Braaains

Our co-host, Heather had the pleasure of interviewing sociologist and artist Alessandra Seggi about her latest book Youth and Suicide in American Cinema: Context, Causes, and Consequences. Alessandra is a Fulbright grantee with a PhD in Sociology and MA in Media Studies and the analysis in her book is both a personal and professional reflection on suicide in film. Youth and suicide in American Cinema is about the portrayal of suicide in youth films covering both studio-driven and independent cinema from 1900 to 2018. It aims to understand such portrayals by offering a proactive approach via a media literacy strategy for engaged audiences in order for them to interpret these portrayals. Ultimately, via their thorough analysis, films become the much-needed buffer that allows people to gain enough distance from suicide and suicidal behavior to actually talk about it, and via this interview, Alessandra gives guidance to filmmakers on how to better portray this often stigmatized topic.  Content Warning: This episode deals with death, suicide, suicidal behaviors, and their portrayals DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-EP072-Transcript-Youth-and-Suicide-in-American-Cinema-with-Alessandra-Seggi.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today we delve into the importance of public and free third spaces and how they impact your mental health. We had the pleasure of talking with filmmaker, Ali Weinstein about her first observational documentary, Your Tomorrow, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024.  The film is about the last year in the life of Ontario Place which became a defacto public park 10 years ago after living many lives as an educational and entertainment destination. Ontario Place was a third space that acted as a refuge to a lot of Torontonians until the government decided to turn the main part of the space into a private spa and despite public process, construction began in October of 2024, a month after Ali's documentary premiered.  For those of you who haven't heard of third places before, it's a sociological term that refers to the social surroundings that are separate from the two usual social environments of home ("first place") and the workplace ("second place"). Third places, then, are "anchors" of community life and facilitate and foster broader, more creative interaction. They are spaces like churches, cafes, libraries, gyms, bookstores, gaming spaces, parks, and theatres, where people can gather, relax, and engage in meaningful interactions, which can positively impact mental health by fostering a sense of community and belonging Third places are where we can both affirm our own identities and build empathy for identities different from our own.  In Ray Oldenburg and Karen Christensen's 1989 book The Great Good Place, Oldenburg argues that third places are important for democracy, civic engagement, and a sense of place. IN the 2023 edition, Christensen argues that third places are also the answer to loneliness, political polarization, and climate resilience.  Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Welcome back to another season of Braaains. We're so excited to start the season with a fantastic interview with filmmakers, Thea Loo and Jeremiah Reyes, about Thea's latest documentary, INAY With the desire to help answer unresolved questions and heal lingering wounds, INAY (MAMA) investigates the flawed immigration pathways between the Philippines and Canada that kept so many Filipino children from their mothers. Inay, which means “mama” in Tagalog, is an intimate and personal look at the experiences and trauma endured by many Filipino Canadians. In the film, Thea and her husband Jeremiah, who is also the film's Director of Photography, explore the intersections of mental health and migrant labour and the effects that continue to be felt years later. Through intimate conversations, this self-reflexive documentary aims to bridge the silences and disconnect between the first and second generations of the Filipino community. Today's conversation is about their experiences making this intimate film and the impact it had on how they view mental health today. READ TRANSCRIPT: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/BRAAAINS-PODCAST-Transcript-Ep-070_-How-Family-Separation-via-Migrant-Labour-Work-Impacts-Mental-Hea.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today's our last episode before our Christmas break. Sad, I know, but we have such a great guest: Sadie Dingfelder. She wrote the most excellent book “Do I Know You? A Faceblind Reporter's Journey into the Science of Sight, Memory, and Imagination.” Our conversation not only delved into face blindness (prosopagnosia) but also covered neurodivergence, aphantasia, and the importance of effective science communication.  We also discussed films and literature centered around Face Blindness: the new NBC series Brillant Minds starring Zachary Quinto, KDramas like Rich Man, Poor Woman, 100 Days My Prince, and The Beauty Inside, and the book Hello Stranger. Not only did Sadie consult on the book, but the author Katherine Center named the lead character after her! Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Sarah had the pleasure of interviewing Amber Sealey, director of the newly released Disney+ film OUT OF MY MIND alongside the star of the movie, Phoebe-Rae Taylor. Out of My Mind is based on the best-selling novel of the same name and tells the story of Melody Brooks, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy, who has a quick wit and a sharp mind, but because she is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair, she is not given the same opportunities as her classmates. When a young educator notices her student's untapped potential and Melody starts to participate in mainstream education, Melody shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it. This film is a compelling story about acceptance, love, friendship, and joy and it doesn't shy away from the challenges that come when people judge you by your disability. It's a great testament to the importance of inclusivity and giving everyone a chance to be heard.  DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

