Tag: books

Everyday Justice Made Simple with ‘Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness’

Danny Karon is making legal wellness the next self-help revolution. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness

A new book that makes legal literacy accessible—and even fun

Just as self-help books offer guidance to improve your physical or mental wellness, attorney Danny Karon’s new book does the same for your legal wellness. (Newsroom PR, 2025)

That’s Karon’s term for cultivating a healthy working knowledge of your legal rights when confronted with scams and cheaters both large and small.

A “Lovable” Approach to Everyday Legal Problems

Karon, a consumer law expert, gives readers “an ounce of prevention” by teaching practical problem-solving skills to handle the kinds of everyday legal hassles we all face:

  • Airlines that bump you
  • Telemarketers that try to swindle you
  • Fine print that corporations hope you’ll never read

Known as the “Lovable Lawyer” for his approachable style and advocacy for everyday people who might not have a lawyer on retainer, Karon has spent more than 30 years empowering individuals to access justice and protect themselves.

What You’ll Learn

Covering everything from social media defamation to how to fight a traffic ticket, this book delivers useful, entertaining legal advice in clear, straightforward language that’s peppered with real-life anecdotes and humor.

Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness is available in paperback and Kindle editions beginning October 21, 2025.

Here’s a peek at some of the chapters:

  • How big business is out to screw you
  • Putting the airlines in their place
  • How to detect and avoid travel scams
  • How to protect yourself when you’re in an auto accident
  • Keeping your auto insurer honest
  • Fighting back against online offenses: defamation, doxing, and invasion of privacy
  • How to keep an unreasonable landlord honest
  • Identity theft and how to respond to it
  • How to fight a traffic ticket
  • How legal wellness can make our lives happier

Advance Praise

“They say laughter is the best medicine, and Karon uses humor to ease the challenge of conveying practical legal information that will help people through many common and serious situations to the benefit of themselves and their families. Easy and informative, Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness is a highly worthwhile read!”
— Richard A. Cordray, former Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau of the United States

About the Author

Danny Karon, based in Cleveland, is a professor, consumer advocate, and the creator of Your Lovable Lawyer. With over 30 years of experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in class-action and individual cases, Karon is passionate about making the law understandable and approachable for everyone.

He teaches class-action litigation at the University of Michigan Law School and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, and previously taught complex litigation at Columbia Law School.

In addition to writing a civil justice column for Law360, Karon has published widely on legal access and consumer rights. Observing how many people struggle to find or afford legal help, he founded the Your Lovable Lawyer platform to share clear, useful insights on common legal problems—helping everyone achieve a little more legal wellness.

Author Danny Karon. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

‘Looking for Tank Man’ is Ha Jin’s Powerful Reckoning with Memory and Protest

‘Looking for Tank Man’ by Ha Jin. Photo: Other Press

Book Spotlight: Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin

From Ha Jin, the acclaimed author of the Pulitzer Prize finalist Waiting, comes a riveting and timely new novel Looking for Tank Man. In this powerful story of protest and suppression, Ha Jin explores the enduring impact of truth, memory, and moral courage. Available for pre-order, it has a release date of October 21. (Other Press, 2025)

About the Book

When the Chinese premier visits Harvard, international student Pei Lulu encounters a lone protester whose act of defiance will upend her understanding of the People’s Republic—and of herself.

For the first time, Lulu learns of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and the government’s violent response. Her search for answers takes her deep into her family’s past, uncovering surprising stories of resistance, and into the heart of a university course built around firsthand accounts of that fateful time.

At once a compelling coming-of-age story and a tribute to the courage of activists, Looking for Tank Man keeps the tragedy of Tiananmen alive in the public memory and serves as a stark warning about the perils of authoritarian power.

About the Author

Ha Jin grew up in mainland China and served five years in the People’s Liberation Army before pursuing a degree in English at Harbin University. He has become one of the most acclaimed voices in contemporary fiction.

