How can a deeper understanding of mental health help us see our world, and ourselves, differently? Hosted by therapist Kurt White and journalist Mary Wilson, each episode of Unravelling explores a complex mental health topic with insights from both professionals and people with lived experience. Whether you're trying to make sense of the world or just the slice of it inside of your head, Unravelling is here to foster a more compassionate and informed perspective on life.
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Intersectionality, systemic barriers, and Black women's mental health
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31:55In this episode of Unravelling, psychologist Dr. Zoeann Finzi-Adams speaks with Mary about the complexities of mental health in Black women, examining how racism and sexism intersect to shape their experiences. She challenges the "Strong Black Woman" archetype, which often forces Black women to prioritize resilience over their own well-being, makin…
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In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with Professor Nnamdi Pole, Harold and Elsa Israel Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Psychology Department at Smith College, to discuss his course, The Psychology of the Black Experience. Professor Pole shares insights from his long-running course, delving into the role of psychology in un…
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The opportunity in curiosity: The personal and social relationship with alcohol
27:32
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27:32This episode of Unravelling dives into the cultural, social, and personal complexities of alcohol use. As Dry January wraps up, many are reflecting on the role alcohol plays in their lives. Mary Wilson speaks with Jeanette Hu, a California-based psychotherapist and creator of the Sober Curiosity Lab, to explore the concept of "sober curiosity." Jea…
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In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with his colleague Dr. Geoff Kane, MD, MPH, Emeritus Chief of Addiction Services at the Brattleboro Retreat, to delve into the evolving understanding of alcohol’s health risks. This timely discussion comes amid growing research, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s call for alcohol warning labels…
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In Conversation: Redefining eating disorder language, treatment and recovery
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49:17Start the New Year with a special thought-provoking episode of Unravelling. Hosts Kurt White and Mary Wilson are joined by Brattleboro Retreat postdoctoral psychology fellow Mary Iellamo to revisit a compelling panel from the Brattleboro Literary Festival. Moderated by Iellamo, this conversation brings together authors Anna Shechtman (The Riddles o…
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The riddles within: Crosswords, anorexia, and feminist history
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40:17In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with Anna Shechtman, author and renowned crossword creator, at the Brattleboro Literary Festival to discuss her book, The Riddles of the Sphinx: Inheriting the Feminist History of the Crossword Puzzle. At age 15, Anna began crafting crossword puzzles while navigating the complexities of disordere…
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Reading a room you've been locked into: Eating (disorders), bodies, and society
35:58
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35:58In this episode of Unravelling, Mary Wilson interviews Emmeline Clein, author of Dead Weight: Essays on Hunger and Harm and a featured guest at the 2024 Brattleboro Literary Festival. Emmeline critiques the systemic failures in diagnosing and treating eating disorders, highlighting the emotional invalidation many patients face—particularly the harm…
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Family estrangement: Breaking ties, building community
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42:26Description: 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 …
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Democracy and distress: The mental health impact of politics
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40:34In 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…
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The embodied wisdom of peer-led approaches
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32:19Description: 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 …
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A radical approach to listening and creativity: Lessons from Open Dialogue
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32:34Description: 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 ne…
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The struggle for a life worth living: the social roots of youth suicide
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30:47In 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…
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Not alone, not a burden: broadening the dialogue on suicide
34:40
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34:40Special 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 pe…
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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 clowni…
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Abiding in grief: finding our humanity in love and loss
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31:40In 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 societ…
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Closing the final curtain: A death doula's wisdom and a personal journey
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24:02In 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 expe…
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Encountering one's self in living and dying
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33:46
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33:46The 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 Ho…
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Gender-affirming care is a lifesaving mental health intervention
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29:30Episode 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 facul…
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Mental health needs in the transgender community
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25:29We 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.By Charts & Leisure
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Hosted by Kurt White and Mary Wilson, Unravelling is a podcast that looks at the world through the lens of mental health.By Charts & Leisure
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