Myndtalk With Dr. Pamela Brewer

Huot Dara - Executive Director, The Phare Cambodian Circus Touted as one of the first and most innovative businesses in Arts and Culture with the vision of artists' career and social development in Cambodia, HUOT Dara is spearheading the establishment of this new company starting from project planning, revenue planning, financing sources, operations and strategic planning and budget optimization for this project.  Learn about the school formed by refugees that relies heavily on art therapy to help heal the wounds and grow emotionally sound and healthy children.  Learn about the "Ghost Children," and the "Monkey Children" and this extraordinary group of creative performers.

Greening Death "We once disposed of our dead in earth-friendly ways—no chemicals, biodegradable containers, dust to dust. But over the last 150 years death care has become a toxic, polluting, and alienating industry in the United States. Today, people are slowly waking up to the possibility of more sustainable and less disaffecting death care, reclaiming old practices in new ways, in a new age."  Author of Greening Death , Suzanne Kelly traces the philosophical and historical backstory to this awakening, captures the passionate on-the-ground work of the Green Burial Movement, and explores the obstacles and other challenges getting in the way of more robust mobilization. As the movement lays claim to greener, simpler, and more cost-efficient practices, something even more promising is being offered up—a tangible way of restoring our relationship to nature."

Triumph of the Heart: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World??? Triumph of the Heart is the story of Megan’s quest to understand this complex concept, from both a scientific perspective and a human one. She draws on cutting-edge research showing that forgiveness can provide a range of health benefits, from relieving depression to decreasing high blood pressure. She examines situations as mundane as road rage, as painful as cheating spouses, and as unthinkable as war crimes. Through stories of people and even communities who have forgiven in the toughest of circumstances, she shows us how they’re able to do it, the profound sense of freedom they feel afterward, and the evocative implications for peacemaking worldwide.? ?

Not Really Gone - Blaire Sharpe     "When she was just an infant, Blaire Sharpe's troubled parents divorced. Since both parents were incapable of raising Blaire and her siblings, the children were slated for foster care—until their grandmother, Eleanor, stepped in to raise them as her own. As Eleanor valiantly struggled against a family legacy of alcoholism and depression, she modeled strength and wisdom to endure the most challenging of times. Still, Blaire’s life was not perfect. As she matured into adulthood, she battled addictions that eventually led her into recovery, just as Eleanor’s health began to decline. When she found herself sandwiched between two generations, each increasingly needy, Blaire poignantly reveals how she discovered the true meaning of love and commitment, and the essence of what it means to be a mother." For more from Blaire - go to www.blairesharpe.com  

What Aging Men Want: The Odyssey as a Parable of Male Aging Author, John Robinson is a clinical psychologist with a second doctorate in ministry, an ordained interfaith minister, and the author of eight books on the psychological, spiritual and mystical potentials of the new aging.  John takes "… an ancient fairy tale, and uses it as an allegory for midlife men in search of an authentic life."

Modern Families Dr. Joshua Gamson brings us extraordinary family creation tales—his own included—that illuminate this changing world of contemporary kinship. ... These are not your grandparents’ creation stories. ... Combining personal memoir and ethnographic storytelling, 'Modern Families' tells a variety of unconventional family-creation tales—adoption and assisted reproduction, gay and straight parents, coupled and single, and multi-parent families—set against the social, legal, and economic contexts in which they were made. In these stories, family creation was painstaking and sometimes difficult. ... Becoming parents involved jumping tremendous hurdles—social conventions, legal and medical institutions—with heightened intention and inventiveness, within and across multiple inequities and privileges.  ...Yet each of these families, however they came to be, shares the same universal joys that all families share.

The Subconscious: Your Port In The Storm Life is a constant process of growth: evaluating what you’ve done, noting your mistakes, making the necessary adjustments, reevaluating, and starting all over again. Throughout this cycle, the “person” that can help you out the most is within you—your subconscious. Author Felicia Drury Kliment discusses her views of the undiscovered aspects of the subconscious, considering why its judgment is wiser than that of the conscious mind and under what circumstances the subconscious is most likely to transmit its advice.  

Soyini Taylor Walton shares her harrowing life experience of being shot at the hands of an estranged boyfriend, and completing her journey of self-discovery to find her "heaven" on the other side. Her story is both frightening, shocking, inspirational and hopeful. This is a cautionary tale for men and women in relationships who may miss or ignore "red flags." This conversation is mandatory listening for everyone in or looking for a love relationship. Your life may depend on it!

Daughters, Dads and the Path Through Grief  Losing a father can be wrenching. This is an insightful conversation with authors Dr. Donna DiCello and Dr.Lorraine Mangione as they tell the story of the strong connections they each experienced with their dads along with some of the stories of other women they included in 'Daughters, Dads and Grief' . Stories from 50 women offer glimpses into the many aspects of the father/daughter relationships that are warm and nurturing, sometimes complicated and conflicted, and always solid and enduring. The Italian American women interviewed ultimately find great peace and meaning in the on-going relationship with their fathers, even after death. Daughters, Dads, and the Path Through Grief helps in the understanding of some of the many faceted ways to live through grief.

