
Popcorn Psychology
Three licensed therapists breakdown and analyze popular movies and characters from the perspectives of an individual, child, and a marriage and family therapist.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
Latest episodes

May 13, 2025 • 1h 26min
Starship Troopers: Adolescent Development & Propaganda
By fan request, we are diving into the 1997 cult classic, Starship Troopers! We break down how adolescent development is demonstrated with the main characters. We also explore the power of propaganda as this movie is a satirical look on facism and the propaganda that serves it. Buckle up and look out for bugs!!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

14 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 20min
Inside Out 2: The Impact of Anxiety
Dive into the emotional landscape of Riley as she navigates adolescence in the sequel to a beloved film. Anxiety takes center stage, reshaping her inner emotional committee. The conversation unpacks useful coping strategies, including mindfulness and grounding techniques. Listen for insights on managing panic attacks, the dual nature of anxiety, and the influence of peer pressure on self-identity. The hosts offer a humorous yet profound look at shame and anger, making it clear that understanding emotions is key to thriving during tough times.

Feb 15, 2025 • 1h 52min
My Big Fat Greek Wedding & Enmeshment
Happy Valentine's Day! This year you all picked "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". Enjoy as we dive into the concept of enmeshment: what that means, the factors that can create enmeshment, and the impact of enmeshment on an individual's development. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 37min
A Christmas Story: Kids & Their Parents
Dive into the nostalgia of a holiday classic as the hosts unpack the child-parent dynamics in 'A Christmas Story.' They explore how parenting styles have evolved, highlighting the tension between modern over-involvement and the freedom of unstructured play. The discussion navigates the roots of childhood bullying and how emotional regulation shapes behavior. Relationship strains in parenting are examined through humor and reflection, offering insights into the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of parental authority.

25 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 36min
Home Alone: Family Issues, Holiday Stress, and KEVIN!!!
Delve into the holiday classic as the podcast analyzes Kevin McAllister's behavioral challenges rooted in family dynamics. Discover how holiday stress creates emotional chaos, impacting relationships and leading to anxiety for characters. The speakers discuss the importance of empathy in understanding gifted children and the struggles parents face. Unpacking themes of guilt and personal growth, they emphasize mending family ties to foster healing. Join for an insightful exploration of nostalgia mixed with psychological depth!

Nov 23, 2024 • 15min
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: Accepting What Makes You Different
Enjoy this bite sized holiday appetizer exclusively recorded using the new Spreaker content app! Hope you enjoy our mini discussion on acceptance and finding strength in what makes us different than the rest of the herd!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Nov 23, 2024 • 43min
House of the Dragon Live at Fan Expo Chicago 2024 with Dr. Vanessa Hintz
[CW: discussions of abuse and trauma]Please enjoy our live panel from Fan Expo 2024! We discuss House of the Dragon with Dr. Vanessa Hintz! We mostly focus on the dynamic between Rhaenrya and Alicent and their differing experiences within the patriachy of the Seven Kingdoms. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 51min
Addams Family Values: Stunted Development, Anti-Social Traits, and Family Systems
Happy Halloween! We are excited to join force with Dr. Benjamin Taitz of MyHeroTherapy once again to bring you this Mysterious and Ooky Sequel on Addams Family Values! We will be covering the stunted development of Fester due to being infantilized, the predatory and criminal behavior of Debbie, and the family dynamics of the Addams family on display! Duh duh de Dun!! Snap snap!!*Note Technical issues impacted us during this recording due to weather.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 26min
Nope: Sibling Dynamics & Dissociation
Happy Halloween! We are heading back into the cinematic universe of Jordan Peele to discuss 2022's Nope. We explore the sibling dynamic between OJ and Emerald as well as how their father's death impacted them individually as well as their relationship to each other. We also discuss the interesting presentation of Jupe in the way that he is dealing (or not dealing) with his childhood trauma. So strap into your saddle and giddy up!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 22min
District 9: Dehumanization, Empathy, and Forced Perspective Change
Trigger warnings: Violence, Poverty, Racism, OppressionThis episode is for HUMANS ONLY! NON-HUMANS BANNED! We are taking on the 2009 Academy Award Nominee for Best Picture: District 9! We will be addressing the burning question that seems to plague our species: "How do people do this and think it's ok?!" (Spoiler alert) they dissociate, dehumanize, and delegitimize the group they are othering. This time we examine how it happens, why it happens, and what happens when the tables suddenly turn all through the lens of science fiction! Tune in and let us know what you think!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.