Popcorn Psychology’explicit

Welcome to Season 7! We have heard your cries and we are starting with Saltburn![content warning: this episode includes discussions of abuse]We attempt to understand Oliver Quick through the lens of antisocial personality disorder. We also discuss the Catton family as a model for dysfunctional family systems. 

[CW: Discussions of predatory relationships including references to assault] This year's winner of our Valentine's Day poll is Never Been Kissed! Listener beware if you are precious about this movie because we truly rip it apart. We first break down the characters of Josie and Rob. We discuss the potential of neurodivergence in regards to[...]

Would it be better to forget than remember when pain is involved? We try to answer that question in our PATREON picked episode on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. We analyze the two main characters: Clementine & Joel. We also rip apart the ethics (or lack thereof) behind the “medical professionals” responsible for the[...]

Happy December 23rd! Or how its known in the Costanza household: HAPPY FESTIVUS! Join us as we round out 2023 by getting out our metal poles and discussing the Festivus episode of Seinfeld. We discuss how trauma is represented by George Costanza as well as how Festivus is a holiday made by and for someone[...]

Merry Christmas! This holiday season we break down (and hate on) the 90s kid classic, Jingle All The Way! We discuss the representation of parenting via Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad. We also explore the destructive nature of consumerism. Hope you all don’t mind our ribbing of a modern classic that unfortunately does not hold up[...]

Join us as we discuss the 90s classic: Fried Green Tomatoes! We are once again joined by Rachel Harrison, our close friend and art therapist. We discuss identity through the experiences of the three main characters: Idgie, Ruth, and Evelyn. We also discuss the importance of chosen family and community. Tawanda!!

In this episode we are joined by Tessa Marie Hoffman as we break down the 2014 critically acclaimed film, Whiplash. We discuss the “teaching” tactics displayed in the movie and evaluate the differences between preparing students for the realities of a difficult career and narcissistic abuse. We also explore the power dynamics of mentor/student relationships,[...]

[CW: This episode contains lengthy discussions throughout about domestic violence] Happy Halloween! We are finally taking the windy mountain road to the Overlook Hotel to discuss The Shining! We are joined by Dr. Scott Jordon (aka Zombie Scotty)! We ask the question, would seeing ghosts give you PTSD? We have a very serious discussion about[...]

Are you creepy, spooky, mysterious, or kooky?? Well you've come to the right place because we are talking about The Addams Family!! We are specifically diving into the 1991 film and we are joined by Benjamin Taitz! We ask the eternal question: are the Addams Family a family of "psychopaths"? We also break down the[...]

Enjoy this live episode from Fan Expo Chicago 2023! Ben and Brittney chat with a live audience about a variety of topics from the portrayal of therapists in film/tv to surprising places that we have found positive mental health messaging. We touch upon several different pieces of media, from Ted Lasso to Bluey to the[...]

Stay awake! Because we are finally delving into the multilayered dream space of Inception! We are joined by a super knowledgable guest on therapeutic dreamwork: Dr. Isaac Taitz. We discuss the real components of dreams and consciousness demonstrated in this sci-fi movie. We also continue our discussions on grief, specifically when grief is tangled up[...]

Wakanda Forever! This will come as no surprise to anyone but this episode will be mainly about grief and the myriad of ways we can experience grief and process grief. We discuss grief not only through the fictional characters of this movie but also through the significant real-life loss of Chadwick Boseman. So bring your[...]

Hello!! We are doing a very special crossover episode with Raiders of the Lost Podcast, hosted by twin brothers Anthony and James Deveney who break down your favorite movies from the past and present. We are finally talking about Pixar's Up, a highly requested film by fans. As this is a hyrid episode, we get[...]

Hello our fellow adventurers! After many many many fan requests, we are jumping on our camels and venturing into 1999's The Mummy! We are joined by an awesome guest, Charlene MacPherson, as we explore the psychology behind exploration. We also discuss the difference between individualism and collectivism as well as how this movie compares to[...]

