
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

Jun 29, 2021 • 1h 14min
The Birdcage and The Power of Authenticity
We are family! Get up everybody and sing! In this episode, we celebrate Pride Month by diving into The Birdcage: the Robin Williams/Nathan Lane classic! We discuss the psychological consequences of acting against your true identity and the power of being your authentic self. Join us!!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Jun 13, 2021 • 1h 43min
Midsommar: Panic Disorder, Narcissism, & Cults
[Content Warning: discussion of sexual assault and abuse] Do you feel held by him? Does he feel like home to you? This episode we try to answer those questions with the lovely ladies of the podcast Freudian Sips: Annie and Bonnie, a mother/daughter therapy duo! We will be dancing around the maypole and dipping into the (much requested) horror film, Midsommar. We break down Panic Disorder and how it is demonstrated with the main character, Dani. We rip apart her boyfriend, Christian, and how he represents gaslighting, narcissism, and emotional abuse. We also briefly touch upon cults and the concept of consent. Happy Midsommar!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

May 19, 2021 • 1h 19min
Sleep Talking: Generational Trauma and the Creative Process w/ Director Jess Costa
Today’s episode is a bit different than our usual. It is the first in a series of episodes we will have with the film, Sleep Talking. Sleep Talking is horror film currently in production and the creative team behind it has invited us to get a peek into the process of making a movie in real time. So, unlike our typical episodes, we will be diving into a film that no one has seen...yet. In this episode, we had the privilege of getting a sneak peek of the first pages of the script and will be discussing it with the writer and director, Jess Costa. We discuss the psychological elements present in the script: parentification of children and generational trauma. We also dive into the mind of Jess Costa and discuss the psychology of being an artist and the process of creation. We are so excited to be a part of this journey and to take you all with us. We are on the edges of our seat to know what happens next!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

May 4, 2021 • 1h 52min
Return of the Jedi: Jungian Archetypes, Attachment, Communication and More w/ Special Guest Dr. Kirk Honda
Happy May the 4th Be With You!! We are joined this episode with another guest: Dr. Kirk Honda from the podcast, Psychology in Seattle! We are once again revisiting Star Wars with Return of the Jedi. We discuss the Jungian Archetypes demonstrated in this movie, Luke’s attachment issues, and the poor communication between beloved couple: Han & Leia. Check it out and let us know your answer to Brittney’s burning question: Is this a Muppets movie??Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Apr 20, 2021 • 1h 47min
Basic Instinct: A Case of Fake Psychology
Content Warning: this episode contains discussions about sexual assault and violence. In this episode, we discuss Basic Instinct, an early 90s classic featuring Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas. We are again joined by a guest, the lovely Melanie Kinley, as we rip apart this erotic thriller that attempts to insert real psychology but fails miserably. We break down the characters played by Stone and Douglas, and attempt to discern the motivation for their various troubling decisions throughout the movie. We also examine this film’s irresponsible portrayals of not just mental health, but of sexual assault, violence against women, and overall misogyny. It’s a heavy one.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Apr 1, 2021 • 2h 9min
The Departed: Dual Identities, Bad Movie Therapy, and Police Mental Health w/ Special Guest Officer Al
This episode comes to you via a Patreon patron! If you pledge $50 or more on our Patreon, you can pick a movie that we will discuss. For our first Patreon request, we are breaking down Martin Scorsese’s 2006 Best Picture winner, The Departed. We explore the psychological differences between the double lives of the two main characters: Billy Costigan and Colin Sullivan. We rip apart it’s horrific (HORRIFIC!) portrayal of a mental health professional via the psychiatrist. We also have a special guest on to discuss the mental health of law enforcement in general, but specifically undercover cops.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

20 snips
Mar 18, 2021 • 1h 59min
Hunger Games Mockingjay 1&2: Ongoing Trauma, Dissociation, and The Dark Triad
In this podcast, the hosts analyze the effects of ongoing trauma on the main characters in the Hunger Games series. They discuss dissociation and its portrayal by Peeta, as well as the concept of The Dark Triad. They explore the consequences of trauma and the resilience of the characters, and delve into topics such as vulnerability, revenge, and distorted reality. The podcast also touches on peer support in mental health agencies and the differences in portraying mutts in the books and movies. Lastly, they discuss the dark triad traits and their association with psychopathy, and share their reactions to the intense moments in the Hunger Games.

Feb 27, 2021 • 2h 7min
Love and Basketball: Adjustment Disorder, Identity, and Vulnerability
In this episode, we are discussing another beloved romantic movie, Love & Basketball. We analyze how our relationships with our parents shape our identify. We also tackle the topic of vulnerability and fear and how that impacts the love between Quincy and Monica.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Feb 12, 2021 • 2h 19min
Sleepless in Seattle: Parenting, Dating, & Emotional Cheating
Happy Valentine’s Day! By fan vote we are breaking down Sleepless in Seattle! We will split our discussion between the storylines of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. We discuss becoming a single parent as a widower, dating again after the death of a spouse, and emotional cheating.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Feb 3, 2021 • 1h 53min
Easy A: Teen Identity, Emerging Sexuality, and Helping Teens
Welcome to Season 4! We are opening up with a fan request episode on Easy A! We discuss the modern retelling of everyone's least favorite High School read: The Scarlet Letter and the incredibly difficult road to identity and sexuality as a teenager. We also discuss the importance and delicate nature of helping a teenager as an adult. Do you want to know how to help a young person in your life? Listen to this episode, we can shine some light on that for you. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.