Pop Psych 101

In this episode, therapists Ryan Englestad and Hayley Roberts discuss characters from the Disney+ series, Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. They explore personal identities that the characters desire and grow into, as well as those that they want to escape, avoid, and change. We also look into social dynamics including privilege, power, and race and how those play into how the characters...

Therapist Ryan Engelstad and psychologist Dr. Hayley Roberts discuss the themes of abuse and breaking abuse cycles in the Disney movie Tangled. We also break down our favorite (and surprisingly deep) songs from the movie.

Dr. Hayley Roberts and therapist Ryan Engelstad talk about existential dread in the movie (on Hulu) Palm Springs.  We break down the mental health implications of being stuck in a time loop, and what we can learn from these characters that we can apply to being stuck in our own quarantine time loop.

Therapists Ryan Engelstad and Dr. Hayley Roberts discuss some common misconceptions about Autism Spectrum Disorder, why some people think Beth Harmon fits this diagnosis, why she doesn't, and where the true source of her struggles lies.

In this episode Ryan welcomes new co-host Dr. Hayley Roberts! We are thrilled to talk about the Disney+ series Wandavision.  We break down Wanda's losses and how traumatic grief differs from other forms of grief.  We analyze how effective superhero shows are at portraying complex mental health issues, and our hopes for these characters going forward.

In this episode I talk to comedian and podcaster Anthony Jeannot about the animated Netflix series Bojack Horseman.  We talk about how Bojack handles his addiction and treatment process and how much of the fictional rehabilitation center is based in real treatment approaches.  Check out Anthony's podcast! www.highbrowdrivel.com www.anthonyjeannot.com

In this episode I talk with fellow improviser Mick about the Netflix animated series Big Mouth.  We talk about how each character is affected by Tito the anxiety mosquito in similar and different ways and how they use the power of gratitude to overcome their anxiety. Intro music by Arcane Anthems. 

In this episode I speak with fellow therapist and podcaster Patrice Nicole about Little Fires Everywhere. We talk about family trauma and the kind of support families need to cope.

In this short episode I experiment with a new format where I open up a random image (https://rb.gy/y7d9ee) and draw some mental health related connections.  If you liked this new format let me know on Twitter (@poppsych101) or via email at poppsych101@gmail.com.  I would love to hear your thoughts!

In this episode I had the privilege of talking with firefighter Shaun Pryor about the mental health challenges of being a firefighter.  We talked about the recent firefighting documentary Wildland and what its like to go from being a newly trained firefighter to being in the intense danger of a wildfire and what we can learn from how firefighter's cope with those challenges.

In this episode I got to talk with Scotty who is attempting to break the world record for most number of podcast appearances in a calendar year.  We talked about some issues coming to the surface in the world of professional wrestling and how people can control their ego and maintain appropriate boundaries in their lives.

In this episode I talk with correctional nurse (and self described huge fan of Pop Psych 101) Abigail about The Shawshank Redemption.  We talk about mental health complications and treatment within correctional facilities and the reforms that have happened over the years.

In this episode I am joined by actor and stand up comedian Tristan Miller to discuss the film Don't Think Twice. We discuss the world of improv comedy and how people cope with success, failure, and everything in between.

I was lucky to join fellow mental health podcasts Capes on the Couch, Popcorn Psychology, Freudian Sips, and Guardians MH for a wide ranging discussion about the state of mental health treatment in the time of quarantine and COVID-19.  The discussion is split halfway into two areas, treatment issues and coping strategies.  Enjoy!

In this episode I dive into the world wide phenomenon that is Netflix's Tiger King.  I invited my fellow improviser Mick Murtha on the show to talk about why we are all so fascinated with this story and how we have gotten sucked into it during this time much like the followers of Joe Exotic, Carol Baskin, and Doc Antle got sucked into their endeavors. We talk about why people are susceptible...

In this week's episode I talk with my brother Brendan about a movie about brothers, Onward! We discuss Ian's social anxiety, grief, and the parallel's between the adventure the brothers are on and going through therapy. We also talk about how he and I are coping during the quarantine.  Enjoy!

We're back! This week I'm talking to my daughter Brynn about the show Butterbean's Cafe, a funny Nick Jr show and the lessons she learns from it.  Then I talk about the quarantine situation and some insight into the most important things people can do to practice self care during this time.

Christmas is just around the corner. To celebrate, Mike and Ryan rapid fire Christmas "Things" at each other and have to give their opinions immediately and without thinking. Find Us: Mental Health Podcast | Pop Psych 101 We have a Blog! Ryan always had a Blog! Join our support group Facebook Twitter Instagram Music: Music from https://filmmusic.io "Christmas Theme 3" by Alexander Nakarada (https:...

With the holidays upon us, Ryan and Mike thought it would be a good idea to tackle family anxiety, and what better show to do that with than This Is Us.  Mike talks about his fear of passing his mental health issues down to his children and Ryan notes some interesting turn of events at his own holiday gatherings. Find Us: Mental Health Podcast | Pop Psych 101 We have a Blog! Ryan always had a...

This week Ryan and Mike cover the much requested, Joker. A first here at Pop Psych 101, the guys actually had to leave their houses to see this movie. There is a lot to unpack with this portrayal of mental illness in pop culture, and though, both the guys have different viewpoints, they know that portraying mental health issues as a main character trait to audiences is no laughing matter. Find Us:...

Happy Monday! This week, in a short episode, Mike and Ryan talk about the rise of the Therapist Meme.  How does that make you feel? Find Us: Mental Health Podcast | Pop Psych 101 We have a Blog! Ryan always had a Blog! Join our support group Facebook Twitter Instagram Music: Music: [Foam Rubber] by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attributio...

Today's episode is an important one. Comedians are in a singular place to tell true to life stories that can break barriers and transcend stigmas. Ryan and Mike's hearts are full with the masterpiece of stand up from Comedian Gary Gulman that is, The Great Depresh . A recommended watch for anyone interested in learning about a true story of depression in an incredibly accessible way. Find Us: Ment...

A group of dedicated mental health podcasters unite to spread awareness and stop stigma

Ryan is back with a twist on Mike Reacts. This season, Ryan wants to teach us some unconventional coping skills. This week, Ryan introduces Mike to "Forest Bathing", a coping skill so obscure, Mike gets confused and starts planning a trip to the forest for a literal bath. - Title quote by John Muir Find Us: Mental Health Podcast | Pop Psych 101 We have a Blog! Ryan always had a Blog! Join our supp...

Mike and Ryan are pumped to be reunited! Back this week with a look at what some may know of as munchausen by proxy, or factitious disorder, the guys look at the sad and bizarre true life events surrounding a mother and daughter in the documentary, Mommy Dead and Dearest. Find Us: Mental Health Podcast | Pop Psych 101 We have a Blog! Ryan always had a Blog! Join our support group Facebook Twitter...