Jim Bratton Podcast

Suicide prevention often begins with a simple conversation. In this episode of  The Jim Bratton Podcast , Jim speaks with Kelly Day and Shanice Blair from the Galveston chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Drawing from their work as a teacher and a mental health therapist, they discuss how young people experience emotional struggles, why talking about suicide openly can save...

In this episode of  Focus Your Inner Bitch , Mary Bratton reflects on her travel adventures — from Rome to Mexico City — and the curious reality of always being mistaken for "from somewhere else." What begins as humorous cultural confusion unfolds into stories of broken tour buses, hitchhiked rides, daily bouquets from an embarrassed Italian guide, and the quiet advantage of not being immediately...

Most couples don't argue about socks on the floor — they argue about the emotional baggage they never unpacked. In this conversation, marriage counselor Christopher Times explains how childhood experiences, shame, temperament, and unregulated emotion quietly shape our relationships long before we say "I do." If you've ever wondered why small conflicts feel so big, this episode offers clarity, cand...

In this episode of the Jim Bratton Podcast, I sit down with Coach Kevin Voisin — entrepreneur, former elected official, and performance coach — whose journey from Louisiana oyster fisherman to helping thousands transform their lives is anything but conventional. We talk about failure, truth, ego, identity, and the surprising gap between success and fulfillment. If you've ever wondered whether you'...

What if psychedelics are not merely medicine — but sacrament? In this episode, I speak with Ayeh Kashani about the evolving philosophical and spiritual implications of psychedelics. Rather than viewing them strictly as medical interventions, we explore whether they function as sacrament — facilitating participation in a deeper reality. Our discussion spans science, metaphysics, transpersonal psych...

In this episode of the  Jim Bratton Podcast , Jim sits down with Galveston-based psychedelic rock band  India Tigers   in Texas to talk about their creative process, recording philosophy, and the release of their latest vinyl album  Dose .   And Here are Ticket Locations Thursday, 2/12 - Houston @ Dan Electros stubwire.com/e/37574/indiatigersintexasalbumreleasepartywflowergraves/danelectros Friday...

On this episode of the Jim Bratton Podcast , Jim sits down with Cora Moore, founder of Control + Create , to explore what happens when adults truly listen to young people. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in informal education and mentorship, Moore explains how safe spaces, creative collaboration, and long-term trust can transform lives. It's an insightful conversation about leadership,...

In this deeply personal episode, Jim Bratton sits down with his wife Mary on the occasion of their  45th wedding anniversary  to explore the remarkable life she lived  before  they ever met. From cross-country road trips in unairconditioned cars, to sleeping under tarps in Yosemite, to solo corporate travel across the U.S. and abroad, Mary shares how curiosity, discipline, and determination shaped...

In this deeply personal episode of  Focus Your Inner Bitch: The Mary Bratton Story , Mary recounts a formative chapter of her early adulthood marked by manipulation, workplace danger, and emotional control. Through faith, hard boundaries, and raw self-reckoning, she ultimately confronts what she calls "the devil" and reclaims her life on her own terms. This is a powerful story about discernment, s...

Jim and Mary Bratton settle in for a warm, off-the-cuff time capsule of teenage Houston. Mary tells the story of cousins as first friends—mischief, "wrapping" houses, and the rules of making it back to the getaway car. Then it's straight to the Pan American Ballroom ("the PA"): live bands, smoky air, underage dancing, and the mystery of the legendary orange Tommy. FYI- Orange Tommy A tiny orange d...

This sound of surf was recorded December 9, 2025 at the 9 mile entrance point to the Galveston Beach.  Experience 27 uninterrupted minutes of natural Gulf of Mexico waves recorded on Galveston Island. This calming ocean soundscape is designed to help you relax, meditate, restore, or drift into a peaceful nap. No narration—just steady, soothing surf to ease your mind and body. Put your buds on for...

Prince Albert at Dickens on the Strand: History, Humor, and the Man Behind the Character Portraying Prince Albert at Dickens on the Strand, Joseph Machado steps into history with a blend of charm, humor, and deep knowledge of the Victorian era. In this conversation, we explore the real Albert's influence on technology, culture, and the industrial transformation of Britain—along with the unexpected...

