
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 26, 2018 • 37min
Silver Linings Playbook and Bipolar: Live at SMGPM4
This episode is from our first live show in which we discussed Silver Linings Playbook! Because it is from a live show it is a much shorter episode than usual and, therefore, less of a thorough discussion than in our other episodes. The majority of our focus is breaking down the fact and fiction of how this movie portrays Bipolar Disorder via the character of Pat. We will also be discussing how Pat’s family and their interactions with him significantly impacts his mental health symptoms and his ability to manage these symptoms. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Nov 12, 2018 • 1h 40min
Fantastic Beasts: Child Abuse, Identity, and Social Functioning
[Content Warning: Discussions of childhood abuse and sexual abuse] How much do our childhood experiences shape who we become? In this episode we will be discussing Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, particularly the characters of Creedence and Newt Scamander, and exploring that question. We will be tackling a variety of topics: childhood abuse, grooming, parenting, social skills, trauma, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. We will also be exploring how the strictness of familial beliefs (religious or otherwise) impact a child’s identity and growth, especially if that child’s identity formation goes against those beliefs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Oct 29, 2018 • 1h 43min
Halloween: Conduct Disorder, Dissociative Trauma, and ACES
CONTENT WARNING: CHILD ABUSE! In this episode we disuss the psychology of THE classic horror slasher, Michael Myers, in Halloween (1978 & 2007 versions). We compare and contrast the depiction of Michael Myers as well as Dr. Loomis in the 1978 John Carpenter version with the 2007 remake by Rob Zombie. We review the Adverse Childhood Events Scale (ACES) as well as debate whether Michael shows symptoms of Conduct Disorder, Dissociation due to Childhood Trauma, Reactive Attachment Disorder or a combination of all three. We also discuss the ethics violations displayed by Dr. Loomis and debate the impact these movies have on mental health stigma. Tune in to learn more and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Oct 15, 2018 • 1h 40min
Psycho: Dissociative Identity Disorder, Enmeshment, and Sexual Abuse
[Content warning for this episode: we will be talking about sexual abuse and the traumatic impact of incest, which may be triggering for some listeners.] Should a boy’s best friend be his mother? Join us as we discuss the movie Psycho and Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder). We will also be discussing the traumatic impact of isolation, sexual abuse, enmeshed relationships, and inappropriate parental boundaries. Tune as we dive into the head of Norman Bates. Remember, we all go a little mad sometimes! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Oct 1, 2018 • 1h 39min
The Sixth Sense: Child Therapy, Psychosis, and Multiculturalism
In Our first Halloween episode, we delve into M. Night Shaymalan's The Sixth Sense and discuss its impressively accurate portrayal of building a therapeutic relationship with a child client by Bruce Willis. We also explore the topic of psychosis and how Cole's experience of seeing dead people reminded us of our own encounters with clients who experience psychotic symptoms. We also discuss the importance of remainig respectful of multiculturalism and recongizing the difference between psychosis and a different belief system. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Aug 20, 2018 • 1h 41min
Harry Potter and Psychology: Years 1-4
In this episode we discuss the psychology of the Harry Potter series in the first of 3 episodes we will devote to this topic. We discuss growth and development, social development, trauma, family dynamics, group dynamics, and bullying. We discuss our house membership (Can you guess which one each of us belong to?) and the impact being sorted into houses has on the social structure at Hogwarts. Tune in to find out more and let us know your thoughts which house you belong to at www.facebook.com/popcornpsychology!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Aug 6, 2018 • 1h 38min
Batman Begins: Grief, Identity Reformation, and Survivor's Guilt
In this episode we examine Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, the film that started a revolution of superhero movies and bringing them into a realistic world. In this episode we discuss the themes of finding your identity after a trauma, coping with survivor's guilt, and overcoming grief that are presented in the start of The Dark Knight Trilogy. We focus largely on Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne/ Batman, but also touch on Ra's al Ghul and Alfred Pennyworth. Listen in to our tenth episode to hear our thoughts on this tone setting classic!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Jul 23, 2018 • 1h 34min
Captain America Civil War -Family Dynamics, Anger and Identity
Do you know what role you play in your family? Listen as we discuss the different roles that each superhero plays in the Avengers Family in the film, Captain America: Civil War. We also discuss anger and identity which both play roles in the division of the Avengers as well as the complicated consciousness of an entire galaxy. Who do you think plays the roles of Mom and Dad in this movie? How does a family therapist, an individual therapist and a child therapist help a family in need. Listen to find out! Please follow us on instagram, twitter and facebook! Please send reviews or questions to us at popcornpsychology@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Jul 9, 2018 • 1h 41min
Fatal Attraction and Borderline Personality Disorder
This Episode won't be ignored! In this fan requested episode we discuss the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder demonstrated by Glenn Close in her depiction of Alex Forrest in 1987's Fatal Attraction. We also debate whether or not the character of Dan displays traits of Narcissitic Personality Disorder or simply Narcissitic Personality. Be sure to listen in to hear our analysis of this classic psychological thriller! Please be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or email us at popcornpsychology@gmail.com with any comments!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Jun 25, 2018 • 1h 20min
Shutter Island: Dissociation,Ethics, Psychoses, and Trauma
SPOILER ALERT!!!In this episode we cover Martin Scorese's 2010 film Shutter Island. We discuss the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and Psychoses displayed by Teddy/ Andrew. We also debate the ethics of the treatment provided by the Psychiatrists that run the treatment team and evaluate the question of innovation vs conventional when dealing with treatment resitant individuals. The issues get especially complicated when dealing with the appropriate treatment for a man who served his country and was put in extradordinarily difficult situations. Tune in and find out more!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.