We're doing something a little different today. When we were at TIFF, we had the opportunity to go to the perspectives panel -- Building Inclusive Futures: The Means of Accessibility. The panel was a discussion on accessibility and redefining perceptions of disability within the industry and beyond. The panel included Kyla Harris (chair of We Crip Film for the BFI and producer of Patrice: The Film), Viktor Korotovskyi (freelance photojournalist and the subject of Olivier Sarbil's documentary Viktor), Sean Towgood (Toronto-based writer, actor and creator of You're My Hero), Aria Mia Loberti (an American actress, writer, human rights advocate, Fulbright Scholar, and star of All the Light We Cannot See), and Olivier Sarbil (French documentary filmmaker and cinematographer of Viktor). It was moderated by Rayhan Azmat, a senior finance executive in Media and Entertainment, a disability advocate, and an accomplished keynote speaker. The conversation explores challenges, awareness, and opportunities for people living with disabilities, aiming to further inclusivity and broaden the narrative of accessibility. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today our special guests are writer/ director Bernard Gray and actor Dwain Murphy. We discussed Men's Mental Health within the Black Community and how they explored this topic in the film, The Other Stuff, which recently premiered at the Reelworld Festival in Toronto. The film offers an honest exploration of how Black men, especially those from environments of crime, straddle the paths of good and evil as they attempt to transition into healthier, more fulfilling lives. The film follows Winston played by Dwain Murphy (CROSS, DIGGSTOWN), and Shannon played by Golden Madison (CROSS, LAW & ORDER TORONTO: CRIMINAL INTENT) who embark on a journey of self-discovery through couples therapy before preparing to start a family. However, their journey takes an unexpected and intense turn when Winston's suppressed childhood trauma surfaces. Under immense emotional strain, Winston confronts his uncle—the source of his abuse—in an effort to find healing and closure. The film highlights the critical role of therapy in helping men face their pain and work through the deep emotional scars that often remain buried. Content warning: we talk about homophobia and physical and sexual abuse in this episode.   DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-podcast-transcript_-EP066-Mens-Mental-Health-within-the-Black-Community.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

It's Halloween and we're talking about horror, disability, and access with filmmaker and navigator of the creative multiverse, Ariel Baska. We deep dive into A Nightmare on Elm Street, Ginger Snaps, and Wait Until Dark, and discuss how each film made Ariel feel seen in some way. We also discuss their horror documentary Monsterous Me and their work as a horror filmmaker telling stories around disability through a lens of genre. Lastly, we touch upon Ariel's TIFF panel about festivals and accessibility (MICROSESSIONS All Access Pass: Opening Doors for Every Audience) and their work as the founder of Access: Horror, a film festival and industry summit celebrating the history, future, and impact of disability in the genre space. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/BRAAAINS-PODCAST-TRANSCRIPT-Episode-065_-TIFF-Special_-Horror-disability-and-access.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

SAD JOKES is the story of Joseph, a gay filmmaker, who co-parents with Sonya who is struggling with depression. The film captures a moment in time when Joseph has to juggle his family life, love life, and artistic ambition while Sonya's away at a clinic during a mental health crisis. Writer, director, and star, Fabian Stumm, tells us about the making of the film and how his personal life colored this film. Growing up with a dad with depression, Fabian understood at a young age that sometimes the people who are meant to take care of you can break down. He took that perspective into Joseph's character as he tried to keep everything together when his partner was in that state of crisis. The film also shows a family dynamic we rarely see on screen: two friends co-parenting a child. Fabian believes that if you want to change something, you can talk about it or you can show how it can be. If you create something an audience can aspire to, then it shows new possibilities and a path you can head toward (we believe the same, too!). DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today we have a special guest and dear friend of Heather's, Claire Ayoub. Claire is a writer, a director, an advocate, an educator, a leader, and an amazing friend to all – she also has the debut of her feature film, EMPIRE WAIST, coming out THIS FRIDAY, September 27th at a theater near you! Empire Waist follows a group of teens learning to love their bodies through inclusive fashion design and friendship. Not only do we talk about this amazing film, but we also discuss body image, body representation, and how learning to love yourself exactly as you are can sometimes feel like a radical act. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and we have a wonderful interview with writer, director, and actress, Nadine Crocker. We talk about her film, Continue, and the importance of representing depression and suicidal ideation on film and TV. We also talk about shows like The Bear and Modern Love (amongst many). CONT;NUE is based on true events from Nadine's life dealing with suicide and depression. After surviving a suicide attempt when she was 23 years old, Nadine is now a wife, mother, and friend to so many. A content warning to all our listeners that we will be talking about suicide throughout this episode and will also be talking about the toolkit that Nadine dips into when she is dealing with depression and thoughts of suicide. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

We have decided to take a summer break and will be back in September with an interview with writer, director, and advocate, Claire Ayoub. For those of you in Edmonton, we're having an in-person event for our guests and listeners in August. Keep an eye on social media for our invite if you're interested in meeting us in person! DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Episode-061-Transcript-SUMMER-BREAK.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Our last episode before our summer break is one of the first guests our listeners asked us to have on the show! We had the absolute pleasure of talking to DR. KATHLEEN SMITH, a licensed therapist and writer who lives in Washington, DC. Her books include Everything Isn't Terrible: Conquer Your Insecurities, Interrupt Your Anxiety, and Finally Calm Down, as well as her latest book, True to You: A Therapist's Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself.  Today we're talking about anxiety through the lens of how it functions in relation to others and how you can manage different forms of anxious behavior within relationships. We cover the three As that manifest because of anxiety -- Avoiding, accommodating, and acting out -- and imagine what it would be like to let that go and be yourself and let other people be the same. We discuss how we can get stuck in patterns and what it takes to break out of them while dealing with the accompanying uncomfortableness. We also talk about the impact of over-functioning and under-functioning roles in relationships and how we are responsible TO someone and not FOR them. Such an important distinction! DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Transcript-Ep060-Exploring-Family-Dramas-and-How-Anxiety-Manifests-in-Relationships.pdf ORDER True to You: A Therapist's Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195790863-true-to-you Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

