offering structured spaces for identity exploration, while discussing the dangers of rigid self-concepts and the necessity of relationships in making sense of our experiences. Ultimately, this episode offers a hopeful perspective on engaging with the digital world: with awareness, playfulness, and the power to shape our own narratives.

Listen to Never Post, A Podcast About and For the Internet: https://www.neverpo.st/

]]> mental health, internet, diagnosis No AI-Generated empathy: Chatbots and the future of mental health 20 20 AI-Generated empathy: Chatbots and the future of mental health full 8cf69c38-f0e9-490b-9057-43b59440df8e https://share.transistor.fm/s/c12e9c47 In this episode of Unravelling, host Mary Wilson is joined by Betsy Stade, research scientist and clinical psychologist at the Stanford Institute for Human Centered AI, to explore the profound ways AI is reshaping therapy, mental health support, and human connection itself.

From AI-powered chatbots offering round-the-clock emotional support to cutting-edge research on how large language models like ChatGPT are used in therapy, Betsy unpacks the opportunities, risks, and ethical dilemmas of integrating AI into mental health care. The conversation dives into AI’s surprising ability to mimic empathy—sometimes even outperforming human professionals in perceived compassion. But what does this mean for real human connection?

Betsy also shares groundbreaking research from her lab on AI-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and AI training tools for therapists.

Links:

Betsy Stade's personal website:  https://betsystade.github.io/

Stanford Institute for Human Centered AI

National Center for PTSD Mobile Apps:  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, host Mary Wilson is joined by Betsy Stade, research scientist and clinical psychologist at the Stanford Institute for Human Centered AI, to explore the profound ways AI is reshaping therapy, mental health support, and human connection itself.

From AI-powered chatbots offering round-the-clock emotional support to cutting-edge research on how large language models like ChatGPT are used in therapy, Betsy unpacks the opportunities, risks, and ethical dilemmas of integrating AI into mental health care. The conversation dives into AI’s surprising ability to mimic empathy—sometimes even outperforming human professionals in perceived compassion. But what does this mean for real human connection?

Betsy also shares groundbreaking research from her lab on AI-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and AI training tools for therapists.

Links:

Betsy Stade's personal website:  https://betsystade.github.io/

Stanford Institute for Human Centered AI

National Center for PTSD Mobile Apps:  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/

]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2839 In this episode of Unravelling, host Mary Wilson is joined by Betsy Stade, research scientist and clinical psychologist at the Stanford Institute for Human Centered AI, to explore the profound ways AI is reshaping therapy, mental health support, and human connection itself.

From AI-powered chatbots offering round-the-clock emotional support to cutting-edge research on how large language models like ChatGPT are used in therapy, Betsy unpacks the opportunities, risks, and ethical dilemmas of integrating AI into mental health care. The conversation dives into AI’s surprising ability to mimic empathy—sometimes even outperforming human professionals in perceived compassion. But what does this mean for real human connection?

Betsy also shares groundbreaking research from her lab on AI-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and AI training tools for therapists.

Links:

Betsy Stade's personal website:  https://betsystade.github.io/

Stanford Institute for Human Centered AI

National Center for PTSD Mobile Apps:  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/

]]> AI, chatbot, therapy, mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical psychology, research No Intersectionality, systemic barriers, and Black women's mental health 19 19 Intersectionality, systemic barriers, and Black women's mental health full b45f41c4-44fd-4b49-88c9-2b0e858d06a6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1a3eba2e In this episode of Unravelling, psychologist Dr. Zoeann Finzi-Adams speaks with Mary about the complexities of mental health in Black women, examining how racism and sexism intersect to shape their experiences. She challenges the "Strong Black Woman" archetype, which often forces Black women to prioritize resilience over their own well-being, making it harder to seek help or even believe they deserve it. She also unpacks the concept of group-based stressors, discussing how chronic exposure to discrimination, political and social stressors, and the cumulative effects of systemic oppression—often referred to as 'weathering'—impact psychological well-being. Dr. Finzi-Adams emphasizes the critical need to reframe social support as a strength rather than a weakness and encourages mental health providers to ask difficult questions, stay curious, and create spaces where Black women feel seen and supported in their healing journeys.

Resources:

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/handbook-on-counseling-african-american-women-9781440875953/

https://therapyforblackgirls.com/

https://www.thebirthfund.com/

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, psychologist Dr. Zoeann Finzi-Adams speaks with Mary about the complexities of mental health in Black women, examining how racism and sexism intersect to shape their experiences. She challenges the "Strong Black Woman" archetype, which often forces Black women to prioritize resilience over their own well-being, making it harder to seek help or even believe they deserve it. She also unpacks the concept of group-based stressors, discussing how chronic exposure to discrimination, political and social stressors, and the cumulative effects of systemic oppression—often referred to as 'weathering'—impact psychological well-being. Dr. Finzi-Adams emphasizes the critical need to reframe social support as a strength rather than a weakness and encourages mental health providers to ask difficult questions, stay curious, and create spaces where Black women feel seen and supported in their healing journeys.

Resources:

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/handbook-on-counseling-african-american-women-9781440875953/

https://therapyforblackgirls.com/

https://www.thebirthfund.com/

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 07:18:49 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1915 In this episode of Unravelling, psychologist Dr. Zoeann Finzi-Adams speaks with Mary about the complexities of mental health in Black women, examining how racism and sexism intersect to shape their experiences. She challenges the "Strong Black Woman" archetype, which often forces Black women to prioritize resilience over their own well-being, making it harder to seek help or even believe they deserve it. She also unpacks the concept of group-based stressors, discussing how chronic exposure to discrimination, political and social stressors, and the cumulative effects of systemic oppression—often referred to as 'weathering'—impact psychological well-being. Dr. Finzi-Adams emphasizes the critical need to reframe social support as a strength rather than a weakness and encourages mental health providers to ask difficult questions, stay curious, and create spaces where Black women feel seen and supported in their healing journeys.

Resources:

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/handbook-on-counseling-african-american-women-9781440875953/

https://therapyforblackgirls.com/

https://www.thebirthfund.com/

]]> Mental health, black women No The psychology of the Black experience 18 18 The psychology of the Black experience full 4694384d-973b-4de7-b05a-ede936ab76e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f59ba3a6 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with Professor Nnamdi Pole, Harold and Elsa Israel Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Psychology Department at Smith College, to discuss his course, The Psychology of the Black Experience. Professor Pole shares insights from his long-running course, delving into the role of psychology in understanding Black identity, collective experiences, and the impact of systemic forces like racism.

The conversation unpacks the origins of Black psychology as a response to scientific racism, which historically justified stereotypes of Black inferiority through flawed studies on IQ, skull sizes, and other biased metrics. Professor Pole traces the emergence of the Association of Black Psychologists and discusses the two major strands of Black psychology—one that counters racism by centering Black experiences, and another that explores pre-colonial African psychological traditions, emphasizing collectivism, spirituality, and alternative concepts of selfhood.

The discussion also tackles the evolving definition of race, the spectrum of racism from unconscious biases to systemic discrimination, and the challenges of teaching about race in a classroom with both Black and non-Black students. Professor Pole critiques colorblind ideologies, advocating instead for a pluralistic society where diverse identities are recognized and valued.

Many special thanks to Northfire Recording Studio in Amherst, MA, which provided space and equipment for our recording of this episode!

Links:

Professor Pole is available to do public speaking and/or diversity training in person or remotely for schools, clinical settings, or corporate settings. You can reach him at npole@smith.edu.

He suggests the following textbook and supplementary readings if you'd like to learn more:

Textbook: Belgrave, F.Z. & Allison, K.W. (2019). African American Psychology: From Africa to America (4th Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Kahn, K. B., & McMahon, J. M. (2015). Shooting deaths of unarmed racial minorities: Understanding the role of racial stereotypes on decisions to shoot. Translational Issues in Psychological Science, 1(4), 310–320.

Karras J. E., Niwa E. Y., Adesina F., Ruck M. D. (2021) Confronting whiteness: Conceptual, contextual, and methodological considerations for advancing ethnic-racial socialization research to illuminate white identity development. Journal of Social Issues. 77: 1305–1326.