His novel Waiting won the National Book Award for Fiction, the PEN/Faulkner Award, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Ha Jin is currently the William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor in English and Creative Writing at Boston University and a fellow of both the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

His works have been translated into over thirty languages. His most recent novel, The Woman Back from Moscow, was published by Other Press in 2023.

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Stephen King’s Dystopian Classic ‘The Running Man’ Gets a Bold New Adaptation in 2025

The new book to movie adaptation starring Glen Powell hits theaters on November 7. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Stephen King’s “The Running Man” Returns — and Hits the Big Screen

Originally published under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1982, The Running Man later appeared as part of The Bachman Books collection in 1985. Now, this dark, dystopian thriller is making its way to the big screen, with Paramount’s new adaptation set to premiere on November 7, 2025.

A Deadly Game of Survival

In the world of The Running Man, survival is the only goal.

Ben Richards has lost everything—his job, his savings, and nearly his hope. With a sick daughter in need of urgent medical care, he takes a desperate gamble and signs up for the nation’s most popular (and brutal) reality show: The Running Man, where contestants are hunted for sport.

If Ben can stay alive for thirty days, he’ll win a billion dollars. The catch? No one has ever survived more than eight days. Pursued by a lethal strike force trained to kill, Richards must navigate a world where every step could be his last.

It’s a chilling story about desperation, power, and the lengths one man will go to save his family.

The Film Adaptation

The Running Man (2025)
A man joins a game show where contestants can run anywhere in the world—while professional “hunters” track them down.

  • Director: Edgar Wright
  • Writers: Michael Bacall, Stephen King, Edgar Wright
  • Stars: Glen Powell, Emilia Jones, Josh Brolin
  • Genre: Dystopian Sci-Fi, Dark Comedy, Survival, Action Adventure
  • Running Time: 140 minutes

With Wright’s trademark style and a powerhouse cast, this adaptation promises to bring King’s high-stakes vision to thrilling, satirical life.

About the Author

Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent works include Never Flinch, You Like It Darker, Holly, Fairy Tale, Billy Summers, If It Bleeds, The Institute, Elevation, The Outsider, Sleeping Beauties (co-written with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges Trilogy: Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch.

King is the recipient of numerous honors, including:

  • 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award
  • 2014 National Medal of Arts
  • 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters
Photo: Paramount Pictures

Rediscovering Respect: How One Small Virtue Can Change Everything

‘Respect’ is Robert L. Dilenschneider’s forthcoming new book. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Respect – How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time

By Robert L. Dilenschneider
Release Date: October 28 — Available now for pre-order

🕊️ Why Respect Still Matters

In a world where online outrage spreads faster than kindness and conversations often turn into confrontations, the idea of respect can feel almost old-fashioned. Yet, what if rediscovering this simple value could be the key to improving how we live, work, and connect?

That’s the premise behind Robert L. Dilenschneider’s new book, Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time. A veteran public relations expert and thoughtful observer of human behavior, Dilenschneider explores how showing respect in our tone, actions, and choices can reshape not just our relationships, but the culture around us.

📘 What’s Inside

Chapter 1: A Call for Respectfulness
Chapter 2: Is Respectfulness Truly Possible in the Age of Retribution?
Chapter 3: What’s In It For Me?
Chapter 4: Start with Self-Respect
Chapter 5: The Top Five Qualities of Respectfulness
Chapter 6: Respectfulness at Work
Chapter 7: Respectfulness in Family and Personal Relationships
Chapter 8: Respectfulness in Civic Institutions
Chapter 9: Transforming Society

🌟 Highlights

  • Chapter 3: Offers tips on what to do when disrespect turns into bullying, and explores how respectfulness can lead to improved relationships, stronger professional connections, and a less stressful daily life.
  • Chapter 5: Explains that respect is more than politeness or manners, it’s about recognizing people as individuals with their own unique identities.