We deep-dive into the films and television that best represent the different experiences of having breast cancer with our guest filmmaker and indie journalist, Traven Rice. We look at how things can change for people experiencing recurrence, why you need a support network, and Traven's wish for a trigger warning for films and TV with cancer stories. CW: Conversations about terminal cancer and death. Support Traven's latest short film about breast cancer at LayLeftyDown.com DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Transcript-EP59_-The-Family-Stone-and-Other-Breast-Cancer-Stories.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

We have the pleasure of talking with filmmaker and journalist, Traven Rice, about her experiences with Breast Cancer. We talk about how she discovered she had cancer, her treatment, the effects breast cancer can have on your mind and body, and the importance of community.   We discuss how breast cancer can impact your view of your identity and how a mastectomy is not just a “boob job.” We also talk about seeing the experience of Breast Cancer on screen and why Traven wanted to create a comedic film about having a memorial for her left breast called Lay Lefty Down, which she is currently raising funds for at LayLeftyDown.com.   Content warning – today we discuss terminal cancer and death.   DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Transcript_-Episode-58-The-Big-C_-Breast-Cancer-and-Mental-Health.pdf   Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com   Follow: @BraaainsPodcast   Music: @_Deppisch_   Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast   00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment 00:36 Exploring Traven Rice's Experience with Breast Cancer 06:18 The Emotional Impact of Discovering Breast Cancer 08:37 Navigating Treatment Decisions and Medical Team 10:54 Camp Breastie and the Importance of Supportive Communities 13:41 The Need for Open Conversations and Awareness 19:26 Creating a Comedic Film about Breast Cancer 23:08 Emotional Journey and Healing through Filmmaking 26:30 Breast Cancer Myths and Realizations 29:25 The Importance of Sharing Experiences 30:22 Addressing the Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Breast Cancer 31:17 Finding Support and Building a Community 34:35 Utilizing Resources for Support 38:55 Advocating for Comfortable Medical Care 43:15 The Power of Laughter and Sharing Stories 44:13 Lay Lefty Down: Starting Conversations and Providing Support with Film 49:17 Sarah Received a Grant for a Personal Film Project -- Hoorah! 51:46 The Need for Diverse Stories and Voices  

This mini-episode is a continuation of our conversation with Alim Somji, the Chairperson of AboutFace, a Canadian non-profit organization that strives to eliminate the stigma and discrimination encountered by individuals with facial differences. We dig into some of the stigmas surrounding facial differences and what Alim's biggest personal turning point was when it came to his own facial difference.  Listen to the full interview with Alim here: https://braaainspodcast.com/episodes/facial-differences DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Transcript-EP057_-The-Stigmas-of-Facial-Differences.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today's guest is Alim Somji, the Chairperson of AboutFace, a Canadian non-profit organization that strives to eliminate the stigma and discrimination encountered by individuals with facial differences. Today's conversation revolves around what facial differences are, the impact having a facial difference can have on mental health, and the journey that Alim took toward the acceptance of his own facial difference. We also talk about facial differences in movies like Deadpool and how some companies have been instrumental in creating awareness around facial differences in their advertising. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Transcript_-Episode-056-Understanding-Facial-Differences-in-Deadpool.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast   TIMECODES 00:37 Guest Introduction: Alim Somji and AboutFace 01:28 Alim's Background and AboutFace's Mission 06:13 Discussion on the Representation of Facial Differences in Deadpool 10:29 The Changing Landscape of Advertising 14:43 Alim's Personal Experience with Discrimination 24:19 Desired Representation in Film and TV 28:12 The Isolation and Support for Individuals with Facial Differences 32:03 Resources and Organizations for Facial Differences  

This mini-episode is a continuation of our imposter syndrome conversation with Communication Skills Trainer, Ottillie Parfitt. This episode covers the five types of imposter syndrome and some of the myths that persist around this universal experience. Listen to our full interview with Ottallie Parfitt: https://braaainspodcast.com/episodes/imposter-syndrome DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-EP055-Transcript_5-Types-of-Imposter-Syndrome.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today, we're excited to talk to Communication Skills Trainer, Ottillie Parfitt, about all things imposter syndrome!! That's right, we're talking about that little voice in your head that tells you that you're a fraud, a phony, or just not good enough (even when you are). We go into what imposter syndrome is, what some of the triggers are, how it shows up in the workplace, and some techniques for overcoming Imposter Syndrome. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Transcript-EP054_ImposterSyndrome.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

