Expert mode marketing technology, AI, and CX insights from top brands and Martech platforms fill every episode, focusing on what leaders need to know to build customer lifetime value and long-term business value. The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström® features executives and thought leaders from top brands and tech platforms discussing the industry's trends, like AI adoption, first-party data strategies, artificial intelligence in the consumer journey, consumer data privacy, omnichannel customer experience, and more. The Agile Brand is hosted by Greg Kihlström, martech and artificial intelligence transformation advisor and consultant to leading brands, speaker, entrepreneur, and best-selling author. It provides a fresh perspective on the continually evolving dynamic between brands and the audiences they serve.
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.
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.
In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt White sits down with poet, playwright, and social worker Britt Billmeyer-Finn to unpack the ideas and impact of queer theory. Far from being just an academic concept, queer theory is presented as a lens that challenges societal norms around gender and sexuality, invites curiosity, and honors fluidity in how we relate to ourselves and others. Kurt and Britt delve into the pressures of hetero-cisnormativity, the psychological toll of rigid social expectations, and the role of agency, joy, and community in healing and liberation. This conversation is part of our special Pride Month series. Britt is accepting clients in Massachusetts and can be reached at bebfinn.psychotherapy@gmail.com. Also check out the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst The conversation on YouTube between James Baldwin and Maya Angelou that Brit mentioned can be found here . *** This episode version replaces an earlier recording, and includes some re-recorded segments. This is due to a mistake explained in the intro segment.…
In this episode of Unraveling , Mary Wilson talks with psychotherapist and group facilitator Donna Harris, LCSW, CGP, about the challenging work of healing across lines of difference. Donna explains that real connection in group settings isn’t built by avoiding discomfort, but by risking it with care, curiosity, and accountability. She speaks to the importance of confronting bias, honoring impact over intent, and working through the mistrust that often exists in diverse spaces. Donna highlights the power of affinity groups, spaces where people with shared identities can speak freely without navigating broader societal dynamics. She also pushes back on the idea that simply being surrounded by diversity equates to engaging with it, and critiques traditional therapy models for overlooking systemic forces like racism and sexism. For Donna, group work is a powerful, small-scale practice in collective healing, one that helps us truly see and connect across the lines that too often divide us. Resources: Donna's private practice website, Intercultural Counseling The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond , a national, multiracial, anti-racist collective of organizers and educators, is dedicated to building a movement for social transformation. Stir Fry Seminars , cross-cultural and communications training programs for managers, supervisors, H.R., admin executives, education professionals, social services leaders and agencies. If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us! And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!…
What makes a therapy group more than just a room full of people? In this episode, group psychotherapist J. Scott Rutan, Ph.D. joins Kurt to explore the transformative power of group therapy. Drawing on Dr. Rutan's decades of experience, he shares how people often reenact personal dynamics in groups, sometimes unconsciously, which gives therapists and peers the opportunity to reflect those patterns back in real-time. Rutan emphasizes that group therapy doesn't just talk about problems—it lives them, revealing defenses that protect against deeper vulnerability. Dr. Rutan highlights the unique power of group therapy, where multiple members act as mirrors, making interpersonal patterns more visible than in individual therapy. Group dynamics often bring to light behaviors that individuals can describe but not fully demonstrate one-on-one. He and Kurt explore the deep human need for belonging, the therapist’s role as both leader and participant, and why groups so often become the place where the most profound change happens. Links Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy by J. Scott Rutan, Walter Stone, & Joseph Shay This widely adopted text and clinical reference covers the "whats," "whys," and "how-tos" of setting up therapy groups and making them work. If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us! And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!…
In this episode of Unravelling, Mary sits down with Lane Gardner, musician, educator, and founder of Thread, a nonprofit using collaborative songwriting to help communities heal from trauma. Lane shares the story of a powerful workshop with students affected by a school shooting, illustrating how music became a lifeline and a symbol of resilience. Through personal reflection and professional insight, Lane explains how creativity can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, emotional release, and connection. Whether it's a simple drumbeat, a line of lyrics, or a moment of movement, Lane shows us how tapping into our innate creativity can help us navigate pain and reclaim our voice. This episode highlights the transformative power of the arts, the importance of safe spaces, and why creativity isn't just for artists but for all of us. Links Lane's website: https://lanegardner.com/ Song written by Marjory Stoneman Douglas students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLrgTEJm__w Lane's album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/49dPMfbxhXlBhd9154hRne If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us! And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!…
