Telling the Untold Stories: Bloodflow from a Pen

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:

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  Memoir writing can unlock deep emotional insight

  
  


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  Censorship still shapes what children get to read

  
  


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  Family dynamics and mental illness often go hand-in-hand

  
  


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  Self-compassion and therapy are essential to healing

  
  


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  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

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