💬 Why It Matters

The tone throughout the book is conversational and grounded, yet deeply reflective. Dilenschneider urges readers to see respect not as a surface-level courtesy but as a transformative social force. Each chapter ends with a “Think About It” section inviting readers to pause, reflect, and apply the ideas to their own lives.

By combining practical wisdom and moral clarity, the book moves beyond abstract principles to offer real-world ways to practice respect daily. Whether in the office, at home, or within our communities, Dilenschneider shows how small gestures of empathy can ripple outward to build trust, cooperation, and understanding.

Ultimately, Respect is an essential guide for anyone seeking to improve communication, leadership, and human connection. In an age of division and incivility, this book serves as both a call to action and a blueprint for a more compassionate world.

Perfect for managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, this book reminds us:

“Far from outdated, respectfulness is a vital part of the foundation of a well-functioning society and a fulfilling life. We would do well to cultivate it, and this book will show you how—and why.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

👤 About the Author

Robert L. Dilenschneider founded The Dilenschneider Group in 1991 after serving as President and CEO of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. He has counseled major corporations, trade associations, and educational institutions, helping clients navigate complex communications challenges.

He is the author of numerous books, including Power and Influence, A Briefing for Leaders, On Power, The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life, and 50 Plus! Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life. His most recent work before Respect was Character and Respect.

💭 Let’s Talk

Do you think respect is becoming a lost art — or are we just redefining what it means?
How do you practice respect in your everyday interactions, especially in challenging situations?

Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re keeping respect alive in your corner of the world.

*Thank you to Fauzia Burke/FSB Associates for my gifted Advanced Reader Copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

‘Tequila’: Power, Passion, and Betrayal — Inside Tim Reuben’s Explosive Family Thriller

‘Tequila’ is Tim Reuben’s debut novel. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight & Review: Tequila: A Story of Success, Love & Violence by Tim Reuben

Release Date: October 14
Available for Pre-Order Now

A Battle for Power, Love, and Survival

From the fiery heart of Mexico to the high-stakes boardrooms of Manhattan, an empire built on tequila becomes the battlefield for a blistering war of power, betrayal, and forbidden love in Tim Reuben’s explosive debut thriller, Tequila: A Story of Success, Love & Violence.

Spanning generations, Tequila follows the rise and near-ruin of the Ramirez family, founders of RAM, a multibillion-dollar luxury spirits powerhouse. When Maria Ramirez steps into the role of CEO, her greatest threats aren’t rival corporations, but her own brothers: Miguel, the corrupt sociopath, and Tomaso, the self-destructive heir spiraling out of control.

An Empire on the Brink

LA attorney Brian Youngman enters the Ramirez world when he’s hired for Tomaso’s divorce case. What he uncovers, cartel ties, financial crimes, and unimaginable violence, pulls him into a web of danger and desire. His growing love for Maria collides with his pursuit of justice, making him a reluctant hero in a battle where survival demands sacrifice.

The story begins in 1950 in the Jaliscan Highlands of Mexico, where Sotero Jimenez, a struggling agave farmer, fights to build his dream amid poverty and corruption. In the present day, chaos erupts when Tomaso’s wife, Nora, is abducted in Houston, a chilling event that sets the stage for the Ramirez family’s unraveling.

As the family grapples with betrayal, cartel violence, and devastating loss, the empire they built on agave and ambition teeters on the edge of collapse.

Review

Tim Reuben’s Tequila is a sweeping family saga that fuses corporate intrigue, legal drama, and raw emotional tension. The characters, especially Maria, are sharply drawn, and readers can feel the weight of her burden as she navigates both external enemies and the toxic loyalty of family.

Told through a non-linear narrative, the story moves between the Ramirez family’s humble origins and their modern-day descent into greed and betrayal. The pacing is relentless and filled with legal battles, family drama, and shocking twists.

At its core, Tequila explores the price of power, the fragility of loyalty, and the fine line between love and destruction. It’s a genre-bending debut that grips from start to finish; a compelling saga of justice, sacrifice, and ambition’s deadly cost.