Mary takes us back to the late 1960s, fresh out of high school, when a spontaneous invitation leads her and two friends to the Mexico City Olympics. What starts as an exciting international trip turns into a week of unexpected moments—unlicensed chauffeurs, surprise Olympic tickets, and a family drama straight out of Cinderella. In this episode, Mary shares the humor, shock, and cultural lessons t...

In this episode of the Jim Bratton Podcast, Mary Bratton shares candid memories of growing up, dancing, and navigating life with resilience and humor. From eighth grade dances and parochial school adventures to overcoming polio and attending four senior proms, Mary's story is a celebration of perseverance and joy. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that proves you can always find your inner quee...

Join host Jim Bratton as he sits down with Bonnie Harmanson, founder of Love Jewel Treasure Treats, to discuss her journey from corporate life to building a thriving custom treat business in Galveston. Discover how Bonnie's creativity, community focus, and entrepreneurial spirit helped her carve out a unique niche serving both locals and tourists. Hear insights on finding your market, building a b...

Jim Boone, Galveston Island's oldest active poet, shares his remarkable journey through decades of self-discovery, resilience, and creative expression. From growing up in McKinney, Texas, navigating family expectations, and serving in the Army, to finding his voice as a "proof of life" poet, Jim's story is both deeply personal and universally inspiring. In this episode, Jim reflects on the challen...

In this episode of The Jim Bratton Podcast , retired U.S. Army Colonel and attorney Lisa Windsor recounts her unexpected path from liberal law student to senior officer in the JAG Corps. With humor and candor, she discusses breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, the realities of military justice, and the lessons she carried into teaching leadership and ethics at the Army War College. The con...

In Episode 5 of Focus Your Inner Bitch , Mary Bratton revisits her elementary and high-school years, where early experiences with bias, tough teachers, and self-preservation shaped her confidence and independence. From being teased for her reading aloud to dancing alone at the eighth-grade dance, Mary's humor and resilience shine through. She also recalls her first jobs — from attic sweatshops to...

In this episode of the Jim Bratton Podcast, I sit down with Chris Kritikos, a founder of Southwing Studio. Chris shares how they transformed a bedroom setup into a purpose-built, acoustically tuned recording space, now home to world-class equipment and full-service production. Along the way, he opens up about the lessons learned, the pitfalls musicians should avoid, and the real preparation needed...

In this volume of The Jim Bratton Podcast , recording engineer and producer Chris Kritikos shares how he turned an empty acre into a fully tuned professional studio. From clearing land and framing a 60×40 steel building to battling reflections and fine-tuning acoustics, Chris offers a candid look at what really goes into building a purpose-built recording space. He also talks about his evolution f...

https://www.visiongalveston.com/philanthrovision Daniel Torres Engage Galveston Manager daniel@visiongalveston.com  

Licensed counselor and minister Christopher Times joins Jim Bratton to unpack the roots of anger — how it manifests, why it persists, and what practical tools can stop it from destroying relationships and careers. From "epigenetic" trauma passed through generations to simple de-escalation techniques, Times breaks down how to recognize and retrain emotional triggers. It's a conversation that's equa...

In this candid and often hilarious fourth episode of Focus Your Inner Bitch, Mary Bratton shares stories from her early childhood in Houston — from her father's 30-mile bicycle courtship ride to her own unforgettable discovery involving a swing set pole. Through laughter and reflection, Mary reveals the resilience, humor, and faith that shaped her journey. Jim Bratton joins her in exploring how th...

Beach 10-06-25 h1e.mp3 by Jim Bratton

In this deeply personal episode of Focus Your Inner Bitch, Mary Bratton opens up about life after childhood polio — from clunky orthopedic shoes to the emotional scars that lingered long after recovery. Through humor, honesty, and grit, she reveals how resilience was forged in the face of ridicule and physical limitation. It's a story about acceptance, inner fire, and the power of saying, 'Get ove...