Join us as we swing into 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home, the third Spider-Man installment with Tom Holland. We wanted to discuss this movie and this character due to Ben's contribution to the recently published book, Spider-Man Psychology: Untangling Webs. You can find the link below! In this episode we will be discussing corrective experiences,[...]

Well Garsh! We have a new episode today with the beloved animated 90s movie, A Goofy Movie! We break down the four commonly known parenting styles as well as discuss the difficult journey of parenting a child into adolescence. Ayuck!

Hello! We venture back into the cinematic universe of Wes Anderson with the stop motion animated feature, Fantastic Mr. Fox! We discuss the diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and how it presents in our main charater, Mr. Fox. We also explore how this diagnosis not only affects Mr. Fox but his nuclear family, extended family,[...]

Today, we have a special treat for you as we feature an episode from the new podcast "Richard Wiseman's On Your Mind," co-hosted by Richard Wiseman, Britain's only professor in the Public Understanding of Psychology, and science journalist Marnie Chesterson. Together, they delve into the captivating topic of persuasion, exploring how the power of persuasion[...]

We are once again joined by the fantastic Justine Mastin as we complete our LOTR journey with The Return of the King. We discuss the theme of chosen family seen throughout the film as well as purpose and heroism. There may be a day that we stop watching this film, but it is not this[...]

[CW: mild references to SA] Come with me if you want to live! In this episode we time travel into Terminator 2. We discuss the movie's diagnosis of Sarah Connor having schizoaffective disorder. We dive into the movie's portrayal of mental health services within an intensive institutionalized setting. We also break down John Connor as[...]

Welcome to Season Six of Popcorn Psychology!! We are kicking off this season with the 2023 Oscar winner for Best Picture: Everything Everywhere All At Once! We deep dive into the subject of intergenerational trauma between the main character Evelyn with both her father and her daughter. We also explore the movie’s themes on nihilism[...]

Happy Valentine’s Day! Let’s travel back in time to the height of quirky hipsterdom, 2009, and dive into 500 Days of Summer! This movie has been heavily requested for almost the entire time we’ve been doing the podcast. As the movie reminds us several times, this is NOT a love story! So we will be[...]

Surprise! In this episode we are joind by Dr. Andy Luttrell, Psychology Professor at Ball State University and host of Opinion Science Podcast. We are talking about the 2005 film, Thank You For Smoking! We mainly discuss the main character played by Aaron Eckhart. We break down the themes of gaslighting and moral flexibility that[...]

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[...]

[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[...]

Happy Holidays! In our first holiday episode of 2022, we traveling to NeverNeverLand in Steven Spielberg's Hook!! We mainly break down the characters of adult Peter Pan and Captain Hook. We discuss a variety of topics: anxiety and irritability, dissociative amnesia, parenting when you never had parents, cluster B diagnoses, grooming, and more. Joining us[...]

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[...]

[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[...]

[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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Do you ever look at someone and wonder, ‘What is going on inside their head?’” That’s right folks! We are finally discussing Inside Out! We tackle the eternal question: Why Do We Have Feelings?? We also discuss emotional intelligence, the idea of good feelings vs bad feelings, and what it means to “grow up”. So[...]

We are finally discussing our first Wes Anderson movie, Moonrise Kingdom! We focus on the two main characters, Suzy and Sam. We break down the movie’s idea of an “emotionally disturbed child” and discuss the following topics: intermittent explosive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder; as well as the significant impact of both characters’ home lives on[...]

In this episode we are firing up the Nirvana and exploring the theme of Something In the Way as we travel back to Gotham City to discuss the newest iteration of the caped crusader in 2022’s The Batman. We are joined by Dr. Travis Langley, author of Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight.[...]

We have another bonus episode for ya! Recorded live at Fan Expo Chicago 2022, our panel on Marvel and Mental Health. We primarily discuss Moon Knight and its depiction of Dissociative Identity Disorder but we also revisit some other Marvel Disney+ favorites. Hope you enjoy!