Lewis, J. A. (2023). Contributions of Black psychology scholars to models of racism and health: Applying intersectionality to center Black women. American Psychologist, 78(4), 576–588.

Lundberg, Kristjen B.; Payne, B. Keith; Pasek, Josh; Krosnick, Jon A. (2017). "Racial Attitudes Predicted Changes in Ostensibly Race‐Neutral Political Attitudes Under the Obama Administration." Political Psychology 38(2): 313-330.

Steele, C. M. (1997). A threat in the air: How stereotypes shape intellectual identity and performance. American Psychologist, 52(6), 613–629.

Vandiver, B. J. (2024). Fifty Years (1974–2024) of the Journal of Black Psychology: A Brief History and Reflection of Its Significance. Journal of Black Psychology, 50(1), 3-8.

Williams, M. T. (2021). Racial microaggressions: Critical questions, state of the science, and new directions. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(5), 880–885.

Selected videos:

The Race Gap: How U.S. systemic racism plays out in Black lives

Positive Racial Identity in Early Education

Seeing White

The Fake Link Between Race and Intelligence

Black Youth Suicide

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with Professor Nnamdi Pole, Harold and Elsa Israel Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Psychology Department at Smith College, to discuss his course, The Psychology of the Black Experience. Professor Pole shares insights from his long-running course, delving into the role of psychology in understanding Black identity, collective experiences, and the impact of systemic forces like racism.

The conversation unpacks the origins of Black psychology as a response to scientific racism, which historically justified stereotypes of Black inferiority through flawed studies on IQ, skull sizes, and other biased metrics. Professor Pole traces the emergence of the Association of Black Psychologists and discusses the two major strands of Black psychology—one that counters racism by centering Black experiences, and another that explores pre-colonial African psychological traditions, emphasizing collectivism, spirituality, and alternative concepts of selfhood.

The discussion also tackles the evolving definition of race, the spectrum of racism from unconscious biases to systemic discrimination, and the challenges of teaching about race in a classroom with both Black and non-Black students. Professor Pole critiques colorblind ideologies, advocating instead for a pluralistic society where diverse identities are recognized and valued.

Many special thanks to Northfire Recording Studio in Amherst, MA, which provided space and equipment for our recording of this episode!

Links:

Professor Pole is available to do public speaking and/or diversity training in person or remotely for schools, clinical settings, or corporate settings. You can reach him at npole@smith.edu.

He suggests the following textbook and supplementary readings if you'd like to learn more:

Textbook: Belgrave, F.Z. & Allison, K.W. (2019). African American Psychology: From Africa to America (4th Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Kahn, K. B., & McMahon, J. M. (2015). Shooting deaths of unarmed racial minorities: Understanding the role of racial stereotypes on decisions to shoot. Translational Issues in Psychological Science, 1(4), 310–320.

Karras J. E., Niwa E. Y., Adesina F., Ruck M. D. (2021) Confronting whiteness: Conceptual, contextual, and methodological considerations for advancing ethnic-racial socialization research to illuminate white identity development. Journal of Social Issues. 77: 1305–1326.

Lewis, J. A. (2023). Contributions of Black psychology scholars to models of racism and health: Applying intersectionality to center Black women. American Psychologist, 78(4), 576–588.

Lundberg, Kristjen B.; Payne, B. Keith; Pasek, Josh; Krosnick, Jon A. (2017). "Racial Attitudes Predicted Changes in Ostensibly Race‐Neutral Political Attitudes Under the Obama Administration." Political Psychology 38(2): 313-330.

Steele, C. M. (1997). A threat in the air: How stereotypes shape intellectual identity and performance. American Psychologist, 52(6), 613–629.

Vandiver, B. J. (2024). Fifty Years (1974–2024) of the Journal of Black Psychology: A Brief History and Reflection of Its Significance. Journal of Black Psychology, 50(1), 3-8.

Williams, M. T. (2021). Racial microaggressions: Critical questions, state of the science, and new directions. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(5), 880–885.

Selected videos:

The Race Gap: How U.S. systemic racism plays out in Black lives

Positive Racial Identity in Early Education

Seeing White

The Fake Link Between Race and Intelligence

Black Youth Suicide

]]> Wed, 12 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2523 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with Professor Nnamdi Pole, Harold and Elsa Israel Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Psychology Department at Smith College, to discuss his course, The Psychology of the Black Experience. Professor Pole shares insights from his long-running course, delving into the role of psychology in understanding Black identity, collective experiences, and the impact of systemic forces like racism.

The conversation unpacks the origins of Black psychology as a response to scientific racism, which historically justified stereotypes of Black inferiority through flawed studies on IQ, skull sizes, and other biased metrics. Professor Pole traces the emergence of the Association of Black Psychologists and discusses the two major strands of Black psychology—one that counters racism by centering Black experiences, and another that explores pre-colonial African psychological traditions, emphasizing collectivism, spirituality, and alternative concepts of selfhood.

The discussion also tackles the evolving definition of race, the spectrum of racism from unconscious biases to systemic discrimination, and the challenges of teaching about race in a classroom with both Black and non-Black students. Professor Pole critiques colorblind ideologies, advocating instead for a pluralistic society where diverse identities are recognized and valued.

Many special thanks to Northfire Recording Studio in Amherst, MA, which provided space and equipment for our recording of this episode!

Links:

Professor Pole is available to do public speaking and/or diversity training in person or remotely for schools, clinical settings, or corporate settings. You can reach him at npole@smith.edu.

He suggests the following textbook and supplementary readings if you'd like to learn more:

Textbook: Belgrave, F.Z. & Allison, K.W. (2019). African American Psychology: From Africa to America (4th Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Kahn, K. B., & McMahon, J. M. (2015). Shooting deaths of unarmed racial minorities: Understanding the role of racial stereotypes on decisions to shoot. Translational Issues in Psychological Science, 1(4), 310–320.

Karras J. E., Niwa E. Y., Adesina F., Ruck M. D. (2021) Confronting whiteness: Conceptual, contextual, and methodological considerations for advancing ethnic-racial socialization research to illuminate white identity development. Journal of Social Issues. 77: 1305–1326.

Lewis, J. A. (2023). Contributions of Black psychology scholars to models of racism and health: Applying intersectionality to center Black women. American Psychologist, 78(4), 576–588.

Lundberg, Kristjen B.; Payne, B. Keith; Pasek, Josh; Krosnick, Jon A. (2017). "Racial Attitudes Predicted Changes in Ostensibly Race‐Neutral Political Attitudes Under the Obama Administration." Political Psychology 38(2): 313-330.

Steele, C. M. (1997). A threat in the air: How stereotypes shape intellectual identity and performance. American Psychologist, 52(6), 613–629.

Vandiver, B. J. (2024). Fifty Years (1974–2024) of the Journal of Black Psychology: A Brief History and Reflection of Its Significance. Journal of Black Psychology, 50(1), 3-8.

Williams, M. T. (2021). Racial microaggressions: Critical questions, state of the science, and new directions. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(5), 880–885.

Selected videos:

The Race Gap: How U.S. systemic racism plays out in Black lives

Positive Racial Identity in Early Education

Seeing White

The Fake Link Between Race and Intelligence

Black Youth Suicide

]]> mental health, psychology, race No The opportunity in curiosity: The personal and social relationship with alcohol 17 17 The opportunity in curiosity: The personal and social relationship with alcohol full cc5746d9-8677-479c-aaaa-67e9a2bd0f14 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6766ee8 This episode of Unravelling dives into the cultural, social, and personal complexities of alcohol use. As Dry January wraps up, many are reflecting on the role alcohol plays in their lives. Mary Wilson speaks with Jeanette Hu, a California-based psychotherapist and creator of the Sober Curiosity Lab, to explore the concept of "sober curiosity." Jeanette shares her insights on how alcohol is deeply woven into our societal fabric, why it’s often glamorized, and how its subtle costs are frequently overlooked. From questioning beliefs about drinking to exploring the emotional and physiological impacts of alcohol, this conversation offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to rethink our relationship with drinking. Whether you're a daily drinker, sober curious, or simply rethinking your habits, this episode invites you to reflect on how alcohol fits into your life—and how it might not.