In this episode of Unravelling, filmmaker and Occidental College professor Aleem Hossain joins host Kurt White for a wide-ranging conversation on the role creativity plays in both personal fulfillment and mental health. Aleem reflects on how making art can serve not only others, but our future selves—leaving behind breadcrumbs of who we were and what we felt. Together, he and Kurt unpack the personal and cultural barriers to embracing creativity, the importance of play and exploration without an end goal, and the joy of saying yes to one’s creative impulses. They also explore the idea that consuming art is a creative act in itself—one that invites us to pause, feel, reflect, and connect with the full spectrum of being human. This episode is a reminder that being creative doesn’t mean being perfect or productive. Sometimes it just means making a little space, not judging yourself, and seeing what shows up. Links: Go to aleemhossein.com to learn more about Aleem's films and to subscribe to his newsletter on issues of creativity, inclusion, and diversity in filmmaking. For an old photo of Kurt and Aleem at University of Chicago, and a picture of the 25 aliens that Kurt drew after this episode, click here ! If you enjoy Unravelling, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us and tell you friends about us! And listeners, take note! We always want to hear from you with reactions, topic ideas, stories or other suggestions. Send us an email, an old fashioned voice message, or a voice memo by using unravel@brattlebororetreat.org or by calling 802-258-POD3 (802-258-7633)!…
In this special crossover episode with Never Post, Unravelling host Kurt White joins writer and digital media expert Mike Rugnetta to explore how the internet shapes identity, self-perception, and mental health. From TikTok trends to the eerie accuracy of algorithmic recommendations, they unpack the tension between authenticity and performance in online spaces. How does the internet reinforce or distort who we are? What happens when our digital selves feel more real than our offline ones? They also explore surprising parallels between online spaces and therapy, both offering structured spaces for identity exploration, while discussing the dangers of rigid self-concepts and the necessity of relationships in making sense of our experiences. Ultimately, this episode offers a hopeful perspective on engaging with the digital world: with awareness, playfulness, and the power to shape our own narratives. Listen to Never Post, A Podcast About and For the Internet: https://www.neverpo.st/…
In this episode of Unravelling , host Mary Wilson is joined by Betsy Stade, research scientist and clinical psychologist at the Stanford Institute for Human Centered AI , to explore the profound ways AI is reshaping therapy, mental health support, and human connection itself. From AI-powered chatbots offering round-the-clock emotional support to cutting-edge research on how large language models like ChatGPT are used in therapy, Betsy unpacks the opportunities, risks, and ethical dilemmas of integrating AI into mental health care. The conversation dives into AI’s surprising ability to mimic empathy—sometimes even outperforming human professionals in perceived compassion. But what does this mean for real human connection? Betsy also shares groundbreaking research from her lab on AI-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and AI training tools for therapists. Links: Betsy Stade's personal website: https://betsystade.github.io/ Stanford Institute for Human Centered AI National Center for PTSD Mobile Apps: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/…
In 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, making it harder to seek help or even believe they deserve it. She also unpacks the concept of group-based stressors, discussing how chronic exposure to discrimination, political and social stressors, and the cumulative effects of systemic oppression—often referred to as 'weathering'—impact psychological well-being. Dr. Finzi-Adams emphasizes the critical need to reframe social support as a strength rather than a weakness and encourages mental health providers to ask difficult questions, stay curious, and create spaces where Black women feel seen and supported in their healing journeys. Resources: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/handbook-on-counseling-african-american-women-9781440875953/ https://therapyforblackgirls.com/ https://www.thebirthfund.com/…
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 understanding Black identity, collective experiences, and the impact of systemic forces like racism. The conversation unpacks the origins of Black psychology as a response to scientific racism, which historically justified stereotypes of Black inferiority through flawed studies on IQ, skull sizes, and other biased metrics. Professor Pole traces the emergence of the Association of Black Psychologists and discusses the two major strands of Black psychology—one that counters racism by centering Black experiences, and another that explores pre-colonial African psychological traditions, emphasizing collectivism, spirituality, and alternative concepts of selfhood. The discussion also tackles the evolving definition of race, the spectrum of racism from unconscious biases to systemic discrimination, and the challenges of teaching about race in a classroom with both Black and non-Black students. Professor Pole critiques colorblind ideologies, advocating instead for a pluralistic society where diverse identities are recognized and valued. Many special thanks to Northfire Recording Studio in Amherst, MA, which provided space and equipment for our recording of this episode! Links: Professor Pole is available to do public speaking and/or diversity training in person or remotely for schools, clinical settings, or corporate settings. You can reach him at npole@smith.edu. He suggests the following textbook and supplementary readings if you'd like to learn more: Textbook: Belgrave, F.Z. & Allison, K.W. (2019). African American Psychology: From Africa to America (4th Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Kahn, K. B., & McMahon, J. M. (2015). Shooting deaths of unarmed racial minorities: Understanding the role of racial stereotypes on decisions to shoot. Translational Issues in Psychological Science, 1(4), 310–320. Karras J. E., Niwa E. Y., Adesina F., Ruck M. D. (2021) Confronting whiteness: Conceptual, contextual, and methodological considerations for advancing ethnic-racial socialization research to illuminate white identity development. Journal of Social Issues. 77: 1305–1326. Lewis, J. A. (2023). Contributions of Black psychology scholars to models of racism and health: Applying intersectionality to center Black women. American Psychologist, 78(4), 576–588. Lundberg, Kristjen B.; Payne, B. Keith; Pasek, Josh; Krosnick, Jon A. (2017). "Racial Attitudes Predicted Changes in Ostensibly Race‐Neutral Political Attitudes Under the Obama Administration." Political Psychology 38(2): 313-330. Steele, C. M. (1997). A threat in the air: How stereotypes shape intellectual identity and performance. American Psychologist, 52(6), 613–629. Vandiver, B. J. (2024). Fifty Years (1974–2024) of the Journal of Black Psychology: A Brief History and Reflection of Its Significance. Journal of Black Psychology, 50(1), 3-8. Williams, M. T. (2021). Racial microaggressions: Critical questions, state of the science, and new directions. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(5), 880–885. Selected videos: The Race Gap: How U.S. systemic racism plays out in Black lives Positive Racial Identity in Early Education Seeing White The Fake Link Between Race and Intelligence Black Youth Suicide…
