Silence is a heavy burden, especially when it comes to mental health. But what if we could turn that silence into something powerful, something that resonates? That’s exactly what Kate Rusk-Kosa ’20 and her father, documentary filmmaker Frank Kosa, set out to do with their podcast, Brain Stories. And this is the part most people miss—it all started with a simple grant and a global pandemic.
In the spring of 2020, as the world grappled with the uncertainties of COVID-19, Bowdoin College offered its seniors a lifeline: small grants to pursue independent projects or certifications. For Kate, who had no concrete plans for the summer, this opportunity came at the perfect time. Her father, Frank, was already envisioning a podcast series that would amplify personal stories of mental illness. When the Bowdoin grant became available, he saw a chance to collaborate with his daughter. “I was just starting this ambitious series and needed all the help I could get,” Frank recalled.
For Kate, working on Brain Stories was more than just a summer job. It was a chance to step into her father’s world of journalism and filmmaking while learning a new medium—podcasting—together. “Bowdoin’s CXD department funded my initial $2,000 grant, which helped get Brain Stories off the ground,” Kate explained. “It gave me skills I never imagined I’d have, and it’s completely shifted how I see my career prospects.”
Frank admitted that hiring his daughter felt a bit like a “nepo” move at first, but her talent quickly became undeniable. “Kate is incredibly capable at audio editing,” he said. “It’s an intuitive skill, and she’s got it. After thirty years working with editors in film and TV, I know the good ones—and she’s one of them.”
That summer marked just the beginning. Kate went on to teach English in Mexico through a Fulbright fellowship, while Frank continued producing the podcast, with Kate contributing whenever possible. Today, she works full-time with Planned Parenthood in New York City, but Brain Stories remains a passion project for both.
Five years later, Brain Stories is available on major podcast platforms, but its origins are deeply personal. Frank traces the idea back to a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) meeting he attended with a friend. In that safe, confidential space, people shared their stories openly. “I was struck by how powerful these narratives were,” Frank said. “I realized there was a treasure trove of untold stories here.”
When he searched for a production company focusing on these narratives, he found none. “That’s what appealed to me,” he added. “I’m drawn to underreported, untold stories. Mental illness is one of the last areas where discrimination is still tolerated. People lose housing, jobs, and social connections because of it. The more I learned, the more I felt these stories needed to be heard.”
The podcast features thirteen episodes, each profiling individuals from diverse backgrounds. While mental illness can affect anyone, Frank highlights research showing its higher prevalence among those facing poverty, racism, or immigration-related stress. “Mental illness touches every walk of life,” he noted, “but it’s more common where stressors are greater.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Frank hopes Brain Stories doesn’t just foster empathy—he wants it to spark systemic change. “One in five Americans experiences mental illness, yet our society often pushes them to the margins,” he said. “County jails in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami are now the largest institutions housing people with mental illness in the country. We’re failing a vulnerable population, and I’m trying to change that—one story at a time.”
For Kate, the project was transformative. “It wasn’t just about boosting my résumé,” she reflected. “It was about collaborating with my dad on something meaningful. Producing art through storytelling and audio has been fascinating, and it’s incredible to see it finally out there.”
As Brain Stories continues to grow, both Kate and Frank invite listeners to join the conversation. Is society doing enough to support mental health? What role do stories like these play in changing hearts and minds? Let’s talk about it—because silence is no longer an option.