Links: 
Jeanette Hu's website: https://www.youcanhealwellness.com/
Free Dry January Playbook: https://www.sobercuriosity.co/lead-magnet-Dry-Jan-playbook
Free 30 Reasons Why People Drink Checklist: https://www.sobercuriosity.co/lead-magnet-30-reason-why-list-1

]]> This episode of Unravelling dives into the cultural, social, and personal complexities of alcohol use. As Dry January wraps up, many are reflecting on the role alcohol plays in their lives. Mary Wilson speaks with Jeanette Hu, a California-based psychotherapist and creator of the Sober Curiosity Lab, to explore the concept of "sober curiosity." Jeanette shares her insights on how alcohol is deeply woven into our societal fabric, why it’s often glamorized, and how its subtle costs are frequently overlooked. From questioning beliefs about drinking to exploring the emotional and physiological impacts of alcohol, this conversation offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to rethink our relationship with drinking. Whether you're a daily drinker, sober curious, or simply rethinking your habits, this episode invites you to reflect on how alcohol fits into your life—and how it might not.

Links: 
Jeanette Hu's website: https://www.youcanhealwellness.com/
Free Dry January Playbook: https://www.sobercuriosity.co/lead-magnet-Dry-Jan-playbook
Free 30 Reasons Why People Drink Checklist: https://www.sobercuriosity.co/lead-magnet-30-reason-why-list-1

]]> Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1652 This episode of Unravelling dives into the cultural, social, and personal complexities of alcohol use. As Dry January wraps up, many are reflecting on the role alcohol plays in their lives. Mary Wilson speaks with Jeanette Hu, a California-based psychotherapist and creator of the Sober Curiosity Lab, to explore the concept of "sober curiosity." Jeanette shares her insights on how alcohol is deeply woven into our societal fabric, why it’s often glamorized, and how its subtle costs are frequently overlooked. From questioning beliefs about drinking to exploring the emotional and physiological impacts of alcohol, this conversation offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to rethink our relationship with drinking. Whether you're a daily drinker, sober curious, or simply rethinking your habits, this episode invites you to reflect on how alcohol fits into your life—and how it might not.

Links: 
Jeanette Hu's website: https://www.youcanhealwellness.com/
Free Dry January Playbook: https://www.sobercuriosity.co/lead-magnet-Dry-Jan-playbook
Free 30 Reasons Why People Drink Checklist: https://www.sobercuriosity.co/lead-magnet-30-reason-why-list-1

]]> alcohol, sobriety, mental health No What you don't know about alcohol 16 16 What you don't know about alcohol full df14e7b1-d22d-4358-ae56-440121abea3d https://share.transistor.fm/s/188f9028 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with his colleague Dr. Geoff Kane, MD, MPH, Emeritus Chief of Addiction Services at the Brattleboro Retreat, to delve into the evolving understanding of alcohol’s health risks. This timely discussion comes amid growing research, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s call for alcohol warning labels and Canada’s updated guidelines, which reveal significant risks even at low levels of consumption. While the conversation touches on the most extreme cases of alcohol use, the real emphasis is on the everyday drinkers—the majority who might not yet realize the potential risks they’re facing. Dr. Kane explains that alcohol’s effects, such as the risk of certain cancers, increase with consumption, especially for women. He emphasizes personal autonomy and risk tolerance, encouraging listeners to weigh the potential health impacts against their personal choices and values. With an emphasis on informed decision-making, Dr. Kane aims to empower individuals with the knowledge to navigate their relationship with alcohol thoughtfully.

Links: Dr. Goeff Kane's website: Meetinghouse Solutions | Love. Serve. Laugh. Make a Difference.
Beyond the Two Pillars of Recovery Podcast: Beyond The Two Pillars of Recovery®: a MEETINGHOUSE SOLUTIONS® Podcast With Geoff Kane, MD, MPH | Podcast on Spotify

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with his colleague Dr. Geoff Kane, MD, MPH, Emeritus Chief of Addiction Services at the Brattleboro Retreat, to delve into the evolving understanding of alcohol’s health risks. This timely discussion comes amid growing research, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s call for alcohol warning labels and Canada’s updated guidelines, which reveal significant risks even at low levels of consumption. While the conversation touches on the most extreme cases of alcohol use, the real emphasis is on the everyday drinkers—the majority who might not yet realize the potential risks they’re facing. Dr. Kane explains that alcohol’s effects, such as the risk of certain cancers, increase with consumption, especially for women. He emphasizes personal autonomy and risk tolerance, encouraging listeners to weigh the potential health impacts against their personal choices and values. With an emphasis on informed decision-making, Dr. Kane aims to empower individuals with the knowledge to navigate their relationship with alcohol thoughtfully.

Links: Dr. Goeff Kane's website: Meetinghouse Solutions | Love. Serve. Laugh. Make a Difference.
Beyond the Two Pillars of Recovery Podcast: Beyond The Two Pillars of Recovery®: a MEETINGHOUSE SOLUTIONS® Podcast With Geoff Kane, MD, MPH | Podcast on Spotify

]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2336 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with his colleague Dr. Geoff Kane, MD, MPH, Emeritus Chief of Addiction Services at the Brattleboro Retreat, to delve into the evolving understanding of alcohol’s health risks. This timely discussion comes amid growing research, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s call for alcohol warning labels and Canada’s updated guidelines, which reveal significant risks even at low levels of consumption. While the conversation touches on the most extreme cases of alcohol use, the real emphasis is on the everyday drinkers—the majority who might not yet realize the potential risks they’re facing. Dr. Kane explains that alcohol’s effects, such as the risk of certain cancers, increase with consumption, especially for women. He emphasizes personal autonomy and risk tolerance, encouraging listeners to weigh the potential health impacts against their personal choices and values. With an emphasis on informed decision-making, Dr. Kane aims to empower individuals with the knowledge to navigate their relationship with alcohol thoughtfully.

Links: Dr. Goeff Kane's website: Meetinghouse Solutions | Love. Serve. Laugh. Make a Difference.
Beyond the Two Pillars of Recovery Podcast: Beyond The Two Pillars of Recovery®: a MEETINGHOUSE SOLUTIONS® Podcast With Geoff Kane, MD, MPH | Podcast on Spotify

]]> mental health, alcohol use, public health No In Conversation: Redefining eating disorder language, treatment and recovery 15 15 In Conversation: Redefining eating disorder language, treatment and recovery full 60b3c7b4-c85c-4754-acbc-8dab1cdcf167 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2938caf5 Start the New Year with a special thought-provoking episode of Unravelling. Hosts Kurt White and Mary Wilson are joined by Brattleboro Retreat postdoctoral psychology fellow Mary Iellamo to revisit a compelling panel from the Brattleboro Literary Festival. Moderated by Iellamo, this conversation brings together authors Anna Shechtman (The Riddles of the Sphinx) and Emmeline Clein (Dead Weight), who were each featured individually in the previous two episodes of Unravelling (episodes 13 and 14).

With clips from the panel, this episode delves into the cultural narratives surrounding eating disorders, unpacking the paradoxes of connection and competition in recovery. It also tackles critical questions about treatment: how do we balance harm prevention with addressing the systemic causes of these illnesses? And how can innovative strategies—like group outings that mimic real-life social experiences—be integrated into care, even when they provoke anxiety?
The conversation concludes by exploring how treatment centers and individuals can create spaces for recovery that support autonomy, healing, and meaningful connections.

Links:

Anna Shechtman's website: Anna Shechtman

The Riddles of the Sphinx: The Riddles of the Sphinx – HarperCollins

Emmeline Clein's website: https://emmelineclein.net/Homepage

Dead Weight: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Weight-Essays-Hunger-Harm/dp/0593536908


Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/


]]> Start the New Year with a special thought-provoking episode of Unravelling. Hosts Kurt White and Mary Wilson are joined by Brattleboro Retreat postdoctoral psychology fellow Mary Iellamo to revisit a compelling panel from the Brattleboro Literary Festival. Moderated by Iellamo, this conversation brings together authors Anna Shechtman (The Riddles of the Sphinx) and Emmeline Clein (Dead Weight), who were each featured individually in the previous two episodes of Unravelling (episodes 13 and 14).

