Psychologically Minded

I am revisiting the topic of parasocial relationships to talk about the category of delusions known as erotomania and the website Cameo. It's wild how they all connect!  Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org https://www.nami.org/help Trans Lifeline: US (877) 565-8860...

CONTENT WARNING: substance use, overdoses This week I talk about the opioid epidemic through the lens of the book, Dopesick. It's a difficult topic but an important one and not something mental health should shy away from.  Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org https://www...

I was planning a different episode but had to respond to the recent kerfuffle on Twitter featuring Dr. Jordan B. Peterson. It's not okay to body shame and it's definitely not okay when you are representing yourself as a clinical psychologist 👀 Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami...

CONTENT WARNING: discussions of domestic and interpersonal violence This week a special guest joins me to discuss the slap heard round the world! My colleague, Cassandra "Cassie" Wells, joins me to discuss all things toxic masculinity amygdala hijack, and projection.  Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-...

This episode is another installment in the cognitive bias minisode series! I focus on apophenia, which is the ability our brains have to make patterns out of seemingly random stimuli.  Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org https://www.nami.org/help Trans Lifeline: US ...

CONTENT WARNING: substance use disorders, trauma This week is the second of a two-part series on the Psychonauts video games. The sequel, Psychonauts 2, is an expansive story that gives a lot of backstory to these beloved characters. It also has a more modern take on mental health.  Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpL...

CONTENT WARNING: brief mention of suicide, animal cruelty This week I am starting a two-part series on the video game Psychonauts. This episode covers the first game and next week I'll talk about the sequel. This game is a perfect blend of video games, mental health, and daddy issues.  Sources  If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services.&n...

CONTENT WARNING: discussions of gun violence, Sandy Hook This week I am revisiting the concept of conspiratorial thinking in an update to episode 2. I focus on the recent news of Alex Jones being found liable for damages due to his statements about the Sandy Hook shooting, as well as the consequences of conspiratorial thinking for the survivors of tragedies. It's a tough subject but one that I thi...

CONTENT WARNING: mentions of suicide and substance overdose This week's episode is about the show Inventing Anna, which chronicles the crimes and trials of Anna Delvey. I discuss the differences between real life and the show, talk about some of the dynamics that influence how we see Anna, and give you a tip for how to avoid getting scammed! Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental healt...

CONTENT WARNING: suicide, self-harm, death, trauma For the final women's history month episode, I am discussing the classic film The Three Faces of Eve (1957). I love this movie but still need to address the rather problematic ways it depicts DID, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. Check it out! Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergenc...

Another women's history month episode! This week I discuss the film Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, an exuberant celebration of female friendships and culottes. This is one of my favorite movies from 2021, so I highly recommend watching it first if you don't want spoilers! Sources   If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine:...

This week I discuss Amanda Bynes, her conservatorship, and her application to end it. I also discuss the end of Britney Spear's conservatorship with an update from episode 3.  Sources  If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org https://www.nami.org/help Trans Lifeline: US (87...

To celebrate Women's history month, I will do each episode on a piece of media/pop culture that centers on women and femme-identifying people. This week is the 2019 film Booksmart , directed by Olivia Wilde. It's one of my favorite movies of all time, I can't recommend it enough! Sources  If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLin...

After the romance of Valentine's Day, let's talk about divorce. I dive into Adele's album, released November 2021, where she processes her divorce and new adventures in love. It's a tearjerker folks!  Sources  If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org https://www.nami.org/help Tr...

In this episode, I talk about the cult classic show, Arrested Development. Pretty much every aspect of the show is based on Freudian slips and repression. A perfect match for this podcast! Sources  If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org https://www.nami.org/help Trans Lifeline: US&...

This week I talk about the TikTok and general internet trend of the "pick me girl," related to "not like other girls" or the "cool girl." But don't worry, this episode is all about internalized misogyny, going through puberty on the internet, and having empathy for those working through their identities. All in all, a great listen! Sources  If you are currently experiencing a mental health cr...

CONTENT WARNING: sexual content This week I discuss the Netflix series "Big Mouth," an endearing look at the horrors of puberty. I love how this show uses abstract representations of psychological concepts, so this is a perfect fit!  Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org h...

This week I'm discussing the film Don't Look Up. Major spoilers for the film if you want to watch it before taking a listen! Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org https://www.nami.org/help Trans Lifeline: US (877) 565-8860 https://translifeline.org/hotline/ Follow me on Tw...

Another cognitive bias this week: the Pygmalion effect! Inspired by Roman myths, this cognitive bias is typically found in the education system. Check out my ~hot takes~ on this potentially outdated bias.  Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org https://www.nami.org/help Tra...

CONTENT WARNING: childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, violence, suicide, intimate partner violence Part three of my series on the show You. I wrap up the themes we tracked through all three seasons and discuss how Joe and Love really are the same.  Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or&nb...

CONTENT WARNING: childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, violence  Part two of my series on the show You. I discuss the intricate plot of season 2 and draw connections to the themes discussed in season 1. Check it out! Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org https://www.nami...

I'm launching a three-part series to kick off 2022 the right way: a deep dive into the show You. There is so much to discuss from a psychological perspective across all three seasons that I had to break it up. Check out part one, with more to follow! Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or inf...

Is A Christmas Carol just a traditional holiday story? A horrifying ghost story? Or a powerful political statement? Why not all three?! Dive into the background of this classic tale with me and discover just how multi-faceted this piece of literature is.  Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) o...

In this minisode, I cover the cognitive bias of the humor effect. This is actually a helpful bias! It can help you remember things better and maybe even reduce depression. Listen to find out more! Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org https://www.nami.org/help Trans Lifeline: U...

CONTENT WARNING: discussions of violence and death, mentions of suicide This week I am covering the series Squid Game, streaming on Netflix. I give a rundown of the series, discuss what it teaches us about consent, and how the show is a metaphor for the surveillance state. Good stuff! Sources If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services. NAMI HelpLine...