We finally did it! We are talking about Gone Girl!! This is a very special episode for two reasons. Firstly, we have a special guest, Rachel Harrison, an art therapist and our friend who did the art for our logo. Secondly, It’s a pATREON patron requested video! Don’t forgot, one of the perks for becoming[...]

!!SPOILERS and Content Warning for Physical and Emotional Abuse!!Check out our live episode on Stranger Things Season 4 recorded live at Fan Expo Chicago 2022! We focus on the trauma, dissociation, and grief symptoms that are present in Eleven and Max throughout Season 4. We also discuss the relationship dynamics that evolve between the other[...]

[CW: discussions of hate crimes and intense violence] Join us for a heavier episode today as we discuss the 2005 award-winning movie, Brokeback Mountain. We are joined by the host of the Lifetime Uncorked podcast, Patrick Serrano. We focus on the two main characters, Ennis and Jack, and explore how homophobia, trauma, and their families[...]

[CW: Discussions about domestic abuse] Hello and Happy Pride! Hop in our Cadillac DeVille as we discuss the 1995 comedy “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar”. We explore the role of community in the various ways it is demonstrated in the movie, both in the LGBT+ community and in the small town our[...]

Hop in our Aston Martin and join us as we break down the 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royale! We explore the question: Does James Bond have Antisocial Personality Disorder or is he in a career that encourages antisocial behaviors? We also examine his relationship with the Bond girl of this movie and the trauma[...]

In this episode, we are jumping into our private jet to discuss the modern day rom com classic, Crazy Rich Asians. We explore the varied ways that culture shock can present via classism, immigration status, assimilation, etc. We also, unfortunately, tear apart the ways that Nick does not show up as a partner for Rachel[...]

Jump into the multiverse with us as we discuss Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse! We discuss the chronic trauma of being a superhero through constant exposure to grief and loss. We also discuss how to find empowerment in yourself and by helping others, group therapy, and trauma bonding. And remember, “anyone can wear the mask”.

Welcome to Season 5!! We are riding our carriage to Jane Austen’s England to discuss the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. We are breaking down the theme of Anxiety through the characters of Mrs. Bennett, Mr. Darcy, and Elizabeth Bennett. We explore the difference between anxiety that is a diagnosable disorder vs anxiety brought[...]

In this year’s holiday episode, we are heading up to Arendelle to discuss Frozen 1 & 2! We are joined by Dr. Shelly Clevenger to breakdown the themes of empowerment and self-acceptance. We also examine the parenting choices of Anna and Elsa’s parents and it’s impact on their identity as adults. Happy Holidays!!

The Fellowship of the Ring: Shame, Dissociation, and Trauma Bonds:One does not simply discuss Lord of the Rings….so we teamed up with Southgate Productions and headed to Mordor to discuss the first Lord of the Rings film, Fellowship of the Rings! We discuss the impact of shame in the decision making and sense of identity[...]

Ghostbusters: Psychology Experiments, Social Skills, & The Innovation Mindset—- In this episode we discuss the social skills of our main characters, the truth behind psychology experiments in college, and the inspiring message of innovation in the movie. Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!

We are officially kicking off Spooky Season with The Babadook! We are joined by the magnificent Kristen Meinzer to discuss this 2014 Australian horror movie. We discuss parenting through grief and trauma, parental burnout, and explore the tricky question: is it ok to not like your child?? Join us as we try to get a[...]

Helllloooooooo! This episode we are joined by Dr. Amanda Rios as we discuss the 90s classic, Mrs. Doubtfire. We explore the relationship of Robin Williams’ and Sally Fields’ characters as an example of the over-functioning/under-functioning dynamic. We also discuss the impact of divorce within a family system as a whole. Lastly we touch upon the[...]

[Content Warning: brief reference about sexual abuse] In this episode we are joined again by Capes on the Coach with additional special guest: Daniel Jun Kim of Pop Mythology. We fly into Wakanda to discuss Black Panther and the themes of family secrets, culturally bound behaviors, eco -psychology, and the social-cultural links to wellness. Get[...]