With clips from the panel, this episode delves into the cultural narratives surrounding eating disorders, unpacking the paradoxes of connection and competition in recovery. It also tackles critical questions about treatment: how do we balance harm prevention with addressing the systemic causes of these illnesses? And how can innovative strategies—like group outings that mimic real-life social experiences—be integrated into care, even when they provoke anxiety?
The conversation concludes by exploring how treatment centers and individuals can create spaces for recovery that support autonomy, healing, and meaningful connections.

Links:

Anna Shechtman's website: Anna Shechtman

The Riddles of the Sphinx: The Riddles of the Sphinx – HarperCollins

Emmeline Clein's website: https://emmelineclein.net/Homepage

Dead Weight: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Weight-Essays-Hunger-Harm/dp/0593536908


Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/


]]> Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2957 Start the New Year with a special thought-provoking episode of Unravelling. Hosts Kurt White and Mary Wilson are joined by Brattleboro Retreat postdoctoral psychology fellow Mary Iellamo to revisit a compelling panel from the Brattleboro Literary Festival. Moderated by Iellamo, this conversation brings together authors Anna Shechtman (The Riddles of the Sphinx) and Emmeline Clein (Dead Weight), who were each featured individually in the previous two episodes of Unravelling (episodes 13 and 14).

With clips from the panel, this episode delves into the cultural narratives surrounding eating disorders, unpacking the paradoxes of connection and competition in recovery. It also tackles critical questions about treatment: how do we balance harm prevention with addressing the systemic causes of these illnesses? And how can innovative strategies—like group outings that mimic real-life social experiences—be integrated into care, even when they provoke anxiety?
The conversation concludes by exploring how treatment centers and individuals can create spaces for recovery that support autonomy, healing, and meaningful connections.

Links:

Anna Shechtman's website: Anna Shechtman

The Riddles of the Sphinx: The Riddles of the Sphinx – HarperCollins

Emmeline Clein's website: https://emmelineclein.net/Homepage

Dead Weight: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Weight-Essays-Hunger-Harm/dp/0593536908


Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/


]]> mental health, eating disorders, memoir, literature No The riddles within: Crosswords, anorexia, and feminist history 14 14 The riddles within: Crosswords, anorexia, and feminist history full 295ec0e6-67eb-44f3-8433-88f3e4f5bebd https://share.transistor.fm/s/68e8c853 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with Anna Shechtman, author and renowned crossword creator, at the Brattleboro Literary Festival to discuss her book, The Riddles of the Sphinx: Inheriting the Feminist History of the Crossword Puzzle.

At age 15, Anna began crafting crossword puzzles while navigating the complexities of disordered eating—two practices tied by perfectionism, control, and language. Kurt and Anna explore the paradoxes of anorexia: the illusion of control amidst chaos, the pursuit of gratification without pleasure, and society’s celebration of self-discipline at the cost of self-destruction.

Anna reflects on how crossword construction became a “perfect substitution,” mirroring her fraught relationship with identity and body, offering a fragile sense of stability. Together, they examine the cultural and political forces shaping eating disorders, the competing ideals placed on women, and the tensions between feminist resistance and internalized misogyny.

Anna reminds us that recovery is hard work—but not as hard as living within an active disorder—and that healing begins with connection, both to others and to ourselves.

Links:
Anna's website: Anna Shechtman
The Riddles of the Sphinx: The Riddles of the Sphinx – HarperCollins
Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/about/



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with Anna Shechtman, author and renowned crossword creator, at the Brattleboro Literary Festival to discuss her book, The Riddles of the Sphinx: Inheriting the Feminist History of the Crossword Puzzle.

At age 15, Anna began crafting crossword puzzles while navigating the complexities of disordered eating—two practices tied by perfectionism, control, and language. Kurt and Anna explore the paradoxes of anorexia: the illusion of control amidst chaos, the pursuit of gratification without pleasure, and society’s celebration of self-discipline at the cost of self-destruction.

Anna reflects on how crossword construction became a “perfect substitution,” mirroring her fraught relationship with identity and body, offering a fragile sense of stability. Together, they examine the cultural and political forces shaping eating disorders, the competing ideals placed on women, and the tensions between feminist resistance and internalized misogyny.

Anna reminds us that recovery is hard work—but not as hard as living within an active disorder—and that healing begins with connection, both to others and to ourselves.

Links:
Anna's website: Anna Shechtman
The Riddles of the Sphinx: The Riddles of the Sphinx – HarperCollins
Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/about/



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2417 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with Anna Shechtman, author and renowned crossword creator, at the Brattleboro Literary Festival to discuss her book, The Riddles of the Sphinx: Inheriting the Feminist History of the Crossword Puzzle.

At age 15, Anna began crafting crossword puzzles while navigating the complexities of disordered eating—two practices tied by perfectionism, control, and language. Kurt and Anna explore the paradoxes of anorexia: the illusion of control amidst chaos, the pursuit of gratification without pleasure, and society’s celebration of self-discipline at the cost of self-destruction.

Anna reflects on how crossword construction became a “perfect substitution,” mirroring her fraught relationship with identity and body, offering a fragile sense of stability. Together, they examine the cultural and political forces shaping eating disorders, the competing ideals placed on women, and the tensions between feminist resistance and internalized misogyny.

Anna reminds us that recovery is hard work—but not as hard as living within an active disorder—and that healing begins with connection, both to others and to ourselves.

Links:
Anna's website: Anna Shechtman
The Riddles of the Sphinx: The Riddles of the Sphinx – HarperCollins
Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/about/



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> anorexia, eating disorders, mental health, crosswords, puzzles No Reading a room you've been locked into: Eating (disorders), bodies, and society 13 13 Reading a room you've been locked into: Eating (disorders), bodies, and society full 92172cb2-fd6d-4ecb-b606-4c7500ae53cb https://share.transistor.fm/s/ae30095a In this episode of Unravelling, Mary Wilson interviews Emmeline Clein, author of Dead Weight: Essays on Hunger and Harm and a featured guest at the 2024 Brattleboro Literary Festival. Emmeline critiques the systemic failures in diagnosing and treating eating disorders, highlighting the emotional invalidation many patients face—particularly the harm of being told they don’t "qualify" for certain diagnoses. She explores how treatment centers often reinforce disordered behaviors instead of addressing them holistically and reflects on the lifelong process of managing disordered eating in a culture obsessed with thinness. Emmeline shares how education about the history of beauty standards and diagnostic systems can reduce shame and foster empowerment. Advocating for open dialogue and community in treatment settings, she offers a vision for creating more effective and compassionate support systems.


Links: 

Emmeline Clein's website: https://emmelineclein.net/Homepage


Dead Weight: Essays on Hunger and Harm: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Weight-Essays-Hunger-Harm/dp/0593536908


Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/




Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Mary Wilson interviews Emmeline Clein, author of Dead Weight: Essays on Hunger and Harm and a featured guest at the 2024 Brattleboro Literary Festival. Emmeline critiques the systemic failures in diagnosing and treating eating disorders, highlighting the emotional invalidation many patients face—particularly the harm of being told they don’t "qualify" for certain diagnoses. She explores how treatment centers often reinforce disordered behaviors instead of addressing them holistically and reflects on the lifelong process of managing disordered eating in a culture obsessed with thinness. Emmeline shares how education about the history of beauty standards and diagnostic systems can reduce shame and foster empowerment. Advocating for open dialogue and community in treatment settings, she offers a vision for creating more effective and compassionate support systems.


