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Brilliant Disguise: A Surviving Sibling's Memoir
The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss
In this episode of The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss, Dr. Dean talks with Susan Kellam, journalist, surviving sibling, and author of Brilliant Disguise. Susan lost her brother Robert to suicide and has spent decades untangling the shared childhood trauma that shaped them both in very different ways.
Hear Susan's story of growing up as Little K to Robert's Big K, and how being his sister defined her before she ever defined herself. Learn how writing a rock and roll memoir unexpectedly became the vehicle for processing her brother's death, her childhood, and the warning signs no one recognized at the time. Be inspired by Susan's willingness to sit with the hard truths of sibling loss, childhood trauma, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and her belief that understanding your story is worth the years it takes.
Connect with Susan Kellam:
- Website: https://www.susan-kellam.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellam400/
- Book: Brilliant Disguise: A Memoir
Content Warning: Information presented in this episode may be upsetting to some people. It contains talk of suicide.
Resources:
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available.
In the US:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text your 5-digit ZIP code to 435748 (HELP4U)
- For more immediate crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
- Warmlines by state: https://warmline.org/warmdir.html
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/
International:
- Warmline directory for trained peer support in 20+ countries: https://tinyurl.com/mr3ctvea (some may be hotlines)
If you would like more information or to share your own sibling loss story, please contact Dr. Angela Dean at contact@thebrokenpack.com or go to our website, thebrokenpack.com.
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Facebook: @BrokenPack
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Sign-up for Wild Grief, our newsletter: https://thebrokenpack.substack.com/
Thank you!
Angela M. Dean, PsyD, FT, GTMR
Credits:
The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss is produced by Not Done Here Media
"If Tomorrow Starts Without Me" © ℗ 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
Performed by Fuji Sounds (feat. Joe Mylward)
Written by Joe Mylward and Brian Dean
Licensed for use to The Broken Pack
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