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

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