Links: 

Emmeline Clein's website: https://emmelineclein.net/Homepage


Dead Weight: Essays on Hunger and Harm: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Weight-Essays-Hunger-Harm/dp/0593536908


Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/




Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2158 In this episode of Unravelling, Mary Wilson interviews Emmeline Clein, author of Dead Weight: Essays on Hunger and Harm and a featured guest at the 2024 Brattleboro Literary Festival. Emmeline critiques the systemic failures in diagnosing and treating eating disorders, highlighting the emotional invalidation many patients face—particularly the harm of being told they don’t "qualify" for certain diagnoses. She explores how treatment centers often reinforce disordered behaviors instead of addressing them holistically and reflects on the lifelong process of managing disordered eating in a culture obsessed with thinness. Emmeline shares how education about the history of beauty standards and diagnostic systems can reduce shame and foster empowerment. Advocating for open dialogue and community in treatment settings, she offers a vision for creating more effective and compassionate support systems.


Links: 

Emmeline Clein's website: https://emmelineclein.net/Homepage


Dead Weight: Essays on Hunger and Harm: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Weight-Essays-Hunger-Harm/dp/0593536908


Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/




Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> mental health, eating disorders, body image No Family estrangement: Breaking ties, building community 12 12 Family estrangement: Breaking ties, building community full a83b5afa-a1a6-417a-a047-249d38bf395d https://share.transistor.fm/s/d78b33fc Description: In this episode of Unravelling, Mary Wilson speaks with Angel Cassin, CEO of Together Estranged, about the complex and often taboo topic of family estrangement. Angel shares her own journey of going no-contact with her mother, the stigma she encountered, and the community she found through Together Estranged. The conversation explores the spectrum of estrangement, the role of boundaries, and societal expectations around reconciliation. Angel sheds light on the diverse reasons behind estrangement, such as non-acceptance due to identity, conflicting values, or a history of abuse, and how these factors shape the experience of those affected. She also explores the power of chosen families and online communities in creating a sense of belonging and support for those who feel isolated.

Links

Website: https://www.togetherestranged.org/


About Estrangement: https://www.togetherestranged.org/copy-of-research-learning


Navigating Events Resource: https://www.togetherestranged.org/navigatingevents


Togetherness Series/Events page (where folks can sign up for our monthly meet): https://www.togetherestranged.org/event-list


Blog Series: https://www.togetherestranged.org/blog



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> Description: In this episode of Unravelling, Mary Wilson speaks with Angel Cassin, CEO of Together Estranged, about the complex and often taboo topic of family estrangement. Angel shares her own journey of going no-contact with her mother, the stigma she encountered, and the community she found through Together Estranged. The conversation explores the spectrum of estrangement, the role of boundaries, and societal expectations around reconciliation. Angel sheds light on the diverse reasons behind estrangement, such as non-acceptance due to identity, conflicting values, or a history of abuse, and how these factors shape the experience of those affected. She also explores the power of chosen families and online communities in creating a sense of belonging and support for those who feel isolated.

Links

Website: https://www.togetherestranged.org/


About Estrangement: https://www.togetherestranged.org/copy-of-research-learning


Navigating Events Resource: https://www.togetherestranged.org/navigatingevents


Togetherness Series/Events page (where folks can sign up for our monthly meet): https://www.togetherestranged.org/event-list


Blog Series: https://www.togetherestranged.org/blog



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2546 Description: In this episode of Unravelling, Mary Wilson speaks with Angel Cassin, CEO of Together Estranged, about the complex and often taboo topic of family estrangement. Angel shares her own journey of going no-contact with her mother, the stigma she encountered, and the community she found through Together Estranged. The conversation explores the spectrum of estrangement, the role of boundaries, and societal expectations around reconciliation. Angel sheds light on the diverse reasons behind estrangement, such as non-acceptance due to identity, conflicting values, or a history of abuse, and how these factors shape the experience of those affected. She also explores the power of chosen families and online communities in creating a sense of belonging and support for those who feel isolated.

Links

Website: https://www.togetherestranged.org/


About Estrangement: https://www.togetherestranged.org/copy-of-research-learning


Navigating Events Resource: https://www.togetherestranged.org/navigatingevents


Togetherness Series/Events page (where folks can sign up for our monthly meet): https://www.togetherestranged.org/event-list


Blog Series: https://www.togetherestranged.org/blog



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> families, family estrangement, mental health, family of choice No Democracy and distress: The mental health impact of politics 11 11 Democracy and distress: The mental health impact of politics full 7dd9bf15-9698-428d-8c0f-49d0507d649f https://share.transistor.fm/s/5d15d6c9 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White speaks with Dr. Kevin Smith, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, about the connection between politics, stress, and mental health. They discuss Dr. Smith's research indicating that political engagement can trigger physiological stress responses, with increased attention to politics in our information-saturated environment correlating with higher stress and negative health impacts. Kurt prompts a conversation about the societal responsibility to engage in democracy while minimizing these effects, and Kevin shares that his lab is investigating interventions to help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of political engagement. As they explore the post-election landscape, Kevin notes that while anxiety levels may rise before elections, research suggests that post-election stress remains relatively stable, reassuring listeners of the resilience of democratic institutions and emphasizing that the political climate is often more stable than it appears. Kurt and Kevin both emphasize the role of social connections in reducing stress. Kevin encourages reaching out to people with different political views and building diverse social networks to stay grounded during political turmoil.

Connect with Dr. Kevin Smith, and learn more about his work and research:
X: @nivek_htims
Personal website: Kevin B. Smith | Author, Professor, Political Scientist (kevinbsmith.com) 



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White speaks with Dr. Kevin Smith, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, about the connection between politics, stress, and mental health. They discuss Dr. Smith's research indicating that political engagement can trigger physiological stress responses, with increased attention to politics in our information-saturated environment correlating with higher stress and negative health impacts. Kurt prompts a conversation about the societal responsibility to engage in democracy while minimizing these effects, and Kevin shares that his lab is investigating interventions to help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of political engagement. As they explore the post-election landscape, Kevin notes that while anxiety levels may rise before elections, research suggests that post-election stress remains relatively stable, reassuring listeners of the resilience of democratic institutions and emphasizing that the political climate is often more stable than it appears. Kurt and Kevin both emphasize the role of social connections in reducing stress. Kevin encourages reaching out to people with different political views and building diverse social networks to stay grounded during political turmoil.

Connect with Dr. Kevin Smith, and learn more about his work and research:
X: @nivek_htims
Personal website: Kevin B. Smith | Author, Professor, Political Scientist (kevinbsmith.com) 



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2434 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White speaks with Dr. Kevin Smith, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, about the connection between politics, stress, and mental health. They discuss Dr. Smith's research indicating that political engagement can trigger physiological stress responses, with increased attention to politics in our information-saturated environment correlating with higher stress and negative health impacts. Kurt prompts a conversation about the societal responsibility to engage in democracy while minimizing these effects, and Kevin shares that his lab is investigating interventions to help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of political engagement. As they explore the post-election landscape, Kevin notes that while anxiety levels may rise before elections, research suggests that post-election stress remains relatively stable, reassuring listeners of the resilience of democratic institutions and emphasizing that the political climate is often more stable than it appears. Kurt and Kevin both emphasize the role of social connections in reducing stress. Kevin encourages reaching out to people with different political views and building diverse social networks to stay grounded during political turmoil.

Connect with Dr. Kevin Smith, and learn more about his work and research:
X: @nivek_htims
Personal website: Kevin B. Smith | Author, Professor, Political Scientist (kevinbsmith.com) 



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> mental health, politics, stress No The embodied wisdom of peer-led approaches 10 10 The embodied wisdom of peer-led approaches full 0e3e6ea7-5d53-48c4-b364-5d9197a2940c https://share.transistor.fm/s/6d2c0500

Description:

This episode of Unravelling delves into peer-led mental health care by exploring the work of Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu, founder of Project LETS. This national grassroots organization centers the voices of individuals with lived experience through its peer support model. Mary Wilson interviews Stefanie who recounts their personal journey of founding Project LETS in high school, spurred by the suicide of a friend and the failure of traditional mental health systems to support grieving students. They discuss how peer support redefines conventional power dynamics in mental health care, shifting the focus to those directly impacted by mental health challenges. Stefanie advocates for community-based alternatives to mainstream mental health care, calling for a reexamination of how we define and approach mental health. They emphasize the transformative power of peer support in empowering individuals and reshaping the future of mental health care.