On the 20th anniversary of 9/11 we discuss the tragically beautiful Academy Award nominated film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. In this episode we discuss the unique journey of Oskar Schell as he processes the life changing event of losing the person who understood him best in the world while simultaneously living through the collective[...]

Is grief, love persevering? In this episode, we tackle the/Disney+ series, Wandavision, and the themes of grief, loss, and attachment. We also discuss the therapeutic speciality: EMDR and how it is kind of sort of demonstrated onscreen. Join us as we crack open the Multiverse!!

We are floating into the world of Japanese animation with Spirited Away. We focus on the main character, Chihiro, and her journey of anxiety and self-doubt to trust and empowerment. We also discuss the concept of free range parenting and parental anxiety. Join us in the spirit world!!

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!!

[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[...]

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[...]

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:[...]

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.[...]

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[...]

Where were you when Panem fell?? We wrap up the final installment of the Hunger Games series with a heavy episode. We discuss the effects of ongoing trauma on our main characters: Katniss, Finnick, Joanna, and Gale. We dive into the topic of dissociation and how it is displayed by Peeta. We break down the[...]

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.

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.

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[...]

In this very special episode we are teaming up with Dark Loops Productions Interdisciplinary team of academics and experts "The Seers of Ardham". They include: Cognitive Psychologist and Philosopher Dr. Scott Jordan, Cultural Anthropologist Dr. Stanford Carpenter, School Psychologist Dr. Leandra Parris, Communications Professor Dr. Byron Craig, and Radio/Podcast Producer Cianna Greaves. This episode is[...]

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!!! We don’t sing in this episode of Popcorn Psychology but we do talk about the 2003 classic, Elf! We talk about the emotional impact of growing up in a community in which you don’t quite fit in. We stress the importance[...]

Welcome to our first Holiday episode of 2020! We are kicking it off with While You Were Sleeping, the Sandra Bullock classic set in our hometown of Chicago! We explore the main character, Lucy, and how her interpersonal skills cause her to get into quite a mix-up. We also dive into attachment styles and family[...]

Remember, remember, the fifth of November! We do in this episode on V for Vendetta. We discussed the complex repeated traumas of our two main characters: V and Evey. We break down the unhealthy patterns within their relationship. We also dive into the psychology of conspiracy and the impact of a fascist government on a[...]

[Content Warning: Discussions of suicide] Can you hear the death beetle?? In this episode, we are diving into the favorite movie of two of our hosts, Practical Magic!! We explore the generational trauma of the Owens family and how it shapes the personalities and choices of our two main characters. We also discuss the impact[...]

What's your favorite scary movie?!! In this episode we discuss Wes Craven's 90s classic slasher: Scream. We discuss Sydney and the concept of Post Traumatic Growth, Billy and Stu and Folie a Deux AKA one Shared Delusional Disorder, and Anti-Social Personality Disorder/ Conduct Disorder. Tune in for an analysis of the slasher classic that restarted[...]

[Content Warning: discussions of suicide] Spoiler alert! This episode is our first foray into the realm of TV and we couldn't be more excited to do it on one of the best shows on Netflix, The Haunting of Hill House. In this episode we cover the 5 Stage of Grief and explore how it applies[...]

We are starting Spooky Season early with the new horror classic, Get Out! We get into the fact vs fiction of hypnosis and how it’s portrayed in this film. We also break down the varied ways that racism is demonstrated via microaggressions, gaslighting, and straight up white supremacy. And lastly we explore how antisocial personality[...]

Have you found yourself wondering why people won't wear masks? Why the say the coronavirus is a hoax? Have you noticed yourself (and everyone else) struggling with weight since the start of the pandemic? Could disinformation be compared to a zombie outbreak? In this special crossover episode with Eric Scull of Thank You For Spieling[...]

By superfan request, we are easing on down the road this week with The Wiz! We will be discussing the many representations of anxiety and depression seen in this movie. We will also dive deep into how systems of oppression, both on the micro level and macro level, impact mental health and cultural identity. Join[...]