Verdict: For fans of Succession, Narcos, or The Godfather, Tequila is a must-read.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Content & Trigger Warning

This novel includes scenes of sexual content, sexual violence, and sadism, primarily connected to Miguel, a sadistic character whose cruelty is central to the story’s darker turns. Reader discretion is advised.

About the Author

Tim Reuben is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. A veteran trial lawyer, he founded his own litigation firm in Los Angeles and frequently publishes essays and articles on law and society. Tequila is his debut novel.

*Thank you to Meryl Moss Media Group for my gifted Advanced Reader Copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Sweet Traditions: La Panadería Unveils Its Fall Pan Dulce and Día de Muertos Treats

La Panadería’s Pink Pan de Muerto. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

🍂 Celebrate Fall with La Panadería’s New Seasonal Pan Dulce and Día de los Muertos Specials

La Panadería is excited to announce the launch of its fall-inspired pan dulce lineup—just in time for cooler weather and Día de los Muertos celebrations! This season, the bakery brings bold, comforting flavors to its beloved collection of pastries with two standout creations you won’t want to miss. (La Panadería, 2025)

🎃 Pumpkin Concha — $4.70

Back by popular demand!
The Pumpkin Concha returns with La Panadería’s signature pillowy concha base, topped with a festive orange cookie crust and filled with a rich, spiced pumpkin filling made from real pumpkin purée. It’s a cozy fall favorite and the perfect pairing for the bakery’s Maple Pumpkin Cold Foam Latte.

🗓 Available: Now through Thanksgiving (November 27) at all La Panadería locations.

💀 Dubai Chocolate Pan de Muerto — $7.50

New this year!
Introducing the Dubai Chocolate Pan de Muerto, a luxurious twist on the traditional Day of the Dead bread. This personal-sized pan de muerto is flavored with orange essence, dusted in sugar, sliced open, and generously filled with house-made Nutella and pistachio ganache made from real ground pistachios. Finished with chopped pistachios, it’s an indulgent, limited-time treat.

🗓 Available: In limited daily quantities through Día de Muertos weekend (November 2) at all four La Panadería locations, while supplies last.

🕯 Pan de Muerto Pre-Order Details

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with La Panadería’s family-size and mini Pan de Muerto loaves, available for pre-order online.

Pre-Order Here
Pre-orders open: Wednesday, October 22

🍞 Available Items & Pricing

  • Family Size Regular Pan de Muerto – $25.00
  • Family Size Pink Pan de Muerto – $27.50
  • Mini 6-Pack Regular Pan de Muerto – $25.00
  • Mini 6-Pack Pink Pan de Muerto – $30.00

📦 Pick-Up Dates

  • Friday, October 31
  • Saturday, November 1
  • Sunday, November 2

✨ The vibrant pink Pan de Muerto—a customer favorite—returns this year in both family-size and mini options. The classic mini and personal-sized Pan de Muerto are also available year-round in-store, no pre-order required.

☕ Fall-Inspired Lattes

Round out your visit with La Panadería’s new cold foam latte lineup, featuring comforting seasonal flavors:

  • Abuelita Chocolate
  • Dubai Chocolate
  • Pumpkin

These handcrafted drinks are the perfect pairing to a sweet slice of Pan de Muerto, making every visit a delicious way to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Dubai Chocolate Pan de Muerto. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Mathieu Belezi’s ‘Attacking Earth and Sun’: The Human Cost of Empire

‘Attacking Earth and Sun’ will be released on October 28. Photo: Other Press

Book Spotlight: Attacking Earth and Sun by Mathieu Belezi

History rarely tells the full story of conquest. In Attacking Earth and Sun, award-winning French author Mathieu Belezi strips away the illusions of glory to reveal the human cost of empire. This searing English-language debut, translated by Lara Vergnaud, immerses readers in the brutal early days of 19th-century French colonization in Algeria. With chiseled, haunting prose, Belezi condenses years of research into a human account of ambition, violence, and survival.