Links: 

Learn more about Project LETS and the peer support model - Project LETS 

Get in touch with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu - Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu (stefaniekaufman.com) 



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]>

Description:

This episode of Unravelling delves into peer-led mental health care by exploring the work of Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu, founder of Project LETS. This national grassroots organization centers the voices of individuals with lived experience through its peer support model. Mary Wilson interviews Stefanie who recounts their personal journey of founding Project LETS in high school, spurred by the suicide of a friend and the failure of traditional mental health systems to support grieving students. They discuss how peer support redefines conventional power dynamics in mental health care, shifting the focus to those directly impacted by mental health challenges. Stefanie advocates for community-based alternatives to mainstream mental health care, calling for a reexamination of how we define and approach mental health. They emphasize the transformative power of peer support in empowering individuals and reshaping the future of mental health care.


Links: 

Learn more about Project LETS and the peer support model - Project LETS 

Get in touch with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu - Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu (stefaniekaufman.com) 



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1939

Description:

This episode of Unravelling delves into peer-led mental health care by exploring the work of Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu, founder of Project LETS. This national grassroots organization centers the voices of individuals with lived experience through its peer support model. Mary Wilson interviews Stefanie who recounts their personal journey of founding Project LETS in high school, spurred by the suicide of a friend and the failure of traditional mental health systems to support grieving students. They discuss how peer support redefines conventional power dynamics in mental health care, shifting the focus to those directly impacted by mental health challenges. Stefanie advocates for community-based alternatives to mainstream mental health care, calling for a reexamination of how we define and approach mental health. They emphasize the transformative power of peer support in empowering individuals and reshaping the future of mental health care.


Links: 

Learn more about Project LETS and the peer support model - Project LETS 

Get in touch with Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu - Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu (stefaniekaufman.com) 



Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> mental health, peer support No A radical approach to listening and creativity: Lessons from Open Dialogue 9 9 A radical approach to listening and creativity: Lessons from Open Dialogue full a06d6f63-27bc-4684-ad74-1fa493adbc43 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2408c470

Description: In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt speaks with psychologist Dr. Jaakko Seikkula about his pioneering work in Open Dialogue. Developed in the 1980s in Western Lapland, Open Dialogue reshapes the way we respond to mental health crises, focusing on the power of human connection and the importance of involving a person’s entire social network in their healing process. Dr. Seikkula discusses his research in Finland, where Open Dialogue dramatically reduced relapse rates in psychosis and inspired mental health professionals around the world to challenge conventional approaches to mental health treatment. 


Links:

Learn more about the Open Dialogue Approach:
Re-humanising Mental Health Systems: A Discussion with Jaakko Seikkula on the Open Dialogue Approach - Mad In America

The Institute for Dialogic Practice: https://www.dialogicpractice.net/

Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]>

Description: In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt speaks with psychologist Dr. Jaakko Seikkula about his pioneering work in Open Dialogue. Developed in the 1980s in Western Lapland, Open Dialogue reshapes the way we respond to mental health crises, focusing on the power of human connection and the importance of involving a person’s entire social network in their healing process. Dr. Seikkula discusses his research in Finland, where Open Dialogue dramatically reduced relapse rates in psychosis and inspired mental health professionals around the world to challenge conventional approaches to mental health treatment. 


Links:

Learn more about the Open Dialogue Approach:
Re-humanising Mental Health Systems: A Discussion with Jaakko Seikkula on the Open Dialogue Approach - Mad In America

The Institute for Dialogic Practice: https://www.dialogicpractice.net/

Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> Wed, 09 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1954

Description: In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt speaks with psychologist Dr. Jaakko Seikkula about his pioneering work in Open Dialogue. Developed in the 1980s in Western Lapland, Open Dialogue reshapes the way we respond to mental health crises, focusing on the power of human connection and the importance of involving a person’s entire social network in their healing process. Dr. Seikkula discusses his research in Finland, where Open Dialogue dramatically reduced relapse rates in psychosis and inspired mental health professionals around the world to challenge conventional approaches to mental health treatment. 


Links:

Learn more about the Open Dialogue Approach:
Re-humanising Mental Health Systems: A Discussion with Jaakko Seikkula on the Open Dialogue Approach - Mad In America

The Institute for Dialogic Practice: https://www.dialogicpractice.net/

Calling our listeners!
We want to hear from you! We're cooking up a special episode and need your voice in the mix. Have a question, thoughts on a past episode, or something happening in your life you’d love to explore through the lens of mental health? You can call, email, or send us a voice memo—and you just might hear yourself on a future episode of Unravelling. We’re excited to hear what’s on your mind!   


Leave a voicemail at 802-258-3763 (802-258-3POD)

Email or send a voice memo to unravel@brattlebororetreat.org



]]> mental health, open dialogue, schizophrenia No The struggle for a life worth living: the social roots of youth suicide 8 8 The struggle for a life worth living: the social roots of youth suicide full ed1918bb-e889-468b-bd09-7ce2f8875279 https://share.transistor.fm/s/234d005d In this episode of Unravelling, Mary interviews Anna Mueller, a sociologist and leading expert on youth suicide and prevention. Anna’s groundbreaking work examines the social roots of suicide and how these underlying factors create vulnerability in young people. Drawing from her fieldwork and new book, Life under Pressure: The Social Roots of Youth Suicide and What to Do About Them, she sheds light on suicide clusters and the social contagion of suicide. Challenging the common view of suicide as an individual issue, Anna emphasizes the importance of understanding the societal pressures that impact young people. She discusses how certain communities, with rigid cultural norms, create an environment where deviation from perfection is met with shame—putting youth at greater risk. 

Links

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Mary interviews Anna Mueller, a sociologist and leading expert on youth suicide and prevention. Anna’s groundbreaking work examines the social roots of suicide and how these underlying factors create vulnerability in young people. Drawing from her fieldwork and new book, Life under Pressure: The Social Roots of Youth Suicide and What to Do About Them, she sheds light on suicide clusters and the social contagion of suicide. Challenging the common view of suicide as an individual issue, Anna emphasizes the importance of understanding the societal pressures that impact young people. She discusses how certain communities, with rigid cultural norms, create an environment where deviation from perfection is met with shame—putting youth at greater risk. 

Links

]]> Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1847 In this episode of Unravelling, Mary interviews Anna Mueller, a sociologist and leading expert on youth suicide and prevention. Anna’s groundbreaking work examines the social roots of suicide and how these underlying factors create vulnerability in young people. Drawing from her fieldwork and new book, Life under Pressure: The Social Roots of Youth Suicide and What to Do About Them, she sheds light on suicide clusters and the social contagion of suicide. Challenging the common view of suicide as an individual issue, Anna emphasizes the importance of understanding the societal pressures that impact young people. She discusses how certain communities, with rigid cultural norms, create an environment where deviation from perfection is met with shame—putting youth at greater risk. 

Links

]]> suicide prevention, mental health, sociology No Not alone, not a burden: broadening the dialogue on suicide 7 7 Not alone, not a burden: broadening the dialogue on suicide full afc77996-aaa8-4d02-9b9b-6d10a6649bf9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7bc669a9 Special early release of Unravelling - one day early to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10.

In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White interviews Kirk Woodring, a licensed social worker with extensive experience in suicide prevention. Kirk shares how his brother’s suicide and his work in crisis intervention have shaped both his personal and professional life. He discusses the stigma and discomfort that surround suicide, even among professionals, and challenges misconceptions like the idea that talking about it encourages suicidal behavior. He stresses the importance of normalizing these conversations to reduce isolation and open avenues for help. Reflecting on his brother’s death, Kirk reveals the difficulties of addressing suicide with loved ones, even as a mental health professional.

Links:

https://afsp.org/ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

https://988lifeline.org/ 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 to talk to someone confidentially, available 24/7/365

]]> Special early release of Unravelling - one day early to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10.