This mini-episode is a continuation of our conversation with Rabiya Mansoor and Marushka Jessica Almeida, two of the creators of Get Up, Aisha now streaming on CBC Gem. Today we talk about the other films and TV series about depression that inspired Rabiya and Marushka and how important it is to get it right when you are dealing with subjects surrounding mental health, depression, and suicide. Get Up Aisha is a compelling dramedy series following the intricate life of Aisha Rehman, a Pakistani Canadian student who grapples with her compulsive need for control as she deals with depression. The series, streaming on CBC Gem in Canada, follows Aisha's story as she is diagnosed with depression after living through a suicide attempt and applies a checklist approach to curing the incurable. CW: Discussions of depression and suicide Listen to our full interview with Rabiya and Marushka here: https://braaainspodcast.com/episodes/depression DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Transcript-EP053_-Depression-in-Film-and-TV.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today we're talking with two of the creators of Get Up, Aisha, Rabiya Mansoor and Marushka Jessica Almeida. Get Up Aisha is a compelling dramedy series following the intricate life of Aisha Rehman, a Pakistani Canadian student who grapples with her compulsive need for control as she deals with depression. The series, streaming on CBC Gem in Canada, follows Aisha's story as she is diagnosed with depression after living through a suicide attempt and applies a checklist approach to curing the incurable. Our conversation looks into what depression is, the signs (or lack of signs) that present, what you can do to get help, and how to reframe your experience to allow you to choose yourself. We also discuss using your personal stories of mental health to inform your material as a film and television creator and how to use this work to address the stigmas of mental health both broadly and specifically in the South Asian community. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-EP052-Transcript-Depression_-A-Conversation-with-the-Creators-of-CBC-Gems-Get-Up-Ai.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

This mini-episode is a continuation of our conversation with board-certified ObGyn, Dr. Sophia. Today we talk about the stigmas surrounding menopause, what Dr. Sophia would like to see represented on TV, film, and in the media, and how to prepare for menopause - the more you know, the less scary it is! DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-EP51-Transcript_-Breaking-the-Stigmas-and-Preparing-for-Menopause.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today we're talking with Dr. Sophia Lubin about menopause and perimenopause. Dr. Sophia has been a board-certified ObGyn for over 15 years and as a women's health and well-being enthusiast, she spreads her knowledge and care through her “Dr. Sophia, ObGyn Podcast” where she helps women learn about their bodies and embrace themselves. Our conversation covers a wide range of information about what menopause really is, the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, how to ask for treatment, and what representation of menopause looks like in film and TV. We deep dive into shows like Fleabag, Sex and the City, and Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce as well as conversations on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! READ TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-EP50-transcript-Navigating-Menopause_-Fleabag-Sex-and-the-City-and-Girlfriends-Guid.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today's mini-episode is a conversation with Dr. Jill L. Creighton, a higher education professional and the host of SA Voices from the Field Podcast. She came to talk with us about her experience as a transracial adoptee and how she would like to see adoption represented on film and television. Also be sure to listen to our other episode on adoption with research sociologist, Gretchen Sisson -- braaainspodcast.com/episodes/adoption DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-EP049-Transcript_-Dispelling-Myths-of-Transracial-Adoption.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today we're talking with Gretchen Sisson, a research sociologist with Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. She is the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, a critical, ten-year examination of domestic adoption. Centering on the stories of relinquishing mothers, the book chronicles America's refusal to care for families at the most basic level, and instead allows cultural and political ideas of adoption to advance an individual, private solution to large-scale social problems. In our conversation, we discuss the function of adoption in society, its representation in popular culture, and the experiences of birth mothers. We explore the stereotypes and tropes perpetuated by modern adoption stories in TV and film like in shows like This is Us and 16 and Pregnant, and the impact of these narratives on societal biases and policies. We also talk about how the women who Gretchen spoke with feel like The Handmaid's Tale is the closest representation of their experience of relinquishing their child. We then delve into the complexities of adoption, the historical context of pre-Roe adoption, and the consequences for birth mothers and relinquished children. This discussion explores the complexities of adoption, highlighting the experiences and perspectives of birth mothers as captured in Gretchen Sisson's new book. It delves into the emotional journey of birth mothers, their hopes and expectations, as well as the challenges and grief they face. The conversation also touches on the impact of adoption on adoptees, particularly in terms of trauma and identity. It further discusses the connection between adoption and reproductive justice, and the need to critically examine the narratives and beliefs surrounding adoption. Our discussion concludes with a discussion on the potential of pop culture to shape a more nuanced and inclusive narrative around adoption. Here is a link to find out more about Gretchen's book: https://www.relinquishedbook.com/ DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-EP048-transcript-The-Handmaids-Tale-This-is-Us-and-Adoption.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today's mini-episode is all about working with consultants and team members with lived experience on projects about mental health and disability. Our conversation is with Karen and Nikolijne Troubetzkoy, sisters and the co-creators of the new CW and CTV show, SIGHT UNSEEN. The series is about a homicide detective who rapidly loses her vision and has to quit the homicide force. When she leaves, she's haunted by the cases she's left behind and is determined to solve them with the help of her visual guide via a visual assistance app. If you want to hear our full episode with Kat and Niko about low vision, vision loss, and the representation of it in their show and beyond, listen here: https://braaainspodcast.com/episodes/visionloss DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/EP047-Braaains-Podcast-transcript-Working-with-disability-and-mental-health-consultants.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today's guests, Karen and Nikolijne Troubetzkoy, are the co-creators of the new CW and CTV show, SIGHT UNSEEN. The series is about a homicide detective who rapidly loses her vision and has to quit the homicide force. When she leaves, she's haunted by the cases she's left behind and is determined to solve them with the help of her visual guide via a visual assistance app. In this episode, we discuss sight loss, the representation of vision loss and blindness on SIGHT UNSEEN, and what considerations had to be made when creating a television show for viewers across the entire vision spectrum.  DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT - https://braaainspodcast.com/https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Episode-046-TRANSCRIPT-Vision-Loss-and-Blindness-on-Sight-Unseen.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast   KEY POINTS 05:21 The Genesis of Sight Unseen 06:44 The Plot and Characters of Sight Unseen 07:35 The Importance of Sight Loss Representation 24:04 The Visual Representation of Sight Loss 34:15 Challenging Stigmas and Representing Vision Loss 36:07 Filming Challenges with an Immersive Point of View  

