Unravelling

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.LinksWebsite: https://www.togetherestranged.org/About Estrangement: https://www.togetherestranged.org/copy-of-research-learningNavigating Events Resource: https://www.togetherestranged.org/navigatingeventsTogetherness Series/Events page (where folks can sign up for our monthly meet): https://www.togetherestranged.org/event-listBlog 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

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_htimsPersonal 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

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: 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 AmericaThe 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

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. LinksLearn more about Anna Mueller: Anna S Mueller, PhD | Luther Dana Waterman Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Indiana UniversityFind her book here: Life under Pressure - Anna S. Mueller; Seth Abrutyn - Oxford University Press (oup.com)In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Oxford University Press is offering the first chapter of the book for free by clicking here: https://academic.oup.com/book/56082/chapter/442692773...American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org/988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 to talk to someone confidentially, available 24/7/365 https://988lifeline.org/

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

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, 2018Links: Find Pedro on Instagram - Pedro Fabião (@pedrofabiao) • Instagram photos and videosWorkshops: Expect Nothing - The Art of Embracing Uncertainty (notion.site)

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.ResourcesIf 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, 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 collegePhoto of Kurt and Mariann, a few years before her deathLinks The 5 Wishes - https://www.fivewishes.org/International End of Life Doula Association https://inelda.org/find-a-doula/

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 MemoirShe can be found at: Website: Katherine MacLean, PhD Instagram: katherine.maclean.phdFacebook: FacebookX: @thekmacdose

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 GLAADProvides resources and guides on navigating healthcare systems and advocating for transgender rights.GLAAD Transgender ResourcesGLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)Offers legal support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including information on healthcare rights and advocacy.GLAD ResourcesTrans LifelineA peer support and crisis hotline for transgender people offering emotional and financial support.Trans LifelineWorld Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)Provides Standards of Care guidelines for health professionals to ensure patients receive high-quality care.WPATH Standards of CareClinician Education UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender HealthOffers comprehensive resources and training materials for clinicians on transgender health care.UCSF Center of ExcellenceFenway InstituteProvides educational materials, training programs, and webinars on LGBTQ health care.Fenway Institute TrainingGLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ EqualityOffers resources and webinars for clinicians on LGBTQ-inclusive practices and health care.GLMA ResourcesUCSF Transgender CareComprehensive guide and online courses on transgender health care, focusing on medical and surgical care.UCSF Transgender CareNoteAdvocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) will be a key resource in the future as it will emerge from the merger of TLDEF and NCTE.

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.

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