Braaains
A podcast exploring the inner workings of our brains, mental health, & disabilities and how film & television portray them. Each episode, hosted by sisters Heather & Sarah Taylor, has an expert talk about a specific facet of our brains. Guests include therapists, scientists, and those with lived experiences and they share facts, insights, and how-tos with our listeners. We then discuss TV series and films that capture this specific aspect of our brains and tell it as it really is. Please follow/subscribe on your favorite podcast app, listen to new episodes biweekly on Tuesdays (every two weeks), and let us know your thoughts about the show. If you enjoy Braaains, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ For more information or to suggest a topic, please visit: https://www.braaainspodcast.com.
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How Family Separation via Migrant Labour Work Impacts Mental Health
03/04/2025
How Family Separation via Migrant Labour Work Impacts Mental Health
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: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Brilliant Minds and the Realities of Face Blindness
12/17/2024
Brilliant Minds and the Realities of Face Blindness
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! READ THE TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Disney+'s Out of My Mind and the Importance of Being Heard
12/03/2024
Disney+'s Out of My Mind and the Importance of Being Heard
Sarah had the pleasure of interviewing Amber Sealey, director of the newly released Disney+ film OUT OF MY MIND, alongside the movie's star, 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: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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TIFF Special: Building Inclusive Futures
11/19/2024
TIFF Special: Building Inclusive Futures
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: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Men's Mental Health within the Black Community
11/05/2024
Men's Mental Health within the Black Community
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: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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TIFF Special: Horror, disability, and access
10/22/2024
TIFF Special: Horror, disability, and access
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: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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TIFF Special: SAD JOKES and the Perspective of Being a Carer
10/08/2024
TIFF Special: SAD JOKES and the Perspective of Being a Carer
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: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Empire Waist’s Exploration of Body Image and Teen Friendship
09/24/2024
Empire Waist’s Exploration of Body Image and Teen Friendship
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: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Suicidal Ideation in The Bear, Modern Love, and Nadine Crocker's Continue
09/10/2024
Suicidal Ideation in The Bear, Modern Love, and Nadine Crocker's Continue
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: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Summer break and Edmonton event!
07/23/2024
Summer break and Edmonton event!
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: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Exploring Family Dramas & How Anxiety Manifests in Relationships
07/16/2024
Exploring Family Dramas & How Anxiety Manifests in Relationships
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: f ORDER True to You: A Therapist's Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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The Family Stone and other Breast Cancer Stories
07/09/2024
The Family Stone and other Breast Cancer Stories
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 Listen to our full conversation with Traven about her experience with breast cancer at: DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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The Big C: Breast Cancer and Mental Health
07/02/2024
The Big C: Breast Cancer and Mental Health
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 . Content warning – today we discuss terminal cancer and death. Listen to our conversation on breast cancer representation in film and TV: DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show: 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
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The Stigmas of Facial Differences
06/25/2024
The Stigmas of Facial Differences
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: DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Understanding Facial Differences in Deadpool
06/18/2024
Understanding Facial Differences in Deadpool
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: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show: 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
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Five Types of Imposter Syndrome
06/11/2024
Five Types of Imposter Syndrome
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 ways people with imposter syndrome misinterpret what it means to be competent. (NOTE: These five subcategories were originated by Dr. Valerie Young and based on her research). We also delve into the myths that persist around the universal experience of imposter phenomenon. Listen to our full interview with Ottillie Parfitt: DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Impostor Syndrome in Cyrano de Bergerac
06/04/2024
Impostor Syndrome in Cyrano de Bergerac
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: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Depression in Film and TV
05/28/2024
Depression in Film and TV
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: DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Depression: A conversation with the creators of CBC Gem’s Get Up, Aisha
05/21/2024
Depression: A conversation with the creators of CBC Gem’s Get Up, Aisha
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: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Breaking the Stigmas and Preparing for Menopause
05/14/2024
Breaking the Stigmas and Preparing for Menopause
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: Listen to our longer interview with Dr. Sophia on navigating menopause: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Navigating Menopause: Fleabag, Sex and the City, and Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce
05/07/2024
Navigating Menopause: Fleabag, Sex and the City, and Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce
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: Listen to our mini-episode with Dr. Sophia on breaking the stigmas of menopause: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Dispelling Myths of Transracial Adoption in Media w/ Dr. Jill L. Creighton
04/30/2024
Dispelling Myths of Transracial Adoption in Media w/ Dr. Jill L. Creighton
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 -- DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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The Handmaid’s Tale, This is Us, and Adoption w/ research sociologist and author, Gretchen Sisson
04/23/2024
The Handmaid’s Tale, This is Us, and Adoption w/ research sociologist and author, Gretchen Sisson
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: DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT: Listen to our companion episode on Dispelling Myths of Transracial Adoption in Media here: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Working with disability and mental health consultants
04/16/2024
Working with disability and mental health consultants
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: DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT HERE: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Vision Loss and Blindness on Sight Unseen
04/09/2024
Vision Loss and Blindness on Sight Unseen
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 - Listen to the mini-episode with Niko and Kat on Working with Disability and Mental Health Consultants: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show: 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
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BPD and Mental Health Representation in My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
04/02/2024
BPD and Mental Health Representation in My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
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 My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019) by Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna. 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 . Listen to our full interview with Bassey: DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT: Contact us: Follow: Music: Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show:
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Atlanta, Insecure, and Bipolar Disorder
03/26/2024
Atlanta, Insecure, and Bipolar Disorder
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 . DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT HERE: Listen to our mini-episode with Bassey on BPD in My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Contact us: Follow: Music: Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show:
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A Little Advice for the Holidays
12/12/2023
A Little Advice for the Holidays
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: Contact us: Follow: Music: Support this show:
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Causeway and Traumatic Brain Injury
11/28/2023
Causeway and Traumatic Brain Injury
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 Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com Follow: @BraaainsPodcast Music: @_Deppisch_ Design: Perpetualnotion.ca Support this show:
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Investigating Inequality Across Film and TV with the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative
11/14/2023
Investigating Inequality Across Film and TV with the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative
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: Contact us: Instagram: Music: Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao Support this show:
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