For today's mini-episode, we're chatting with New York Times best-selling author Bassey Ikpi about the depiction of mental illness (specifically Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD) in The CW's musical comedy-drama series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019) by Rachel Bloom. Our guest Bassey Ikpi is a Nigerian-American, ex-poet, current writer, mental health advocate, underachieving overachiever, and memoir procrastinator. Her best selling book I'm Telling the Truth But I'm Lying is available in both print and audio at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/im-telling-the-truth-but-im-lying-bassey-ikpi. LISTEN TO OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH BASSEY: https://braaainspodcast.com/episodes/bipolardisorder Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Welcome to season three of Braaains! Today we have the pleasure of talking with New York Times Best Selling author Bassey Ikpi about Bipolar II disorder, how she got her diagnosis, and the representation of bipolar and depression on shows like Atlanta, Insecure, and Dave. Bassey is a Nigerian-American, ex-poet, current writer, mental health advocate, underachieving overachiever, and memoir procrastinator. Her best selling book I'm Telling the Truth But I'm Lying is available in both print and audio at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/im-telling-the-truth-but-im-lying-bassey-ikpi. DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Episode-44-bipolar-disorder-transcript.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today is our last episode of 2023 just in time for the holidays. We bring all of the Taylor/Deppisch siblings together – our little sister, Becky Taylor, and our little brother, Jonathan Deppisch – who is also our composer – to discuss how to deal with stress and protect your mental health over the holidays! We're especially grateful for all of our listeners, friends, and family who submitted voice recordings, and text messages with advice on how to deal with your mental health over the holidays and throughout the year. We're grateful to have so much to share today to hopefully make the upcoming weeks a little lighter. Our conversation explores the topics of creating healthy expectations, setting boundaries, saying no, and reconciling your capacity with your expectations during the holiday season. Our advice emphasizes the importance of appreciating simple things and respecting boundaries. The conversation also highlights the value of creating alone time and quiet spaces. As the holidays approach, find a way to find joy in everyday moments and cherish happy memories. Thank you to Mary-Anne Taylor (our mom!), Marcie Peterson, Blair Drover, Nicole Tersigni, Julia Rowland, Lilly Waterfield, Amanda Smith-Kolic, Sarah Snyder from Adulting ADHD, Susan Madigan, Leah Iwaniuk, Leah Simmons, Lisa Lutes, Erin Davis, Kathleen Smith (The Anxious Overachiever), Stephanie Fornasier from Psychocinematic, Pete Whemby, and Celeste Koon. DOWNLOAD OUR TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-EP043_a-little-advice-for-the-holidays_transcript.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_  Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

In the penultimate episode of our second season, we're looking at the experiences and representation of Traumatic Brain Injuries, or TBIs with our guest, Naomi Mellor. Naomi is an equine veterinarian and podcaster, who not only runs a podcast production company but also founded the amazing International Women's Podcast Awards. We discuss how a TBI can impact you with symptoms like headaches, neuro exhaustion, double vision, depth perception issues, sensory stimulation overload, and how Naomi spent 23 hours a day in bed after her accident. Lastly, we talk about the representation of TBIs in film and TV and how Naomi would love to see more stories about the subtlety and variety of the effects of TBIs and what the long-term impact is on your brain, body, and mental health. We also talk about the film Causeway and how it is one of the few films dealing with some of the lasting effects of TBIs. DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT HERE Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

We're mixing things up today with a conversation about the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and their research on representation in film and TV. We spoke with Katherine Pieper, the program director at the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. As the leading global think tank studying inclusion in media, the initiative examines the prevalence and portrayal of groups such as: girls and women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and mental health conditions. They analyze who is on-screen and behind the camera across film, episodic, and short film content. As part of our conversation, we discuss the results of one of their latest studies – Inequality in 1600 popular films examining portrayals of gender, race, ethnicity, LGBTQ+, and disability in Films from 2007 - 2022, as well as dive into the Inclusion Index, and learn more about their new study on indigenous representation in film. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-EP041_Investigating-Inequality-Across-Film-and-TV-with-the-Annenberg-Inclusion-Initiative_t.pdf Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Instagram: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Happy Halloween!! In our second SPOOOKY episode for October, we're talking all about ghosts with the spooktacular host of Geist, Danielle Matar. We discuss why we, as a society, have such a fascination with ghost stories, the paranormal, and what happens to us after we die. We also look at the impact on our brains when we experience these types of unexplainable experiences and how to avoid trauma after an experience with something you think is supernatural. TRANSCRIPT Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

