Dr Susan Trachman is a Psychiatrist with 30 years of experience specializing in treating medically unexplained illnesses through the lens of psychiatry. She helps patients delves into the brain-body connection, and addresses the damaging misconception that a condition is "all in your head.  Follow her work at www.susanbtrachmanmd.com, and check out her new book, It's Not Just in Your Head: Demystifying the Brain-Body Connection in Medical Illness. Go to www.kidsandart.org to follow and support this month's highlighted nonprofit, helping children with cancer and their families through Art.

Lena Fein is the author of Shattering The Mirror, a story of her experience with abuse. From an early age Lena Fein coped with abuse and neglect by trying to achieve. She believed that if she could do well enough in school, meet everyone's expectations, and especially avoid anything that would trigger her mother, that she would finally feel safe and happy. Her book tells her story of masking with achievement, suppressing difficult emotions, and how she learned to break that cycle.  Our highlighted charity for April and May is Kids & Art, helping pediatric cancer patients through Art. Go to www.kidsandart.org to learn more about this wonderful nonprofit. 

Many films are related to psychology. Nathan Presley's short film, "Flesh and Blood," puts therapy directly in the spotlight. This film recently won the Audience Award for best short film at the Dallas International Film Festival. It is the story of an EMDR therapist trying to help a young girl with selective mutism...or is there something more going on?  Follow Nathan's work @nathanpresley on IG. Go to www.kidsandart.org to support this month's highlighted nonprofit, helping children in cancer treatment through the arts. 

Ryan Noufer created his indie short film "Mary The Widow," to tell a story about Dementia from a unique perspective of a woman attending a speed-dating seminar for widowed seniors. In the interview he shares his experiences with his own grandmother, feelings on mental health, and how art can help to process emotion, including our worst fears. You can follow his work @ryannoufer on Instagram. Please go to www.kidsandart.com to support and share this month's highlighted charity. Kids & Art is a nonprofit using Art to help patients with Pediatric Cancer, a perfect charity to go along with this month's focus on independent storytellers using film to share perspectives on mental health, relationships, and being a human being. 

One of the most anticipated films being screened at the 2026 Dallas International Film Festival, Last Shot tells the story of a young basketball prodigy who faces grief over the death of his father and an estranged relationship with his mother.  Producer/Writer Tod Friedman & Director Andy Palmer join me to talk about this film and the personal elements that are there, especially for Friedman. Follow the film @hemlockcircle on IG and other platforms or go to www.hemlockcircle.com The highlighted charity this month is Kids & Art, using art to help children in cancer treatment. visit www.kidsandart.org to learn more an support their work. New patrons of the Broken Brain will have 50% of their monthly donation go to Kids & Art as long as they remain donors. www.patreon.com/brokenbrain 

Katie Comosy is the director of the new independent documentary GASLIT, showcasing people impacted by the practices of oil and natural gas production in Texas and the Gulf Coast. Hosted by Jane Fonda, the film follows their work to fight rising cases of cancer, economic collapse, and damage to food production. The film is now showing at the Dallas International Film Festival. Follow the film on social media @gaslitdoc, or go to www.gaslitdoc.com for updates of festival screenings and distribution.  The Broken Brain's highlighted charity this month is Kids & Art, helping children with cancer through arts education and activity. Go to www.artandkids.org to learn more and support this wonderful nonprofit. 

Filmmakers Joe Zentil and Pierce Csurgo created the independent film Born To Lose, currently making the way around the film festival circuit. Set in the genre of motorcycle culture, this movie depicts a young man caught up in problems related to fractured relationships, self-destructive choices, and the dangers of addiction and the drug trade.  Our highlighted charity this month is Kids & Art, a California based nonprofit that uses Art to support children with cancer. Go to www.kidsandart.org to learn more about this amazing organization. 

Alex Mallis and Travis Wood join me to discuss their new film "Travel Companion." The story focuses on Simon, an indie filmmaker who's roommate helps him travel with free airline tickets, and the potential loss of this perk. Kids & Art is the highlighted charity for April. This organization helps kids with cancer through use of art. go to www.kidsandart.org to learn more about this important organization.

A quick look at the shifting vocabulary and perspectives on the hyper-interest associated with Autism.  This month's highlighted charity is Kids & Art, an organization based in California using art activities and education to help children with cancer. Go to www.kidsandart.org to follow and support this amazing nonprofit. 

Another great conversation from the Cinequest Film Festival! Rich Ho spent the past 13 years making his movie "Heavens: The Boy and His Robot," a coming of age story centered on bravery, community, and dedication, set in sci-fi world. He talks to us about story telling and how he learned to overcome personal fear and dedicate himself to a project. The making of this film is a story of goals, follow through, and Rich's relationship with his children.  Please visit www.CHIRLA.org to support the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, our highlighted charity for the month of March.