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Political fear and cognitive dissonance take center stage as we examine the unsettling political climate most likely resulting from a national/cumulative PTSD. Discover how fear tactics shape voter behavior and the troubling disconnects between domestic and international issues. We challenge each challenge each person to confront the cognitive dissonance in supporting policies that may contradict personal values, especially in the face of global conflicts and ethical dilemmas. The conversation highlights the frustration and helplessness that lead many to turn away from the polls, while also questioning the two-party system's effectiveness in serving the American people.

In a country increasingly divided, our focus shifts to the power of individual actions and community engagement in fostering positive change. Through personal stories and insightful reflections, we emphasize the importance of bridging ideological divides with dialogue and compassion. From attending local events to small gestures of kindness, we explore how these actions contribute to a more connected, empathetic society. Thank you to our guests, Mike and Cora, for sharing their experiences and insights, and to our listeners for joining us on this journey towards understanding and unity.

Special Guest Michael Thibeault

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4

Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.


Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.

Research is being completed by Cora Lee Kennedy

Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
Matt@unitedstatesofPTSD.com

Send us a text

What if the Halloween traditions we've come to love are rooted in ancient fears and legends? Join us as we kick off season three of "The United States of PTSD" with a thrilling exploration of Halloween's origins, tracing its journey from Celtic rituals to the influence of Irish Catholics in America. With Julia taking a break, Cora steps in, bringing her delightful stories of crafting unique Halloween costumes for her kids—imagine a Rhode Island hot wiener and a cozy shark roaming the streets! As we reminisce about the creativity of past Halloweens and the impact of COVID-19 on social gatherings, our enthusiasm for the holiday remains undiminished. Together, we plan to celebrate Halloween across different cultures, eager to embrace the spooky season in all its forms.

Ever heard of the notorious razor blade in the apple myth? We unravel its urban legend status while examining the real fears that reshaped Halloween safety in the 1970s and 1980s, spurred by the Tylenol murders and other tragedies. Our discussion highlights how societal fears often target strangers, even though most harm comes from familiar faces. Cora and I delve into infamous cases of treat tampering by family members, challenging our perception of safety in the festive season. We share childhood tales of Bloody Mary and other eerie legends, exploring the thrill they bring to the Halloween experience.

Prepare for a spine-tingling journey through fear, phobias, and the paranormal. From horror movies inspired by societal unrest to the allure of ghost tours in Mystic, Rhode Island, our conversation uncovers the excitement of encountering the supernatural. Discover stories of Mercy Brown and the vampire panic in New England, where fear led to desperate measures amidst a tuberculosis outbreak. As we reflect on these chilling narratives, we consider their impact on cultural traditions and personal fears. Join us for a captivating episode filled with history, ghostly encounters, and an undying love for the spooky season.

https://uknow.uky.edu/research/uk-folklorist-explains-spellbinding-history-halloween
University of Kentucky

UK folklorist explains the spellbinding history of Halloween
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-019-01105-0

The Razor Blade in the the Apple: the Social Construction of Urban Legends
Joel Best and Gerald T. Horiuchi
Social Problems, Jun. 1985, Vol. 32, No. 5, pp 488-499
Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for the Study of Social Problems
https://www.jstor.org/stable/800777

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/phobias

https://www.rihs.org/have-mercy/
Oct 31, 2016
Rhode Island Historical Society
Jennifer L. Galpern, Research Associate/Special Collections

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/28/politics/bernie-sanders-kamala-harris-israel-gaza/index.html

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-has-undeniable-complicity-gaza-war-killings-say-former-us-officials-2024-07-03/

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4

Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.


Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.

Research is being completed by Cora Lee Kennedy

Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
Matt@unitedstatesofPTSD.com

Send us a text

Join us for a profound conversation with our special guest, Dr. Erika Lin-Hendel, who enlightens us about the intricate intersections between veterinary medicine, mental health, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Discover their heartfelt dedication to inclusivity within veterinary clinics, as they shed light on the challenges LGBTQIA and racially diverse professionals face in a predominantly white industry. We journey through Dr. Hendel's impactful work with organizations such as Pride VMC and the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association, as well as the somber realities of suicide and pet loss, with initiatives like the VIN Foundation standing at the forefront of mental health support for vets.

The episode further unveils the pressing issue of mental health struggles in the veterinary profession, spotlighted by the efforts of Not One More Vet. This nonprofit, born from tragedy, is reshaping mental health resources for veterinarians through education and support initiatives. We explore how the solitary nature of veterinary work, especially in rural areas, contributes to mental health risks and the critical importance of community support. Matt also shares his personal endeavors to facilitate mental health services for first responders and veterinarians, while delving into potential collaborations with the International Association of Veterinary Social Workers to tailor resources for this unique field.

Finally, we address the emotional complexities faced by veterinarians, from the challenges of cyber harassment to the ethics of euthanasia. Discover strategies for managing online negativity and the profound human-animal connections that make end-of-life decisions so poignant. Through personal insights and professional stories, we highlight the necessity of compassionate communication and the emerging role of veterinary social work. This episode is a heartfelt call to foster change and bolster support within the veterinary community.

CattleDog Publishing
Vets4Vets - VIN Foundation
About The International Association of Veterinary Social Work - International Association of Veterinary Social Work
Home | Not One More Vet
Work-related stressors and suicidal ideation: The mediating role of burnout: Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health: Vol 36, No 2

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4

Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.


Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.

Research is being completed by Cora Lee Kennedy

Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
Matt@unitedstatesofPTSD.com