Attacking Earth and Sun will be published by Other Press on October 28, 2025. It is available for pre-order.

“It is my duty to ask questions, especially questions people don’t want to ask,” Belezi told The New York Times in 2023.

This lyrical and unflinching novel does exactly that. Far from the “pioneer dream” sold by Western powers, Attacking Earth and Sun exposes the hell that was colonization through an unforgettable work of historical fiction. (Other Press, 2025)

The Story

In search of a better life, Séraphine and her family join 500 settlers on a perilous journey to France’s newly conquered Algerian territory. But the promise of prosperity quickly gives way to harsh reality: inadequate shelter, unrelenting weather, illness, and mounting tension with the indigenous population, whose anger and desperation simmer beneath the surface.

As the settlers slowly carve out a fragile community and a church in this foreign land, the French army ravages the Algerian countryside, leaving behind villages in ruin. Through the eyes of a weary soldier constantly reminded by his captain, “You’re no angels!” we witness the staggering cruelty used to crush resistance and the haunting moral decay it breeds.

With prose reminiscent of William Faulkner, Belezi transforms historical record into art. The result is a novel that is poetic and devastatingly real, a story that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, empire, and humanity.

About the Author

Mathieu Belezi is the author of more than a dozen novels. His career began with Le petit roi, which won the Marguerite-Audoux Prize in 1999. Attacking Earth and Sun earned both the Prix Livre Inter and the Le Monde Literary Prize. Having traveled widely and taught in Louisiana, Belezi now divides his time between France and Italy.

About the Translator

Lara Vergnaud is an acclaimed translator of prose, creative nonfiction, and scholarly works from French. She is the recipient of two PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grants and a French Voices Grand Prize, and has been nominated for the National Translation Award. She currently lives in France.

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Fear, Folklore, and the Human Mind: Exploring ‘Monsters on the Couch’ by Brian Sharpless

‘Monsters on the Couch’ by Brian A. Sharpless. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: Monsters on the Couch by Brian A. Sharpless

Exploring the Real Psychological Disorders Behind Famous Horror Movies

From psychologist, researcher, and horror film enthusiast Brian A. Sharpless comes Monsters on the Couch: The Real Psychological Disorders Behind Your Favorite Horror Movies, an exploration of the real-life psychological disorders that inspired some of cinema’s most iconic horror movies. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Sharpless compares dramatic clinical syndromes, every bit as fascinating as those on the silver screen, with the science and folklore behind our favorite monsters.

Horror movies, he argues, can reveal far more about human psychology than we realize. When explored honestly, our fears become mirrors reflecting our culture, our anxieties, and our shared humanity.

Famous Monsters and Their Real-Life Counterparts

Horror fans may be obsessed with vampires, werewolves, zombies, and the eerie “replacements” from Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but few know the real conditions behind these creatures, such as Renfield’s syndrome, clinical lycanthropy, Cotard’s syndrome, and misidentification delusions.

What’s Inside the Book

Part I: Movie Monsters from the Early Days of Cinema

  1. Clinical Lycanthropy
  2. You Suck?
  3. I Am The Walking Dead

Part II: Modern-Day Movie Monsters

  1. One, Two, The Dab Tsog’s Coming For You
  2. This Is Not My Beautiful House, This Is Not My Beautiful Wife
  3. Demons, Aliens, and Shadow People

Part III: Monstrous Behaviors

  1. Are You Gonna Eat That?
  2. Shuddersome Sex in the Movies

Highlights

Part I: Chapter 3
Sharpless explains that immortality might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Vampires and zombies both feed after death, yet zombies’ mindless existence makes their fate far gloomier. As he writes,

“Some psychologists and philosophers have argued that this fundamental fear of death prompted people to defensively create gods and an immortal afterlife.”

