Joy Browne

Dr. Joy Browne was a psychologist who used her expertise for nearly 40 years to dispense advice and share insights on radio and television.

Born in New Orleans, she grew up in Pennsylvania and Colorado and earned a degree in behavioral science from Rice University in Houston, followed by a master’s degree and a doctorate from Northeastern University in Boston.

While practicing as a psychologist and attending Tufts University School of Medicine, she was recruited by Boston AM radio station WITS and first went on the air in 1978.

Described as more earnest and optimistic than most media psychologists, Browne, who emphasized personal responsibility, maintained an upbeat, reassuring manner even when conveying a critical message.

In the years that followed, her show expanded beyond Boston and was syndicated nationally. She also brought her program to television for a time, with different versions appearing on CBS and the Discovery Health channel.

She also wrote several books, including The Nine Fantasies That Will Ruin Your Life, It’s a Jungle Out There, Jane, Getting Unstuck, Dating Disasters and Dating for Dummies.

For her contribution to her profession through the media, Browne received an award from the American Psychological Association in 1998.

Browne died on August 27, 2016, in New York City. She was 71.