A dirt bike accident changed MaDarrius Burgo’s life forever, but it didn’t diminish his spirit. Hear this 20-year-old’s story of coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), living life in a wheelchair and how music and poetry restored his faith in life when he felt like he lost everything. A member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, MaDarrius takes us along to one of the tribe’s traditional “healing fires.” This ritual reveals the tribal elders’ perspectives and insights from about the importance of nurturing the spirit as a means to maintain mental health. MaDarrius first shared his story through poetry and music with This Is My Brave, Inc. (TIMB) at their 2021 National Teen Show. You can watch it here.
If you or someone you love is struggling with their mental health because of trauma, help is available. Text STORY to 741741 to be connected with a crisis counselor at Crisis Text Line, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Season 1 of Our Turn to Talk is produced by Principle Pictures in partnership with This Is My Brave, Inc.. The podcast includes content from the WETA Well Beings Youth Mental Health Project. This season is made possible by generous donations from The Hershey Company, Janssen, Rose-Marie van Otterloo, The Risa Fund, and a dedicated anonymous donor.
Special thanks to our clinical advisors Kyaien O. Conner, PhD, LSW, MPH and Tammy George, MSW, LCSW. Theme music by Merel & Tony. Additional music by Anthony Barilla.