This 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." Jeanette shares her insights on how alcohol is deeply woven into our societal fabric, why it’s often glamorized, and how its subtle costs are frequently overlooked. From questioning beliefs about drinking to exploring the emotional and physiological impacts of alcohol, this conversation offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to rethink our relationship with drinking. Whether you're a daily drinker, sober curious, or simply rethinking your habits, this episode invites you to reflect on how alcohol fits into your life—and how it might not. Links: Jeanette Hu's website: https://www.youcanhealwellness.com/ Free Dry January Playbook: https://www.sobercuriosity.co/lead-magnet-Dry-Jan-playbook Free 30 Reasons Why People Drink Checklist: https://www.sobercuriosity.co/lead-magnet-30-reason-why-list-1…
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 and Canada’s updated guidelines, which reveal significant risks even at low levels of consumption. While the conversation touches on the most extreme cases of alcohol use, the real emphasis is on the everyday drinkers—the majority who might not yet realize the potential risks they’re facing. Dr. Kane explains that alcohol’s effects, such as the risk of certain cancers, increase with consumption, especially for women. He emphasizes personal autonomy and risk tolerance, encouraging listeners to weigh the potential health impacts against their personal choices and values. With an emphasis on informed decision-making, Dr. Kane aims to empower individuals with the knowledge to navigate their relationship with alcohol thoughtfully. Links: Dr. Goeff Kane's website: Meetinghouse Solutions | Love. Serve. Laugh. Make a Difference. Beyond the Two Pillars of Recovery Podcast: Beyond The Two Pillars of Recovery®: a MEETINGHOUSE SOLUTIONS® Podcast With Geoff Kane, MD, MPH | Podcast on Spotify…
Start 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 of the Sphinx) and Emmeline Clein (Dead Weight), who were each featured individually in the previous two episodes of Unravelling (episodes 13 and 14). With clips from the panel, this episode delves into the cultural narratives surrounding eating disorders, unpacking the paradoxes of connection and competition in recovery. It also tackles critical questions about treatment: how do we balance harm prevention with addressing the systemic causes of these illnesses? And how can innovative strategies—like group outings that mimic real-life social experiences—be integrated into care, even when they provoke anxiety? The conversation concludes by exploring how treatment centers and individuals can create spaces for recovery that support autonomy, healing, and meaningful connections. Links: Anna Shechtman's website: Anna Shechtman The Riddles of the Sphinx: The Riddles of the Sphinx – HarperCollins Emmeline Clein's website: https://emmelineclein.net/Homepage Dead Weight: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Weight-Essays-Hunger-Harm/dp/0593536908 Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/…
In 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 disordered eating—two practices tied by perfectionism, control, and language. Kurt and Anna explore the paradoxes of anorexia: the illusion of control amidst chaos, the pursuit of gratification without pleasure, and society’s celebration of self-discipline at the cost of self-destruction. Anna reflects on how crossword construction became a “perfect substitution,” mirroring her fraught relationship with identity and body, offering a fragile sense of stability. Together, they examine the cultural and political forces shaping eating disorders, the competing ideals placed on women, and the tensions between feminist resistance and internalized misogyny. Anna reminds us that recovery is hard work—but not as hard as living within an active disorder—and that healing begins with connection, both to others and to ourselves. Links: Anna's website: Anna Shechtman The Riddles of the Sphinx: The Riddles of the Sphinx – HarperCollins Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/about/ 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 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 of being told they don’t "qualify" for certain diagnoses. She explores how treatment centers often reinforce disordered behaviors instead of addressing them holistically and reflects on the lifelong process of managing disordered eating in a culture obsessed with thinness. Emmeline shares how education about the history of beauty standards and diagnostic systems can reduce shame and foster empowerment. Advocating for open dialogue and community in treatment settings, she offers a vision for creating more effective and compassionate support systems. Links: Emmeline Clein's website: https://emmelineclein.net/Homepage Dead Weight: Essays on Hunger and Harm: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Weight-Essays-Hunger-Harm/dp/0593536908 Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/ 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, 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. Links Website: https://www.togetherestranged.org/ About Estrangement: https://www.togetherestranged.org/copy-of-research-learning Navigating Events Resource: https://www.togetherestranged.org/navigatingevents Togetherness Series/Events page (where folks can sign up for our monthly meet): https://www.togetherestranged.org/event-list Blog 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…
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