Audrey Gales takes us on a thrilling ride through the annals of medical history

In her Depression-era thriller “The Human Trial,” author Audrey Gale shares the story of Dr. Randall Archer, who changed medicine forever with his groundbreaking microscope. Overnight, he’s catapulted from the steel mills to the upper echelon of Bostonian society. But many challenges await, from the devastation of the Great Depression to the battle to maintain his place.

In this episode, Curtis and Max talk with Audrey about what inspired this book and the creation of Archer. We look at her own experience with medicine and how this shaped the novel, as well as the research done. Audrey talks about Archer’s ascension and how this impacts him, as well as how he has to fight to keep what he’s earned.

Hazel-Eyed Rose shares a personal journey of healing in her new single

In this episode, Birmingham-based pop artist Hazel-Eyed Rose talks about her recovery from psychosis, anxiety, depression, and escaping from an abusive relationship in her new single “Out In My Mind.” Hazel talks about that journey, and how she views recovery, whether it's a mark on the road or a longtime process.

Hazel shares her experience being in the recording studio for the first time and what led her to choose electronic pop as a genre, as well as what other styles she's considering. We look at the music scene where she lives and some of the places she would go to prior to the pandemic.

Following this, enjoy her debut single “Out In My Mind.” I really dug the style and her vocals are amazing.

Caitlin Garvey's debut novel looks at love, loss, and the meaning of moving on

Author Caitlin Garvey's debut novel, “The Mourning Report,” looks at the passing of her mother and the 

subsequent battles she had with depression and being admitted to a psychiatric facility after a suicide attempt.

In her book, she interviewed the people who were part of her mother's care, including a hospice nurse, a priest, an estate planner, a hairstylist, and a funeral director. If she figures out how they could function after being so close to her mother’s death, then maybe she can learn how to navigate her own life. Caitlyn shares some of the stories told in these interviews and what they meant to her, as well as what she thinks it means to “move on.”

This book is scheduled to be released in print and electronic formats on Oct. 6 through Homebound Publications.

Breaking the stigma of suicide

In this episode, we learn what it means to lose someone to suicide. My guest, Nancy Caissie, lost her husband Larry on May 28, 2011 to suicide and she talks about the events leading up to this and the aftermath. She talks about the reaction from family and friends and the challenge of speaking about it with other people. She also looks at her life now: remarried, with her young children now grown up, and how she was able to take that step forward.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, know that help is available. The links below will take you to organizations that can offer support and counseling.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Suicide Prevention Services of America

Suicide Prevention Services

Crisis Text Line

Suicide Prevention Resource Center