Tag: mental health

  • The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker

    I am not going to lie to you. The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker is going to crush your soul. It’s about a specific type of dementia which destroys an entire family. You’re going to cry. Your heart will break. However, there is hope. More importantly, there are people who stare this tragedy in the…

  • Six Schizophrenic Brothers (Max)

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Six Schizophrenic Brothers: In this case, a .500 average is very bad. Quick synopsis: The story of a family of 12 children of which 6 would turn out to be schizophrenic. Fact for Non-History People: Schizophrenia is one of the top 15 causes of disability worldwide. Fact for History Nerds: In…

  • Sociopath by Patric Gagne

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Sociopath: Sociopaths are people, too. Quick synopsis: A memoir from a confirmed sociopath who wants to be understood.    Fact for Non-History People: Sociopathy was the first personality disorder ever identified over 200 years ago. Fact for History Nerds: Sociopaths are about 5% of the population. My Take on Sociopath: Buckle…

  • Highlight Real by Emily Lynn Paulson

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Highlight Real: You definitely wouldn’t post these stories to your insta. Quick synopsis: The story of Emily Lynn Paulson’s journey to sobriety. Fact for Non-History People: Female alcohol use disorder increased by 83% from 2002 to 2013. Fact for History Nerds: The human brain fires off 20 million billion (not a…

  • The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Woman They Could Not Silence: So, this is why no one wants to go to therapy. Quick synopsis: The story of Elizabeth Packard, who was forcibly committed by her husband for having an opinion. Yeah, really. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: In the 1860s, the leading cause of insanity…

  • Columbine by Dave Cullen

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Columbine: It’s worse than you remember. Quick synopsis: The Columbine school massacre of 1999. If you were alive, I am sure you remember where you were. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: Columbine is only the 5th most deadly school shooting in U.S. history. Fun Fact for History Nerds: One of…

  • Mommy Dead and Dearest (HBO Max)

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Mommy Dead and Dearest: Be ready to be creeped out for oh so many reasons. Quick synopsis: The murder of Dee Dee Blanchard by her daughter, Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her boyfriend. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: 95% of Munchausen syndrome by proxy cases are by the mother of a…

  • Uncover Season 1: Escaping NXIVM

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Escaping NXIVM: If I have to be branded to join a group, then I am not joining said group. Quick synopsis: A woman discusses her involvement with NXIVM, a now notorious cult known for branding women and making them sex slaves. Yes, it happened in the United States. Fun Fact Non-History…

  • The Gateway (Podcast)

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Gateway: A woman named Teal Swan is a nutjob? Get out of town! Quick synopsis: A look at the cult-like following of Teal Swan, a new age YouTube life guru. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: Why is she dangerous? For one thing, she teaches people to “visualize their suicide,”…