In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White interviews Kirk Woodring, a licensed social worker with extensive experience in suicide prevention. Kirk shares how his brother’s suicide and his work in crisis intervention have shaped both his personal and professional life. He discusses the stigma and discomfort that surround suicide, even among professionals, and challenges misconceptions like the idea that talking about it encourages suicidal behavior. He stresses the importance of normalizing these conversations to reduce isolation and open avenues for help. Reflecting on his brother’s death, Kirk reveals the difficulties of addressing suicide with loved ones, even as a mental health professional.

Links:

https://afsp.org/ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

https://988lifeline.org/ 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 to talk to someone confidentially, available 24/7/365

]]> Tue, 10 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2080 Special early release of Unravelling - one day early to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10.

In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White interviews Kirk Woodring, a licensed social worker with extensive experience in suicide prevention. Kirk shares how his brother’s suicide and his work in crisis intervention have shaped both his personal and professional life. He discusses the stigma and discomfort that surround suicide, even among professionals, and challenges misconceptions like the idea that talking about it encourages suicidal behavior. He stresses the importance of normalizing these conversations to reduce isolation and open avenues for help. Reflecting on his brother’s death, Kirk reveals the difficulties of addressing suicide with loved ones, even as a mental health professional.

Links:

https://afsp.org/ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

https://988lifeline.org/ 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 to talk to someone confidentially, available 24/7/365

]]> mental health, suicide, suicide prevention No Relax! Nothing is under control 6 6 Relax! Nothing is under control full e7ff4d93-8a75-486a-920b-1083961548de https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1565676 In this episode of Unravelling, Mary interviews Pedro Fabião, a psychotherapist, psychodramatist, and clown! Pedro shares how embracing playfulness and reconnecting with one's inner child can lead to deeper self-awareness and authentic connections. Drawing from his experiences leading workshops internationally, Pedro discusses how the art of clowning invites us to shed societal roles, be fully present in the moment, and rediscover our humanity through joy and creativity.


Picture of Pedro and Kurt at IAGP Congress, Malmo, 2018

Links: 


Find Pedro on Instagram - Pedro Fabião (@pedrofabiao) • Instagram photos and videos

Workshops: Expect Nothing - The Art of Embracing Uncertainty (notion.site)

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Mary interviews Pedro Fabião, a psychotherapist, psychodramatist, and clown! Pedro shares how embracing playfulness and reconnecting with one's inner child can lead to deeper self-awareness and authentic connections. Drawing from his experiences leading workshops internationally, Pedro discusses how the art of clowning invites us to shed societal roles, be fully present in the moment, and rediscover our humanity through joy and creativity.


Picture of Pedro and Kurt at IAGP Congress, Malmo, 2018

Links: 


Find Pedro on Instagram - Pedro Fabião (@pedrofabiao) • Instagram photos and videos

Workshops: Expect Nothing - The Art of Embracing Uncertainty (notion.site)

]]> Wed, 28 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1843 In this episode of Unravelling, Mary interviews Pedro Fabião, a psychotherapist, psychodramatist, and clown! Pedro shares how embracing playfulness and reconnecting with one's inner child can lead to deeper self-awareness and authentic connections. Drawing from his experiences leading workshops internationally, Pedro discusses how the art of clowning invites us to shed societal roles, be fully present in the moment, and rediscover our humanity through joy and creativity.


Picture of Pedro and Kurt at IAGP Congress, Malmo, 2018

Links: 


Find Pedro on Instagram - Pedro Fabião (@pedrofabiao) • Instagram photos and videos

Workshops: Expect Nothing - The Art of Embracing Uncertainty (notion.site)

]]> mental health, clowning, spontaneity, creativity No Abiding in grief: finding our humanity in love and loss 5 5 Abiding in grief: finding our humanity in love and loss full d601e9f8-13f3-4116-8943-a87f9ecaaf6e https://share.transistor.fm/s/b9e4b329 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt interviews Dr. Drew Pate, a psychiatrist, who discusses the complex nature of grief and loss. He shares his journey into understanding grief, which began early in his career and became more personal after the losses of his father and wife. He highlights how grief is often misunderstood and pathologized in society, rather than recognized as a natural part of the human experience. The conversation delves into the importance of accepting grief, the challenges of supporting those who are grieving, and how experiences of loss can change one's perspective on life. The episode offers insights into the universal yet deeply personal experience of grief, and how to better support themselves and others through it.

Resources

If you're grieving and looking for support, Dr. Pate recommends connecting with local religious and specialty disease organizations, which often offer grief support groups. Your community hospice can be a good place to start—​many hospice programs offer grief groups or can refer you to a professional who can help. Dr. Pate also recommends the book, "Three Roads Back," which profiles three American writers and thinkers who dealt with personal tragedies early in their careers. 

]]> In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt interviews Dr. Drew Pate, a psychiatrist, who discusses the complex nature of grief and loss. He shares his journey into understanding grief, which began early in his career and became more personal after the losses of his father and wife. He highlights how grief is often misunderstood and pathologized in society, rather than recognized as a natural part of the human experience. The conversation delves into the importance of accepting grief, the challenges of supporting those who are grieving, and how experiences of loss can change one's perspective on life. The episode offers insights into the universal yet deeply personal experience of grief, and how to better support themselves and others through it.

Resources

If you're grieving and looking for support, Dr. Pate recommends connecting with local religious and specialty disease organizations, which often offer grief support groups. Your community hospice can be a good place to start—​many hospice programs offer grief groups or can refer you to a professional who can help. Dr. Pate also recommends the book, "Three Roads Back," which profiles three American writers and thinkers who dealt with personal tragedies early in their careers. 

]]> Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1900 In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt interviews Dr. Drew Pate, a psychiatrist, who discusses the complex nature of grief and loss. He shares his journey into understanding grief, which began early in his career and became more personal after the losses of his father and wife. He highlights how grief is often misunderstood and pathologized in society, rather than recognized as a natural part of the human experience. The conversation delves into the importance of accepting grief, the challenges of supporting those who are grieving, and how experiences of loss can change one's perspective on life. The episode offers insights into the universal yet deeply personal experience of grief, and how to better support themselves and others through it.

Resources

If you're grieving and looking for support, Dr. Pate recommends connecting with local religious and specialty disease organizations, which often offer grief support groups. Your community hospice can be a good place to start—​many hospice programs offer grief groups or can refer you to a professional who can help. Dr. Pate also recommends the book, "Three Roads Back," which profiles three American writers and thinkers who dealt with personal tragedies early in their careers. 

]]> No Closing the final curtain: A death doula's wisdom and a personal journey 4 4 Closing the final curtain: A death doula's wisdom and a personal journey full 9f2433a8-74d9-432f-9ca9-dc216dc7841e https://share.transistor.fm/s/91dc1786 In this episode of Unravelling, we delve into the emotional needs of individuals facing the end of their lives. Pamela Gasek, a certified death doula, shares her insights and experiences, explaining how a death doula supports both individuals and their families through the dying process. Hosts Kurt White and Mary Wilson discuss Kurt's personal experience with losing his mother, highlighting how the principles of death doula care help both the dying and their families navigate this challenging time and find meaning in life.


Photo of Kurt and mother Mariann, on her graduation from college
Photo of Kurt and Mariann, a few years before her death

Links 

The 5 Wishes - https://www.fivewishes.org/

International End of Life Doula Association https://inelda.org/find-a-doula/


]]> In this episode of Unravelling, we delve into the emotional needs of individuals facing the end of their lives. Pamela Gasek, a certified death doula, shares her insights and experiences, explaining how a death doula supports both individuals and their families through the dying process. Hosts Kurt White and Mary Wilson discuss Kurt's personal experience with losing his mother, highlighting how the principles of death doula care help both the dying and their families navigate this challenging time and find meaning in life.


Photo of Kurt and mother Mariann, on her graduation from college
Photo of Kurt and Mariann, a few years before her death

Links 

The 5 Wishes - https://www.fivewishes.org/

International End of Life Doula Association https://inelda.org/find-a-doula/


]]> Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1442 In this episode of Unravelling, we delve into the emotional needs of individuals facing the end of their lives. Pamela Gasek, a certified death doula, shares her insights and experiences, explaining how a death doula supports both individuals and their families through the dying process. Hosts Kurt White and Mary Wilson discuss Kurt's personal experience with losing his mother, highlighting how the principles of death doula care help both the dying and their families navigate this challenging time and find meaning in life.


