How to Keep up with the News and not Despair

How to Keep up with the News and not Despair

In this podcast we explore the psychological toll of consuming distressing news, particularly coverage of the war in Gaza. Jason Brown and deputy editor of Consortium News Corinna Barnard with clinical psychologist Dr. Renee McCormick — examine how relentless exposure to traumatic news affects mental health. Dr. McCormick draws on research from the American Psychological Association (APA), other research groups and her own experience as a trauma therapist to explain phenomena like secondary traumatic stress, doomscrolling, desensitization, and the “window of tolerance” — the psychological zone in which a person can process information without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down entirely. She notes that people respond to overload in one of two directions: hyperarousal (anxiety, anger, obsessive consumption) or underarousal (numbness, avoidance, apathy).

From Cuba and Iran to Chicopee with US Congressional Candidate Nadia Milleron

Nadia Milleron, who is running as an Independent to represent the first congressional district of Massachusetts in the US House of Representatives, speaks with her neighbors and cohosts Jason Brown and Corinna Barnard about the local and national implications of current US foreign aggressions. This conversation starts off with the U.S. imposition of a cruel energy blockade on Cuba, moves on to focus on Israel and the unconstitutional US war on Iran and ends up early one recent morning outside the Westover Air Reserve base in Chicopee. Along the way, Nadia makes the case for participatory democracy, voting Independent and breaking the Democratic-Republican duopoly control over Washington.

Unhinged U.S. Militarism

In this podcast Jason Brown and Corinna Barnard discuss the vast and ever expanding US military budget and the proliferation of US military bases and facilities — beginning right here at home in the first congressional district of Massachusetts.

Earth's Greatest Enemy - exploring Abby Martin's epic film about the toxic fallout of U.S. aggression.

Welcome to another episode of Culture Shift, where we explore an eye-opening documentary that reveals the concealed threats associated with the U.S. military-industrial complex. Titled "Earth’s Greatest Enemy," this film is the brainchild of journalist Abby Martin and Iraq War veteran Michael Prysner. It stands apart from traditional war documentaries, presenting a compelling narrative that intertwines antiwar advocacy and climate activism. Through striking imagery and poignant personal stories, it highlights the profound toll that militarization takes on people and the planet. In this episode, we'll delve into the film's insightful portrayal of those adversely affected by U.S. military actions—ranging from veterans facing housing crises to communities impacted by police militarization. Together, we will analyze how this cinematic work aims to inspire unified efforts against a common adversary. Tune in as we peel back the layers of this essential film and discuss its significance for the antiwar and climate movements.

From Ground Zero: A discussion and reaction to the film with Nadia Milleron, Christine Fulton, Corinna Barnard and Jason Brown

An official selection of the Academy Awards, From Ground Zero confronts the shattered realities of the people of Gaza and shows the challenges of rebuilding. The characters in these 22 films face their demons, forge unlikely alliances, and rediscover the strength of the human spirit. We discuss these amazing films in context with the genocide happening now.