Part II: Chapter 4
Sharpless shares his personal experience with sleep paralysis and connects it to the mysterious Hmong Deaths that likely inspired Nightmare on Elm Street. These incidents involved young men in California who died in their sleep, hauntingly blurring the line between science and superstition.

Review

In Monsters on the Couch, clinical psychologist Brian Sharpless bridges the gap between horror cinema and psychological science with wit and expertise. His goal is to raise awareness of serious but often overlooked psychological conditions that cause real suffering.

Each chapter dissects iconic horror films such as Nightmare on Elm Street and Invasion of the Body Snatchers through the lens of genuine mental disorders, uncovering the truths, exaggerations, and myths that shape how we perceive mental illness. He also explains symptoms and common treatments with both compassion and precision.

Sharpless writes with the enthusiasm of a horror fan and the insight of a clinician, grounding classic horror tropes like sleep paralysis and vampirism in psychological reality. The tone remains conversational and often humorous, making even the darkest topics approachable.

Ultimately, Monsters on the Couch reminds us that the true horror isn’t the monster on the screen, it’s society’s ongoing misunderstanding of mental health. This is essential reading for horror lovers, psychology students, and anyone curious about how fear and empathy intertwine.

“The most consistent theme across films would likely be a fear of death…I suspect that a lot of people get uncomfortable even dipping their toe in the dark, icy cold waters of death, let alone diving in headfirst.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author

Brian A. Sharpless is a licensed psychologist, researcher, and author whose work focuses on unusual psychological disorders, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and the history and philosophy of clinical psychology. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. in Philosophy from Pennsylvania State University, and completed post-doctoral fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania.

*Thank you to Fauzia Burke/FSB Associates for the gift copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Suspicious Minds: A New Docuseries Exploring AI, Delusion, and the Fragile Human Mind

Sean King O’Grady’s AI docuseries Suspicious Minds premieres worldwide on October 17. Photo: Agoric Media, used with permission.

Wondermind and Agoric Media presents:

Suspicious Minds: A New Docuseries on AI and Delusion

Premieres October 17, 2025
Platforms: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack, and more

About the Series

Suspicious Minds is a weekly video documentary series and podcast exploring the disturbing rise of artificial intelligence as a trigger for delusional thinking. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)

Series One will feature 8 weekly episodes across video and podcast platforms.

Through powerful firsthand accounts and in-depth interviews with leading experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and AI ethics, the series unpacks a growing psychological phenomenon: individuals developing complex, often life-altering delusions rooted in AI technologies.

From chatbots to surveillance fears, Suspicious Minds examines how emerging technologies reshape paranoia—and how these modern delusions echo, amplify, and challenge our historical understanding of the human mind.

Creative Team

  • Directed & Created by: Sean King O’Grady
  • Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy, Sean King O’Grady

Featured Voices

  • Dr. Joel Gold – Writer & Psychiatrist
  • Ian Gold, PhD – Writer & Philosopher
  • Sean King O’Grady – Filmmaker
  • Etienne Brisson – Activist
  • Ryan Turman & Lacey Turman – ChatGPT Delusion Experiencers
  • Allan Brooks – ChatGPT Delusion Experiencer
  • Nick Haber – AI Researcher & Stanford Professor
  • Nate Sharadin – AI Ethicist
  • Dr. Amy Levy – Co-Chair, American Psychoanalytic Association’s Council on AI

A Deeper Look

The series is led by psychiatrist Dr. Joel Gold and philosopher Ian Gold, PhD, who first described the Truman Show Delusion—a belief that one’s life is secretly a reality TV show, inspired by the Jim Carrey film The Truman Show. Their book, Suspicious Minds: How Culture Shapes Madness, provides the foundation for the series.

With empathy, curiosity, and respect, Suspicious Minds tells real patients’ riveting stories, plunging viewers deep into surreal mental states while following journeys toward treatment and recovery. Alongside, interviews with top psychologists, neuroscientists, ethicists, AI researchers, and cultural critics explore how culture and technology intersect to shape the human mind.