Photo of Kurt and mother Mariann, on her graduation from college
Photo of Kurt and Mariann, a few years before her death

Links 

The 5 Wishes - https://www.fivewishes.org/

International End of Life Doula Association https://inelda.org/find-a-doula/


]]> No Encountering one's self in living and dying 3 3 Encountering one's self in living and dying full 6bb97dbb-be27-459d-b40e-2a95db13364e https://share.transistor.fm/s/e58a321a The episode features an engaging interview with Dr. Katherine McLean, a writer and research scientist with expertise in mindfulness meditation and psychedelics. Dr. McLean explores the importance of being open to conversations about death and the potential for living more vibrant lives by embracing our mortality. Drawing on her research at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. McLean highlights the role of psychedelics in helping people facing terminal illnesses come to terms with their death and find peace. She recounts her younger sister's battle with cancer, offering a poignant look at end-of-life care and the potential for finding beauty in life's final moments.

Dr. MacLean's book Midnight Water: A Psychedelic Memoir

She can be found at:
Website: Katherine MacLean, PhD 

Instagram: katherine.maclean.phd

Facebook: Facebook

X: @thekmacdose 

]]> The episode features an engaging interview with Dr. Katherine McLean, a writer and research scientist with expertise in mindfulness meditation and psychedelics. Dr. McLean explores the importance of being open to conversations about death and the potential for living more vibrant lives by embracing our mortality. Drawing on her research at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. McLean highlights the role of psychedelics in helping people facing terminal illnesses come to terms with their death and find peace. She recounts her younger sister's battle with cancer, offering a poignant look at end-of-life care and the potential for finding beauty in life's final moments.

Dr. MacLean's book Midnight Water: A Psychedelic Memoir

She can be found at:
Website: Katherine MacLean, PhD 

Instagram: katherine.maclean.phd

Facebook: Facebook

X: @thekmacdose 

]]> Wed, 17 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 2026 The episode features an engaging interview with Dr. Katherine McLean, a writer and research scientist with expertise in mindfulness meditation and psychedelics. Dr. McLean explores the importance of being open to conversations about death and the potential for living more vibrant lives by embracing our mortality. Drawing on her research at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. McLean highlights the role of psychedelics in helping people facing terminal illnesses come to terms with their death and find peace. She recounts her younger sister's battle with cancer, offering a poignant look at end-of-life care and the potential for finding beauty in life's final moments.

Dr. MacLean's book Midnight Water: A Psychedelic Memoir

She can be found at:
Website: Katherine MacLean, PhD 

Instagram: katherine.maclean.phd

Facebook: Facebook

X: @thekmacdose 

]]> No Gender-affirming care is a lifesaving mental health intervention 2 2 Gender-affirming care is a lifesaving mental health intervention full 8da91063-a092-4a50-a0ad-464f4625ee97 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf00ad81 Episode 2 of Unravelling features Mary's powerful interview with Dallas Ducar, an entrepreneur, advocate, and healthcare leader who speaks with us both about her own lived experience as well as her research and advocacy within the healthcare field. Ducar is a board-certified registered nurse and psychiatric health nurse practitioner and is on faculty at Northeastern University, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Columbia University, and the MGH Institute for Health Professions. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, she contributes critically to health policy related to equity, ethics, and affirming care.

Resources for Gender-Affirming Care

 

Patient Support

 

  1. GLAAD
  2. GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
    • Offers legal support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including information on healthcare rights and advocacy.
  3. Trans Lifeline
    • A peer support and crisis hotline for transgender people offering emotional and financial support.
  4. World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
    • Provides Standards of Care guidelines for health professionals to ensure patients receive high-quality care.

Clinician Education

 

  1. UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender Health
  2. Fenway Institute
  3. GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality
    • Offers resources and webinars for clinicians on LGBTQ-inclusive practices and health care.
  4. UCSF Transgender Care
    • Comprehensive guide and online courses on transgender health care, focusing on medical and surgical care.

Note

  • Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) will be a key resource in the future as it will emerge from the merger of TLDEF and NCTE.
]]> Episode 2 of Unravelling features Mary's powerful interview with Dallas Ducar, an entrepreneur, advocate, and healthcare leader who speaks with us both about her own lived experience as well as her research and advocacy within the healthcare field. Ducar is a board-certified registered nurse and psychiatric health nurse practitioner and is on faculty at Northeastern University, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Columbia University, and the MGH Institute for Health Professions. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, she contributes critically to health policy related to equity, ethics, and affirming care.

Resources for Gender-Affirming Care

 

Patient Support

 

  1. GLAAD
  2. GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
    • Offers legal support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including information on healthcare rights and advocacy.
  3. Trans Lifeline
    • A peer support and crisis hotline for transgender people offering emotional and financial support.
  4. World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
    • Provides Standards of Care guidelines for health professionals to ensure patients receive high-quality care.

Clinician Education

 

  1. UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender Health
  2. Fenway Institute
  3. GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality
    • Offers resources and webinars for clinicians on LGBTQ-inclusive practices and health care.
  4. UCSF Transgender Care
    • Comprehensive guide and online courses on transgender health care, focusing on medical and surgical care.

Note

  • Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) will be a key resource in the future as it will emerge from the merger of TLDEF and NCTE.
]]> Wed, 03 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1770 Episode 2 of Unravelling features Mary's powerful interview with Dallas Ducar, an entrepreneur, advocate, and healthcare leader who speaks with us both about her own lived experience as well as her research and advocacy within the healthcare field. Ducar is a board-certified registered nurse and psychiatric health nurse practitioner and is on faculty at Northeastern University, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Columbia University, and the MGH Institute for Health Professions. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, she contributes critically to health policy related to equity, ethics, and affirming care.

Resources for Gender-Affirming Care

 

Patient Support

 

  1. GLAAD
  2. GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
    • Offers legal support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including information on healthcare rights and advocacy.
  3. Trans Lifeline
    • A peer support and crisis hotline for transgender people offering emotional and financial support.
  4. World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
    • Provides Standards of Care guidelines for health professionals to ensure patients receive high-quality care.

Clinician Education

 

  1. UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender Health
  2. Fenway Institute
  3. GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality
    • Offers resources and webinars for clinicians on LGBTQ-inclusive practices and health care.
  4. UCSF Transgender Care
    • Comprehensive guide and online courses on transgender health care, focusing on medical and surgical care.

Note

  • Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) will be a key resource in the future as it will emerge from the merger of TLDEF and NCTE.
]]> No Mental health needs in the transgender community 1 1 Mental health needs in the transgender community full ecceae0d-1ba8-47a4-810f-6d9a08feca05 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f59d7930 We are thrilled to be joined on the inaugural episode of Unravelling by Dr. Karl Jeffries, chief medical officer of the Brattleboro Retreat, who talks with us about the mental health needs of the trans community, including common misconceptions among mental health providers.

]]> We are thrilled to be joined on the inaugural episode of Unravelling by Dr. Karl Jeffries, chief medical officer of the Brattleboro Retreat, who talks with us about the mental health needs of the trans community, including common misconceptions among mental health providers.

]]> Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 1529 We are thrilled to be joined on the inaugural episode of Unravelling by Dr. Karl Jeffries, chief medical officer of the Brattleboro Retreat, who talks with us about the mental health needs of the trans community, including common misconceptions among mental health providers.

]]> No Introducing Unravelling Introducing Unravelling trailer 932221b4-0e8a-42dc-b661-5df8d74c1e89 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1cef297d Hosted by Kurt White and Mary Wilson, Unravelling is a podcast that looks at the world through the lens of mental health.

]]> Hosted by Kurt White and Mary Wilson, Unravelling is a podcast that looks at the world through the lens of mental health.

]]> Sun, 09 Jun 2024 18:00:54 -0400 Charts & Leisure Charts & Leisure 82 Hosted by Kurt White and Mary Wilson, Unravelling is a podcast that looks at the world through the lens of mental health.

]]> No