As part of SPOOOOOOKY month, we touch on topics in the next two episodes that are often the subject of horror films – and we look at their impact on our brains. Today, we have the fabulous Guinevere Turner as our guest. She is the screenwriter of films like American Psycho and Charlie Says, and has recently published ‘When the World Didn't End,' a book about her experiences growing up in a cult. In this episode, we do a deep, deep dive into the representation of cults in film and TV and look at what filmmakers get right and what they get wrong. We also discuss the characteristics of a cult, who is susceptible to them, their impact on one's mental health, and how to help family and friends who may find themselves deeply entwined in a cult community. Lastly, we talk about why it's hard to find the right therapist if you are a cult survivor and why the world is so obsessed with cult stories. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT Key moments in this episode: 00:01:12 - Representation of Cults in Film and TV 00:03:58 - Defining a Cult 00:06:17 - Warning Signs of Being in a Cult 00:08:16 - Changing Perceptions of Cults 00:15:27 - Humanizing David Koresh & His Followers in the series Waco 00:16:48 - Exploring Characters Trying to Escape Cults 00:17:14 - Understanding the Vulnerability of Cult Followers 00:18:36 - Living in a "Cult-Ready Culture" 00:29:00 - When Guinevere Realized She Grew Up in a Cult 00:35:32 - Therapy and Recovery Process 00:41:59 - Changing Coercion Laws and Law Enforcement Training 00:42:53 - Supporting Someone in a Cult 00:45:17 - Cult Documentaries and Awareness 00:48:13 - Society's Obsession with Cults 00:55:02 - Creating a Unique Movie about the REAL Cult Experience Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Steph is a psychologist and host of the Psychocinematic podcast who currently works in Disability Inclusion in schools in Naarm (Melbourne) and has her own mental illness lived experience. Steph joins us to discuss how you approach disclosure, concerns around discrimination about disclosure and how to address it, and why some people incorporate their mental illness or disability into their identity after disclosure. This is episode three of our three-part series, You're Not Alone: Navigating Life with Mental Illness. This is for Mental Illness Awareness Week 2023 (October 1 - 7) and it explores mental illness, the barriers that can block your journey to good mental health, and how stigmas, diagnoses, and disclosure are represented on film and TV. TRANSCRIPT  Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast GUEST BIO Stephanie (Steph) Fornasier is a psychologist currently working in Disability Inclusion in schools in Naarm (Melbourne), with her own mental illness lived experience. She has a 13-year career so far, including working with kids and adults with disabilities, in private practice, and in the education system. A passionate mental health advocate and disability ally, Steph is also a big film and TV nerd and loves to overthink even the most basic media portrayal of a thing. She's a mum of a toddler human, an adult cat Myf, and also a bit of a music snob with no right to be. Psychocinematic Podcast - Psychocinematic Podcast was a concept formed back in 2019 when Steph decided she'd like to put her passion for psychology together with her passion for cinema. But as a full-time psychologist working with kids, when was she going to get the time to work on it? Then the pandemic hit... just as she was about to have a baby... suddenly time was limitless! Psychocinematic officially launched in September 2020. But over 2 years later, Psychocinematic is only growing with every episode and has become more than just a passion project. Psychocinematic Podcast is a form of entertainment, education, and a connection point with a community of people who desperately wish to smash mental health and disability stigma and end ableism in media.

Dr. Lily Le, a registered psychologist and Director of Clinical Innovation at the mental health tech company, DiveThru, discusses how to take the next step when you need help with a mental illness or are looking to improve your mental health. We also get advice on what to do when it's difficult to see a therapist due to affordability or long wait times and the importance of having a support system in place. This is episode two of our three-part series, You're Not Alone: Navigating Life with Mental Illness. This is for Mental Illness Awareness Week 2023 (October 1 - 7) and it explores mental illness, the barriers that can block your journey to good mental health, and how stigmas, diagnoses, and disclosure are represented on film and TV. TRANSCRIPT  Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast GUEST BIO Dr. Lily Le is a Registered Psychologist with a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta. Dr. Le has over a decade of experience in mental health and has worked in university, private practice, and public healthcare settings. She is dedicated to de-stigmatizing mental health, making care more accessible, and leveraging innovation and technology to enhance clinical processes and outcomes. Dr. Le is the Director of Clinical Innovation at DiveThru, a mental health tech company on a mission to ensure no one struggles alone. In her role, Dr. Le oversees the clinical side of the company, employing research and clinical expertise to develop, evaluate, and refine clinical products and processes. In her spare time, Dr. Le can be found binging the latest hit show, picking up a new activity (currently, it's rowing!), and exploring local events with her family and friends.

Amie Archibald-Varley, Nurse, Health Equity Specialist, and co-host of the Gritty Nurse Podcast, joins us to talk about stigma, where it comes from, and how it leads to discrimination. This episode (which is part one of our three-part series) will inform you on how to prevent and address stigmas as well as be a good ally. You're Not Alone: Navigating Life with Mental Illness is a three-part series for Mental Illness Awareness Week 2023 (October 1 - 7) that explores mental illness, the barriers that can block your journey to good mental health, and how stigmas, diagnoses, and disclosure are represented on film and TV. TRANSCRIPT  Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast GUEST BIO Amie Archibald-Varley is a thought leader, Speaker with the National Speakers Bureau, Health Equity Specialist, and upcoming author of "The Wisdom of Nurses" with Harper Collins (April 2024). She is also a podcaster, mental health & health equity advocate, and quality improvement and change management specialist. She inspires others to speak their truths and brings communities together to engage in "courageous conversations." Amie is a medical contributor who has been featured on numerous television, radio, and news outlets nationally and internationally. She is a Freelance Journalist with the Canadian Broadcaster Corporation (CBC), and regularly contributes to conversations on a wide variety of topics such as: Healthcare, politics (local, national, and international), climate change, health equity, racism and antiracism, mental health issues, and popular culture. She is also featured on the Smart Speakers Series on Newstalk1010's The Rush with Reshmi Nair. Amie has also written for The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, and the Toronto Star and is currently writing a book with Harper Collins for 2024. As the co-host of the successful Gritty Nurse Podcast, Amie discusses hot topics in healthcare. The podcast has hit #2 in Apple Podcasts in Medicine for Canada. She also is starting 2 new podcasts in 2023: DEFIANT and Too Opinionated Podcast launching in Feb/Mar 2023. In her role as a Health Equity Specialist, Amie provides leadership, advisory, and strategic consultation related to anti-racism, and equity in the culture, policies, and practices of a large health system, with a specific focus on promoting respect for equity-deserving groups.