Happy Pride (Belated)! In honor of Pride Month, we are going to dive into an LGBTQIA classic, But I’m A Cheerleader! We will be talking about the unethical and immoral practice of conversion therapy and also discussing the difference between gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Every revolution starts with a spark! In this episode we examine the various responses to trauma we see in the main characters of this film: Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Haymitch, Johanna, and Finnick. We also discuss systems of oppression and compare and contrast the world of Panem to the riots and protests happening in our world[...]

Be Our Guest! In this episode we discuss the Disney animated classic Beauty and the Beast (1991)! We discuss the way the Beast represented Depression in men, we discuss whether or not Gaston has a personality disorder, and we also debate whether or not Belle has Stockholm Syndrome!

Popcorn Psychology is once again joined by the Mental Health Avengers (Capes on the Couch, Guardians MH, Popcorn Psychology, Pop Psych 101, and Freudian Sips) for Part Two of our previous episode! We tackle several subjects that are relevant to the Covid-19 pandemic: teletherapy, insurance coverage, coping skills while in quarantine, and more!

This episode we are offering something a little different! We join with Capes on the Couch and Guardians MH to discuss access to mental health in part 1 of a two part episode. Listen while the Mental Health Avengers discuss the Age of Access. We discuss some of the current barriers to the mental health[...]

Welcome to Season 3! This film received the most fan requests movie we have had so far and we are excited to open our new season with it! In this episode we cover Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features, the realities of living with chronic mental illness, and the importance of BioPsychoSocial assessment in the differential[...]

[Content Warning: This episode discusses consent and sexual coercion] Happy Valentine’s Day, listeners!! We are back with our second annual fan-picked Valentine’s Day episode! We will be breaking down Cruel Intentions, specifically the relationships between Sebastian and our three main female leads: Katherine, Annette, and Cecile. We discuss a multitude of topics: enmeshment, power dynamics,[...]

Jump for our love!! For our second Christmas episode of 2019, we are cozying up with the beloved holiday movie, Love Actually! While all the storylines in the movie are near and dear, we will be focusing on three: the Alan Rickman/Emma Thompson story and the slippery slope of infidelty, the Liam Neeson story and[...]

What’s this? What’s this?! Why it’s our first holiday episode of 2019! We are exploring The Nightmare Before Christmas and the theme of identity. How is our identity shaped? By our childhood? By our experiences? By the roles we play within our communities? The expectations of others? Join us as we dive into these questions[...]

[Content Warning: this episode contains discussions of child abuse] In this episode, we explore the magical modern classic Matilda! We break down the characters of Matilda, Miss Honey, and Ms. Trunchbull and discuss how each character’s upbringing impacts their current functioning and presentation. We also review the concept of protective factors and how this influences[...]

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.[...]

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[...]

[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[...]

[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[...]

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[...]

The only thing more powerful than fear is hope! In this episode we discuss the world of Panem and describe how the fascist regime of President Snow and the capitol have created 74 years of generational trauma on the citizens of the districts. We break down the maladaptive responses of Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch as[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

It's Shark Week! In this Episode on the Will Ferrell/ John C. Reilly classic comedy Step Brothers we discuss the depiction of Emotional Maturity and Development, Blended Families, and the (TERRIBLE) depiction of Client-Therapist relationships in the media! Did we just become best friends?!

Have you heard the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise? In this special short LIVE episode we cover Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and the manipulation and grooming masterfully deployed by Palpatine to turn Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. We discuss the specific strategies that master manipulators use to groom their prey[...]

SPOILER ALERT!!!! Avengers Assemble and make sure you have your kleenex! In this epsiode we will be discussing the events of Avengers Endgame and Infinity War in full detail so DON"T LISTEN UNTIL YOU ARE READY because this epsidoe is FULL OF SPOILERS! Without giving too much away we will be discsussing how the OG[...]

In this episode on Rob Reiner's 80s Classic: The Princess Bride we discuss Grief and loss and the different ways that people react to it. We primarily focus on the presentations of Buttercup, Westley, and Inigo and the different ways in which the deal with losses in their lives. We also discuss the concept of[...]

