Telling the Untold Stories: Bloodflow from a Pen

2025-06-22

In this powerful episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read sits down with award-winning author and playwright Larry Bograd to unpack the intersection of grief, mental health, and storytelling. Together, they explore the lasting impact of Larry’s father’s suicide, the challenges of writing memoir, and the evolution of how we understand mental illness. From censorship in children’s literature to the healing power of humor, this candid conversation dives into the emotional layers behind memory, family, and creative expression. If you’v...

In this powerful episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read sits down with award-winning author and playwright Larry Bograd to unpack the intersection of grief, mental health, and storytelling. Together, they explore the lasting impact of Larry’s father’s suicide, the challenges of writing memoir, and the evolution of how we understand mental illness.

From censorship in children’s literature to the healing power of humor, this candid conversation dives into the emotional layers behind memory, family, and creative expression. If you’ve ever struggled with grief, questioned the stories you tell yourself, or searched for sanity in the chaos—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

Memoir writing can unlock deep emotional insight
Censorship still shapes what children get to read
Family dynamics and mental illness often go hand-in-hand
Self-compassion and therapy are essential to healing
Humor helps us hold even the heaviest truths

Featuring themes of:
#Grief #MentalHealth #WritingasTherapy #Family #SuicideLoss #Legacy #ChildrensLiterature #Creativity #Censorship #Self-Compassion

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Larry Bograd
02:24 Larry's Early Life and Career
05:13 Censorship in Children's Literature
07:49 The Art of Memoir Writing
10:08 Understanding Mental Health and Family Impact
11:42 Navigating Personal Trauma and Recovery
16:27 The Impact of Loss
18:49 Navigating Grief and Therapy
22:18 Creative Expression and Healing
24:30 Questions Left Unanswered
26:39 The Complexity of Parent Loss
29:30 Lessons from a Compassionate Father
33:05 Growing Up Without Guidance
34:55 Navigating Family Dynamics and Trauma
36:00 Reflections on Loss and Personal Growth
37:17 The Legacy of Family and Reincarnation
39:12 The Power of Shared Life Events
40:00 Exploring the Memoir Journey
40:59 The Healing Hot Seat: Rapid Fire Insights
43:19 Understanding Mental Illness and Its Evolution
46:31 The Role of Therapy in Healing
49:55 Legacy and Storytelling

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!

Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast

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