Ep 44 - Ezra Bram

Hello dear person! My name is Ezra. I’m an old soul born in Bailey, Colorado where I grew up with one older brother and a single mom.

I was first introduced to poetry through my mother’s brother, Andrew Medan Karp. After Andrew took his own life in 1977, my grandmother consolidated his journals of writing into a poetry book entitled Winds of Silent Mystery. I read it cover to cover many times when I began entering my own escapade of depression & anxiety. I still find comfort & understanding in Andrew’s words, even though I’ve never met him.

Up until the pandemic, I didn’t realize how deeply generational trauma had impacted my life. When I was forced into solitude, I began confronting the deep shame and confusion I felt about my anxiety and depression. I processed much of my pain through daily walks with my film camera and the guidance of Andrew’s writing. This season morphed into my book, entitled Walking from Home, that combines my photos and Andrew’s poetry. This time also inspired the creation of what I call “Therapeutic Portraits” where I aim to provide a safe contemplative space for people to see more of themselves with grace, dignity, and love. You can read more about both these projects on my website.

My interest in mental health has now lead me to graduate school where I am currently studying to become a licensed clinical counselor. I am passionate about destigmatizing conversations around mental health, suicide, and depression, because no one deserves to suffer alone.

Funneling my experiences into words has helped me to process how paralyzing pain can be and how miraculously love can heal. My hope is that my photography and my writing can offer some comfort as you navigate your own journey of life, from pain to wonder. Remember dear person, you are not alone and you are loved, always and again.

Mad love,

- Ezra

Find more about Ezra and his work at his website, whathappenedezra.com and also on IG @what_happened_ezra

In this episode:

1. Cleaning My Nails (0:22) 2. Do you remember the day I made you eggs (3:39) 3. I Cried Today (7:11) 4. I Am A Puddle (10:44) 5. Andrew's Poem (14:22)

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