The line between mental wellness and illness is fragile. This series raises urgent questions:

  • How do AI and digital technologies act as new psychological triggers?
  • What does this mean for treatment and prevention?
  • How can we create awareness and destigmatize these modern delusions?

About the Director: Sean King O’Grady

Sean King O’Grady is an award-winning filmmaker whose work spans narrative features, documentaries, and branded content. His films have screened at Sundance, Tribeca, Telluride, Berlin, Venice, TIFF, SXSW, Sitges, and Fantastic Fest, among others.

His recent projects include:

  • THE MILL (Hulu Originals, 2023) – Sci-fi thriller starring Lil’ Rel Howery, premiered at #1 on Hulu
  • WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING (IFC Midnight) – Theatrical debut, now streaming on Hulu
  • Documentaries: REVOLUTION: GMC HUMMER EV (History/Hulu) and OUR AMERICAN FAMILY (AMC+), co-directed with Hallee Adelman

📅 Premieres October 17, 2025
🎥 Weekly episodes on YouTube + podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack, and more).

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Going to Texas: Explore 500 Years of Maps and History in San Antonio

The Briscoe announces its fall exhibition: Going To Texas. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

San Antonio, TX – This fall, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents a rare opportunity to experience one of the most significant private map collections in the country. Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps will be on view October 3, 2025 – January 19, 2026. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

The exhibition showcases 66 original maps from the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection (on loan from the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine). Spanning nearly 500 years, from 1525 to 2006, these maps trace Texas’ transformation from “New Spain” to colonial days, statehood, and beyond. To enrich the story, the exhibition also includes more than 24 works from the Briscoe’s permanent collection and select private loans.

Interactive Elements

The Briscoe is bringing history to life with hands-on activities for all ages:

  • Compass Challenge – Learn how to use a compass, then navigate through the museum with coordinates leading to artwork and artifacts.
  • Augmented Reality Sand Station – Shape the sand and watch contour lines, rivers, valleys, and hills appear in real time, showing how terrain influenced settlement and culture.

Special Programs & Events

Exclusive Preview Party

📍 Thursday, Oct. 2 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Be the first to explore the exhibition with Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe, and Dr. John Klingemann, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend. Includes valet, drinks, and light bites.

  • $25 for members (select membership tiers include 2 tickets)
  • $45 for non-members

Opening Weekend Tours

📍 Friday, Oct. 3 | 2 p.m.
📍 Saturday, Oct. 4 | 2 p.m.
Guided tours with Dr. John Klingemann and historian Matt Walter. Free with admission; free for members.

Texas Trails and Whiskey Tales with Andrew Braunberg

📍 Sunday, Oct. 26 | 6 p.m.
Enjoy a whiskey tasting, signature cocktail in a keepsake glass, light bites, and a talk with author Andrew Braunberg about his book Fires, Floods, Explosions and Bloodshed: A History of Texas Whiskey.

Ongoing Programs & Family Fun

The Briscoe offers extended hours on Thursdays (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) and is open Friday–Monday (10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Children 12 and under always receive free admission.

  • Highlights Tour – Thursdays at 2 p.m. | 45-minute guided tour through the museum’s most significant works.
  • Locals Day – Free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents on the first Sunday of each month (Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4).
  • Full STEAM Ahead – Hands-on family activities blending science, technology, engineering, art, and math:
    • Finding Your Way – Sunday, Oct. 5 | 1–3 p.m.
    • Salt Maps – Sunday, Jan. 4 | 1–3 p.m.
  • Scout the Briscoe – Free scavenger hunt on Locals Day, plus a 10% museum store discount upon completion.

About the Exhibition

Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps was organized by the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.

✨ With its rare collection, interactive experiences, and community programming, this exhibition is more than maps—it’s a journey through Texas history.