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Aug 2018
25m 58s

The Great God of Depression #2 – The Ang...

Radiotopia
About this episode
On the heels of enormous literary success, author William Styron experiences a near-fatal depression and emerges as a defender of the mentally ill. Neurologist Alice Flaherty tries to balance a rare mental disorder with the birth of her healthy twins. The Great God of Depression is a production of Showcase from PRX’s Radiotopia. It’s produced by Karen Brown and Pagan Kennedy, with support from New England Public Radio. Music and sound design by Ian Coss. Julie Shapiro is the executive producer. Find links, photos and more information about this episode at radiotopia.fm/showcase.
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Aug 2018
The Great God of Depression #3 – The Stolen Brain
After writing a revolutionary memoir, William Styron declares he has beaten depression, but he is wrong. A frightening repeat of madness and writer’s block brings on shame and desperate measures. He seeks help from brilliant neurologist Alice Flaherty, who has herself admitted to ... Show More
29m 20s
Aug 2018
The Great God of Depression #4 – The White Whale
William Styron could never finish the war novel that was meant to be his masterpiece. Did that failure lead to his final depression? Or did depression stop him from writing? He and his doctor Alice Flaherty pore over the question together, trying to ward off his suicidal fears an ... Show More
21m 36s
Aug 2018
The Great God of Depression #5 – The Shining World
In the final episode, after years of struggling with depression, William Styron keeps his bargain with his readers, and his wife works hard to keep his spirits up until the very end. Alice Flaherty emerges from her own years of madness to a happier life, albeit a less literary on ... Show More
20m 43s
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