The wait is over! In the second installment of our Harry Potter series we are discussing The Order of the Phoenix and The Half Blood Prince! This episode will largely focus on youth trauma and the various responses to it in youth as demonstrated by Harry, Luna, and Draco. We will also evaluate the healthiness[...]

Welcome back for Season Two! We are diving into a cult classic that has been requested several times by listeners and covering Heathers. We hit a variety of topics: bullying, Antisocial Personality Disorder, suicide, the effects of parenting, and the struggle of trying to find your identity as an adolescent. We also rip apart the[...]

In this special Valentine's Day Episode we discuss the classic Millennial Rom Com 10 Things I Hate About You! We discuss Healthy Relationship development, Teen Social Issues, Adjustment Disorder, Family Systems Issues after a divorce, and boundary setting. Tune in to hear us analyze this modern retelling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and[...]

In this fetch LIVE recording of Popcorn Psychology we debate the Queen of the Plastics: Regina George. Is she a Psychopath? In this episode we debate Antisocial, Histrionic, and Narcissitic traits displayed by Regina George in Mean Girls live from the Otherworld Theater in Chicago at the Women In Podcasting Festival. Tune in to find[...]

In our final episode of Season 1 we discuss the life and trials of George Bailey and attempt to answer the question of whether "Wonderful" is a fair assessment. We debate whether George's symptoms are primarily based in depression or anxiety as well as debate the co-morbidity of depression, anxiety, and trauma. We detail the[...]

To Smash or not to Smash??? In this very special episode we discuss the 2008's The Incredible Hulk starring Edward Norton with our friends at Capes on the Couch! We discuss the issues of Anxiety Disorder, Anger Management, PTSD, and Dissociative Trauma. We review the psychology of Edward Norton's version of Dr. Bruce Banner/ Hulk[...]

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[...]

[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,[...]

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[...]

[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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

In this episode we discuss the symtpoms of Major Depressive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Caregiver Fatigue displayed masterfully by Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in the 2017 film Logan. We also explore the impact of Dementia in loved ones on Caregivers as displayed by Logan and Caliban as they care for their declining mentor Professor Charles Xavier.[...]

In this episode we discuss the movie Anchorman:The Legend of Ron Burgundy and how the characters demonstrate multiple symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissitic Personality Disorder, and Histrionic Personality Disorder. Tune in to hear us discuss these diagnoses, debate which one we feel is best represented by Ron Burgundy, and how being "kind of a[...]

The movie we breakdown in episode 4 is, "Call Me by Your Name". This movie gives the audience the pleasure of watching two people fall in love in the beautiful setting of 1983 Northern Italy. It is adapted from the book by the same name and won an Oscar for the screenplay. Listen as we[...]

In this episode we review and discuss Disney's "A Wrinkle in Time". We breakdown the role of grief, loss, depression, and finding your identity. We focus primarily on the journey Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace, but will also cover the story and emotions of the adults. We discuss the symptoms of grief and depression as[...]

In this episode we examine all 3 films in the Fifty Shades Trilogy. We explore the depiction of Kink and BDSM, the health of the relationship between Christian and Anastasia, and the trauma and abuse experienced by Christian and it's impact on him. We also explore the facts vs fiction in BDSM and the culture of safety[...]

Three Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors review Star Wars: The Last Jedi and cover the topics of Trauma, PTSD, and Abusive Relationships and how they impacted the plot and characters of Luke Skywalker, Kylo Ren, Supreme Leader Snoke, and Rey. We discuss the impact Trauma symptoms and abusive relationships have on the characters and discuss how[...]

This short episode offers a brief introduction to the Podcast as well as into hosts Ben Stover, LCPC, Brittney Brownfield, LCPC, and Hannah Espinoza-Reimus, LCPC, AMFT. We discuss why we created the podcast, our clinical backgrounds, our treatment philosphies, and our favorite movies.QQtMvLU7nMieThACDusL

Popcorn Psychology Trailer