Popcorn Psychology

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! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support .

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 good nights sleep with The Babadook! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://ww...

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 concept of resourcing in order to use known skills i...

[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 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code PO...

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 trauma of the September 11th attacks. We are joined by...

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!! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support .

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!! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support .

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 .

[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 i...

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 epis...

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 Brittn...

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...

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 (...

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 concept of The Dark Triad. We even dabble in the subject of MK Ultra. Once again we say, May...

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 .

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 .

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? Lis...

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 episo...

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 of environmental factors and cultural norms when considering a mental health diagnosis. We also break down t...

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 systems and the impact of grief and the holidays. Become a supporter of this podcast: ht...

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 populace. Join us as we ask the question, is V a hero or terribly misguided? Be...

[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 of acceptance and identity. So, always throw spilled salt over your left s...

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 a genre! Become a supporter of this podcast: https...

[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 to the Crain Family after a suicide. Tune in and hear us explore family dynamics, grief, suicide, and understan...

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 disorder is possibly presented in this story’s villains. Join us...