Popcorn Psychology

Dr. Andy Luttrell, Psychology Professor at Ball State University and host of Opinion Science Podcast, joins the show to discuss the film 'Thank You For Smoking'. They analyze the themes of gaslighting and moral flexibility in the movie. They also explore the psychological ramifications of work being your life. A thought-provoking conversation about persuasion techniques, work/life balance, and authenticity in the movie.

Happy Holidays as we land in Whoville to talk about The Grinch!! In this episode we focus the 2018 animated adaptiation from Illumination! We include aspects of the 1966 an 2000 versions to be inclusive of their genius! We are joined by Stanford professor and host of Know What You See podcaset, Dr. Brian Lowery for this epsiode! We discuss PTSD and the situational triggers that can present around this time of year. Be forewarned, we may get a little Grinchy in this episode! So sit down and join us as we ask the question: was the Grinch’s heart really 2 sizes too small??Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

[Content Warning: mentions of sexual assault and violence towards women] In a special bonus episode, we have an interview with the creators of the new movie The Retaliators! We are joined by the screenwriters, Darren Geare and Jeff Allen Geare, and the lead actor, Michael Lombardi! We discuss the inspiration for the movie as well as the psychological components of both writing and starring in a movie that involves significant trauma, violence, and grief. We hope you enjoy this peek behind the movie curtain!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

In this episode, licensed therapists and guest Dr. Tara Sanderson dive into the movie 'Hook'. They discuss anxiety, irritability, dissociative amnesia, parenting, cluster B diagnoses, and grooming. They analyze the main characters, Peter Pan and Captain Hook, and explore themes of trauma, existentialism, identity, and more. They also emphasize the importance of being present, observing, and making non-judgmental choices, and discuss the dynamics of codependent relationships. Lastly, they touch on childhood memories and their favorite movie.

Welcome back to the Tolkien-verse! We are diving back into the Lord of the Rings trilogy with The Two Towers. We are joined by Justine Mastin, therapist and author of Starship Therapise and The Grieving Therapist. We touch upon a variety of themes: grief and loss, ecological grief, individuation, Jung. We also discuss Internal Family Systems and how that is demonstrated via Gollum/Smeagol. You can find Justine here:website: justinemastin.comsocial: @mindbodyfandom on fb, insta, and twitterbook: Starship Therapise: using therapeutic fanfiction to rewrite your lifebook: The Grieving Therapist: caring for yourself and your clients when it feels like the end of the worldBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

[Content Warning: In depth discussion on suicide] In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, we are discussing the critically acclaimed tv series, Reservation Dogs! Specifically we explore the first season but there are mild spoilers for season two, so listen with caution if you are not caught up. This is also a pretty heavy episode as our main topic of discussion is suicide and the impact of suicide on the main four characters: Elora, Willie Jack, Cheese, and Bear. We also talk about the generational trauma shown within their community and how that impacts the ability to process and heal from grief. Resources discussed in this episode:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255Sponsoring an Indigenous therapist: https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/sponsorshipBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

[Content Warning: In-depth discussion on the abuse tactic of grooming] In our second Spooky Season episode of 2022, we are going into the claymation world of Coraline! We are joined by a live action guest, Eric Wesselmann, to discuss some heavy topics for a child based movie so listen with caution if there are young ears around. We dive deep into the dynamic between Coraline and her parents who are presented as neglectful workaholics. We examine how this dynamic leads to the under-stimulation of Coraline and makes her vulnerable to the grooming demonstrated by the “Other Mother”. So join us…and if you find any spooky doors in your new old house…leave them alone!!Where you can find our guest:Department webpage: https://psychology.illinoisstate.edu/faculty/all/profile/?ulid=edwesseTwitter: @EricWesselmann Film blog: https://www.normaltheater.com/118/Film-CULTureBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Get your two favorite sisters and your skin-bound spell book because we are talking about Hocus Pocus!! We discuss Adjustment Disorder and how it presents with the character of Max as he adjusts to moving to Salem. We also examine the importance of listening to children when they share about bullying, feeling unsafe, etc. And last but certainly not least, we explore the enmeshed sibling relationships between all three Sanderson Sisters. Happy Halloween!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

By popular demand, we are dropping an extra episode before our Spooky Season starts on the newly beloved movie, Encanto!! We are joined by a dear friend and excellent therapist, Paulina Chirinos. We explore the theme of perfectionism within the Madrigal family and how it is a response to the intense trauma experienced by their matriarch, Alma. We also discuss how this trauma created co-dependency, not just within the family but with their small town. So join us as we DO talk about Bruno and much more!!Info on our guest:Paulina ChirinosLicensed Clinical Professional CounselorLCPC, RYTChicago, IL(872) 814-6044Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

In this podcast, the hosts dive into the movie 'Inside Out' to explore why we have feelings. They discuss emotional intelligence, the misconceptions of good and bad feelings, the importance of validating all emotions, the process of emotional healing, defeating shame and accepting conflicting feelings, navigating preteens' emotional roller coasters, and the neuroscience behind 'Inside Out'.