A Man Among Men Meet Dr. James McLeary -  Called by many as a "Man Among Men" - James McLeary holds graduate degrees in health, law and clinical psychology. He has worked with management teams in various educational, corporate, and government institutions to provide insight into clarity of purpose. McLeary "provides the communication tools to recalibrate the resources needed for more efficient accomplishment of goals. His experience ranges from leading educational corporate seminars, to providing crisis management in correctional institutions with members of organized crime."  If you are interested in learning how to think about and talk to boys and men...this is the conversation for you!   

Understanding Mental Disorders Forward by, Patrick Kennedy, Understanding Mental Disorders: Your Guide to DSM-5® is a consumer guide for anyone who has been touched by mental illness. Most of us know someone who suffers from a mental illness. This book helps those who may be struggling with mental health problems, as well as those who want to help others achieve mental health and well-being. Based on the latest, fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders known as DSM-5® Understanding Mental Disorders provides valuable insight on what to expect from an illness and its treatment and will help readers recognize symptoms, know when to seek help, and get the right care. Featured disorders include depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder, among others. The common language for diagnosing mental illness used in DSM-5® for mental health professionals has been adapted into clear, concise descriptions of disorders for

Upside! PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is at the center of national conversation and a widely recognized psychological condition. But an equally valid, though lesser known outcome of trauma is post-traumatic growth. While many survivors suffer long-term emotional damage, over the last several decades psychologists have discovered that with the right circumstances and proper support, survivors can actually emerge from their trauma stronger, more focused, and with a new and clear vision for the future. In fact, as many as two-thirds of trauma survivors report positive changes-far more than suffer from PTSD.  

Young Stroke Amy Edmunds experienced an ischemic stroke in 2002 at the age of 45, despite a healthy diet, frequent exercise and no obvious risk factors. Although her mother promptly recognized her symptoms, EMS denied Amy transport because she appeared too young to experience stroke. After being driven to the hospital by a family member, she waited over two hours for evaluation.  You will be inspired as you listen to Amy's story

 Stealing Joy "Stealing  Joy serves as a potent warning for all those whose elderly loved ones may be at risk and offers guidance on how to fight against elder fraud. Glynnis Walker Anderson's mother was suffering from Alzheimer's when she fell victim to a group of women who took everything from her. After managing to get legal guardianship due to the courtroom prowess and suppression of evidence by the group's lawyer member, the criminals manage to empty the elderly woman's bank accounts, change her will, and isolate her from the rest of her family. A month later, Anderson's mother winds up in the hospital, where the group insists she submit to a surgery that five different doctors warn will likely kill her." This is an important story ... don't miss it!

Life In The Challenging Lane Jason Keene's life was complicated. Jason was on a trajectory that seemed like it would take him far. After winning a Dow Jones Editorial Fellowship in high school and after graduating from New York University Law School; after marriage and two children " Jason received a diagnosis he was not expecting. And then his life changed... in ways he could never have predicted and continues to fight.  How did he cope? What is his life like today?

Unsettled Anthropologist Melvin Konner takes the whole sweep of Western civilization as his canvas and onto it places the Jewish people and faith. Drawing on archaeological findings, census data, religious texts, diaries, poetry, oral histories, and more, Konner shows how the Jews shaped the world around them and how this largely hostile but at times accepting world shaped Jewish practice, culture, and success. We see how the facts of oppression and ongoing diaspora led to the rise of Jewish literacy, education, trade, and influence that continue to make their mark today."  Take an hour of your time to learn about the man - Dr. Melvin Konner - and his faith.

Wellness Planning: 365 Days of Healthy Living For Your Body, Mind and Spirit Join Dr. Brewer and her guest, Amanda Smith for a discussion about this practical tool for the emotionally sensitive person looking for an easier way to track emotions and behavior as well as monitor progress over time. The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Wellness Planner is a helpful tool for anyone who struggles with emotional sensitivity and/or Borderline Personality Disorder and wants to work toward creating a healthier, more meaningful life--a life worth living--by balancing acceptance and change. iscover the value and details of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness."

Sober Mom's Guide Recovering from an addiction is tough enough, but when you throw in the tremendous responsibilities of motherhood, resisting cravings and remaining abstinent—much less enjoying the rewards of sobriety—can seem like an impossible challenge. Author and sober mom Rosemary O’Connor brings her many years of experience working with women in recovery to addressing the key life issues mothers face at all stages of their recovery path. Rosemary wants you to be present with your kids and loved ones, and find hope for the future.

Finding Meaning, Facing Fears ... Our autumn years are the ideal time to reexamine our lives. Often spurred on by a 50th birthday or the last child leaving home, it becomes important to question who we are in the larger scheme of things, to wonder what we really want from our lives. Dr. Jerrold Shapiro, author of Finding Meaning, Facing Fears discusses the many opportunities this time of life presents: opportunities to stretch in our capacities, to face and conquer old demons, and to meet new challenges with greater resources than were available to us before. ...

Violent No More ... is for men who have struggled with or are currently being violent in an intimate relationship. MyNDTALK guest Michael Paymar does not sidestep the unpleasant reality of domestic violence. Violent No More is an essential guide for men dealing with violence issues, as well as for the professionals who assist in their efforts to improve.   Michael Paymar along with Ellen Pence were two of the co-founders of the pioneering Duluth Domestic Abuse Intervention Project - a model for treatment for many years - saving lives and bringing to light a major issue in our community.  This MyNDTALK conversation is important for every man & woman, father & son, mother and daughter who is interested in the health of relationships