Launching October 3rd, Braaains's three-part mini-series, You're Not Alone: Navigating Life with Mental Illness, explores mental illness, the barriers that can block your journey to good mental health, and how stigmas, diagnoses, and disclosure are represented on film and television. It's out October 3 - 5 for Mental Illness Awareness Week 2023. See more here: https://braaainspodcast.com/miaw2023   Episode One: How Stigma Hurts Everyone RELEASE DATE: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 Interviewee: Amie Archibald-Varley, Nurse, Health Equity Specialist, and co-host of the Gritty Nurse Podcast Amie Archibald-Varley, Nurse, Health Equity Specialist, and co-host of the Gritty Nurse Podcast joins us to talk about stigma, where it comes from, and how it leads to discrimination. This episode will inform you on how to prevent and address stigmas as well as be a good ally.   Episode Two: The Journey to Diagnosis RELEASE DATE: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 Interviewee: Dr. Lily Le, Registered Psychologist & Director of Clinical Innovation at DiveThru Dr. Lily Le, a registered psychologist and Director of Clinical Innovation at the mental health tech company, DiveThru, discusses how to take the next step when you need help with a mental illness or are looking to improve your mental health. We also get advice on what to do when it's difficult to see a therapist due to affordability or long wait times and the importance of having a support system in place.   Episode Three: When and How to Disclose RELEASE DATE: Thursday, October 5, 2023 Interviewee: Stephanie Fornasier, psychologist and host of Psychocinematic Steph is a psychologist and host of the Psychocinematic podcast who currently working in Disability Inclusion in schools in Naarm (Melbourne) and has her own mental illness lived experience. Steph joins us to discuss how you approach disclosure, concerns around discrimination about disclosure and how to address it, and why some people incorporate their mental illness or disability into their identity after disclosure.

A counselor and advocate, Mark Power works with former inmates to help them reintegrate into life after prison. In Mark's words, the slippery slope around “the company we keep” or worse “relational disconnection” re-emerges in most second chancer's stories. The pull to reunite with old associates, friends, and even criminal families is often the path of least resistance. We discuss a wide range of topics today around justice, reintegration, and forgiveness. This includes conversations around the mental health implications of prison and the impact incarceration has on both those locked away and the families they leave behind. We also discuss programs such as Blindspotting and Orange is the New Black, amongst others. Mark's dream is that we start building reintegration programs that are so effective that recidivism radically goes down, and we can start closing prisons. CW: Discussions around crime and suicide. TRANSCRIPT  Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Our guest Rae McDaniel is a non-binary Speaker, Author, Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, Coach, and Transgender Diversity and Inclusion Educator. In this episode, we talk about gender identity, exploration, expression, AND freedom and how your mental health is overwhelmingly better when you can authentically be yourself. We also discuss TV shows like Pose, Sense8, The Politician, and Mae Martin's Feel Good that include or showcase stories of transgender and non-binary individuals and explore the impact of that representation. Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

In 2017, Canadian director Lindsay MacKay had a brain aneurysm that almost killed her. She joins us today to talk about that experience, the warning signs that can happen (but sometimes don't), and what the aftermath and recovery were like. We also discuss how Lindsay used the experience of her brain aneurysm to inform her direction of Kate Hewlett's The Swearing Jar and how Lindsay adjusted her work environment to better serve her brain. Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Nafisa Moallim, a therapist and Registered Social Worker with a Clinical Master of Social Work, joins us to talk about immigration and bicultural identity. As a Somali-Canadian refugee, Nafisa has extensive lived experiences navigating two identities and learning the language of trauma. Her biggest passion is for advocating for how to discuss mental health in immigrant and refugee populations. We dig deep into the series Virgins on CBC Gem in Canada. Set in Toronto, virgins! is a dramatic comedy created by Aden Abebe that follows the lives of four 20-something-year-old women who are too modest for the big city and too provocative for the East African homes they come from. We also discuss the impact immigration can have on someone's mental health, what it's like to be part of the 1.5 generation, and the effects of post-migration trauma. Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today is the episode you've all been waiting for – ADHD! Our guest, Rach Idowu was diagnosed with ADHD Combined Type on January 2020 at the age of 26. Shortly after her diagnosis, she decided to start her AdultingADHD substack newsletter to document her own personal experience. Rach has been featured in the NYTimes, BBC, Stylist, and Mashable among others. She has also created flashcards to help adults with ADHD learn more about ADHD traits including coping strategies. We discussed the long road to Rach's ADHD diagnosis and what it meant for her, the impact of ADHD stigmas on getting the help you need, and what kind of accommodations you can ask for in the workplace. We also talked about the representation of ADHD in films like Everything Everywhere All At Once and the TV show Grey's Anatomy. Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today's episode is about diabetes and we are excited to talk with writer, science communications professional, and podcast producer and host, Krista Lamb, who recently released her book ‘Beyond Banting: Decoding Canada's Diabetes Research Superstars.' During our conversation, we discussed the different types of diabetes that present (type one and type two), the stigmas associated with diabetes, and the impact this chronic illness has on a person's mental health. Together, we also explore how we currently see this disability on film and television in films like Turning Red and shows like The Baby-Sitters Club and what we'd like to see on the screen in the future! Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

