
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

Nov 4, 2019 • 1h 28min
The Dark Knight: Traumatic Brain Injury, Identity, & Burnout
You either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain. But are those the only options?? In this episode we are breaking down The Dark Knight as fan requested many times over! We will be diving into the topics of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), burnout and work-life balance, and Anti-Social Personality Disorder. We also discuss the rigidity of identity as displayed by Harvey Dent and the possible psychological backgrounds of The Joker. So put on a happy face and join us!!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Oct 30, 2019 • 1h 38min
Mental Health Avengers: The Battle to End Stigma
In this very special bonus episode we Assembled with 4 other Mental Health Podcasts (PopPsych101, Freudian Sips, Guardians MH, and Capes on the Couch) to form the Mental Health Avengers! We discuss why we started, what each of our missions are, and how we got started in mental health with the singular mission to team up and destroy the stigma that prevents people from reaching out for help when they need it! Mental Health is Health!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Oct 21, 2019 • 1h 29min
Black Swan: Psychosis, Sexual Abuse, and Environmental Factors
[Content Warning: this episode contains discussion of self-harm, sexual assault, and suicide] For our second Halloween episode, we will be diving into the movie, Black Swan and it’s portrayal of psychosis via the character played by Natalie Portman. We will be discussing a multitude of topics: self-harm, hallucinations, delusions, psychotic breaks, and schizophrenia. We will also be examining the myriad of external factors that impacted the main character’s mental health: her relationship with her mother, her high pressure career as a ballet dancer, and varied sexual violations she experiences via her employer. Join us for a jam-packed episode that will definitely get under your skin.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Oct 7, 2019 • 1h 30min
IT Chapter 1: Fear, Avoidance, Factitious Disorder, and Child Abuse
[Content Warning: this episode contains discussion about sexual abuse]In our first Halloween episode of 2019, we will be exploring fear as shown in the 2017 adaptation of It by Stephen King! We break down the fears experienced by each main child character in this movie and how these fears are overcome. We also address how fear is avoided by the adults in the town of Derry via stigmatizing and other maladaptive behaviors, such as Factitious Disorder (preciously known as Münchausen syndrome). Happy Listening!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Aug 19, 2019 • 1h 38min
Fight Club: Dissociative Identity Disorder Vs Psychosis, Insomnia, and Toxic Masculinity
The first rule of Fight Club is about to be broken because all we do this episode is talk about it. We will be diving head first into a discussion on the depiction of Dissociative Identify Disorder (DID), aka formerly Multiple Personality Disorder, in the film and evaluate whether the presenting symptoms better fit DID or Psychosis and the clinical accuracy of the portrayal in the film. We also discuss the true impact of chronic insomnia, existential crises, and dissociation. And lastly, we deliberate on the impact of toxic masculinity in current culture as well as how it is represented by Tyler Durden and the Narrator.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

14 snips
Aug 5, 2019 • 1h 30min
The Hunger Games: Fascism, Generational Trauma, and Maladaptive Coping Strategies
Explore the themes of fascism, generational trauma, and maladaptive coping strategies in The Hunger Games. Discuss the police state and control in Panem, the survival strategies of Katniss and Peeta, and the influence of games on society. Also, delve into the importance of continuing treatment after trauma and the love for The Hunger Games characters.

Jul 22, 2019 • 1h 26min
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Substance Abuse, Susbtance Induced Disorders, and Motivational Interviewing
In our second fan requested episode of the season we take a trip to Bat Country to discuss the cult classic Fear and Loathing and the myriad of substance use issues presented within! We discuss the difficulty in diagnosing disorders due to substance use, treating people who are engaged in a substance abuse lifestyle, suicidality, homicidality, psychosis, mania and the use of motivational interviewing with resistant cases.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Jul 8, 2019 • 1h 53min
The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood: Alcohol Abuse, Emotional Instability, and Generational Trauma
With this episode we start our Substance Abuse Month. We evaluate the role of cultural and generational factors on Alcohol abuse. We also examine the role of generational trauma and how it gets passed down within familes and cultures. We also discuss the impact of emotional instability and secret keeping on relationships and how it can lead to abuse patterns.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Jun 24, 2019 • 1h 52min
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Heroism, Resilience, and Secret Keeping
Get your wands at the ready!! Today is our third and final installment of the Harry Potter series!! In this episode we will discussing the themes of heroism, resilience through ongoing trauma, and the dangers of secret-keeping. We also discuss the psychological impact of both the magical horcuxes and the very real isolation our three heroes experience on their journey. Join us as we finally reach the end of this magical movie franchise!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

8 snips
Jun 12, 2019 • 1h 40min
The Empire Strikes Back: Mentoring, Manipulation, and Complicated Relationships
Ever found out that your bio dad is an intergalactic evil warlord? Or was ignorantly smug of kissing a girl who was unknowingly your twin sister?? Well we have got an episode for you! We are discussing, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back with Special Guest Anthony Sytko from Capes on the Couch! We discuss the relationships between Luke and Yoda, Han and Leia, Lando and himself, and finally Luke and Vader! Tune in to hear our opinions on the depictions of mentoring, heroism, manipulation, and romance. May the Force Be With You!*Disclaimer: Due to using Skype and other tech oddities, this episode contains a few minor audio glitches you wouldn’t normally hear from us. Thank you for your patience and happy listening!*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.