On today's episode, we dive into the world of autism with Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt who is a writer, actress, and consultant/advocate for diversity, autism, and disability representation in entertainment.  We discussed how Ava got her autism diagnosis and what it meant for her, what stigmas she and other autistics often face, and how she would like to create inclusive autism representation on and off screen. We also talked about the representation of autism in television shows such as As We See It and Everything's Gonna Be Okay. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast  

Respectability alum, Michael J. Dougherty, talks with us about Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus and disability representation in Guillermo del Toro films such as The Devil's Backbone and The Shape of Water. Michael is a film person, screenwriter, essayist, occasional actor, and advocate living & working in Hollywood. He's also the co-founder of the ReelAbilities Film Festival: Los Angeles, entering its 6th year, which presents films and discussions by and about the disability community. Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today, we deconstruct emergency medicine and medical misinformation with ER doctor, Dr. Shazma Mithani. Wondering how many patients emergency doctors see in a day or why it's such a burnout profession? Listen on! We also discuss which TV series portrays the ER in the most accurate way – is it Grey's Anatomy? House? ER? Scrubs? And of course, we find out why Dr. Mithani decided to take to social media to dispel medical misinformation and talk about how her work in the ER informs the kinds of topics she shares online. Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Our guest, writer and actor, Graham Kent, joins us to talk about his experience with Tourette Syndrome, how it presents, and why he thinks Edward Norton's Motherless Brooklyn is the best portrayal of Tourette Syndrome he's seen on screen! The key moments in this episode are: 00:06:16 - Overlapping Disorders  00:08:08 - Presentation of Tourette Syndrome  00:14:17 - Living with Tourette Syndrome  00:16:32 - Motherless Brooklyn as a Representation of Tourette Syndrome  00:21:02 - Not Naming Tourette Syndrome in Motherless Brooklyn  00:23:56 - Other Depictions of Tourette Syndrome in Pop Culture 00:34:06 - Tourette Syndrome and Acting  00:39:17 - Nuances of Tourette Syndrome  00:41:46 - Understanding ADHD and Tourette Syndrome   00:45:09 - The Power of Nuanced Storytelling  00:48:31 - Resources for Tourette Syndrome  00:53:25 - Sarah's Documentary Premiere 00:57:16 - Heather's Experience at the WGC Awards  00:58:10 - Importance of Listener Reviews DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today we had the pleasure of speaking with Diana Elizabeth Jordan, an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and disability and IDEA influencer. We discussed her experience with cerebral palsy, some of the common stigmas associated with her disability, and what the representation of cerebral palsy on shows like Special and Speechless meant to her. Whether portraying a character, sharing a personal story, directing, or producing a project, Diana is committed to celebrating the power of resiliency and disability. DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Jenna and the system of alters (together known as the Gianu System) join us today to talk about Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID. This complex disorder, which occurs in 1.5% of our population, is a covert survival mechanism specific to each individual. We discuss what dissociation is, how identities and ego states exist, and how alters can hold different parts of trauma. We also talk about the accurate DID representation in the Australian film by Rome Trower, What if it Worked? and how shows like The United States of Tara and the film Split have impacted the perceptions of DID. 00:02:38 - What is Dissociative Identity Disorder? 00:06:44 - Jenna's Discovery of DID 00:09:09 - Discovering Alters in the Gianu System 00:15:39 - Understanding DID and its Complexity 00:16:57 - Aging and Sliding of Alters 00:19:11 - The Representation of DID in What If It Works 00:22:05 - The Debate on Integration and Healing 00:25:31 - The Misrepresentation of DID in Media 00:30:52 - Misconceptions about DID 00:35:03 - Using Social Media to Heal 00:39:49 - Normalizing DID in Media 00:40:59 - Recommended Resources 00:47:07 - Lack of Diversity in Canadian Writing Rooms 00:49:48 - Documentary Premiere for The Lebanese Burger Mafia 00:50:39 - Harvardwood Talk on Ethics and Storytelling DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT HERE Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

Today's guest, Michelle Asgarali, a Disabled Creative Producer and Advocate and Story Producer on the new CBC docuseries PUSH, deep dives into disability representation and the stigmas and tropes that impact the disability community on and off the screen. We also discussed the importance of creating more accessible and inclusive spaces with universal design and looked at how popular shows like The Last of Us, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, and the fab Australian series Latecomers have showcased storylines with disabled characters. [00:01:01] Inclusive storytelling. [00:09:21] Three tropes of disability. [00:25:48] Disability representation in media. [00:36:02] Disability inclusion in the film industry. [00:42:01] Creating better environments for disabilities. [00:47:42] Remote work and disability rights. [00:54:25] Better representation in media. [01:01:31] Universal design for everyone. DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast