PODCAST · tv
Cinemental
by The Jones Brothers
Cinemental is a podcast about mental health and how it’s portrayed in cinema and television. What did they get right? What did they get wrong? And what do YOU need to know about mental health. Hosted by Jeffrey Jones (screenwriter and professor) and his brother Dr. Joshua Jones (psychiatrist), these two brothers tackle and all subjects such as depression, grief, anxiety, schizophrenia, even possession. They’ll discuss the triggers for mental health such as family drama, the role of stress, even mentorship. Cinemental is meant to start the conversation about mental health in a fun and entertaining way to let you know that whatever mental health issue you may be struggling with… you’re not alone.
Episodes
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095 INSIDIOUS
Insidious is remembered for jump scares, creepy imagery, and one of the most unsettling uses of “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” ever put on film. But underneath the supernatural horror is a story about something much more grounded: generational trauma, parental fear, and what happens when the…
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094 Remember The Titans
What can Remember the Titans teach us about prejudice, moral courage, leadership, and what actually changes people’s minds? In this episode of Cinemental, Jeff and Josh revisit Remember the Titans through the lenses of psychology, psychiatry, filmmaking, and football. We break down Intergroup...
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093 Fight Club
In this episode of Cinemental, Jeff and Josh dig into the psychology behind David Fincher’s Fight Club: whether support groups could realistically help with insomnia, what dissociative identity disorder actually is, how alternate personalities form, and whether Hollywood portrayals of DID do more...
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092 True Detective
True Detective Season 1 is remembered for its murder mystery, Southern Gothic atmosphere, and unforgettable performances from Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson—but underneath all of that is a story about trauma, depression, anger, coping, identity, and whether damaged people can still find...
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091 Point Break
Point Break may look like a movie about surfing, bank robbery, skydiving, and Keanu Reeves chasing Patrick Swayze—but underneath all of that, it’s a story about addiction, identity, morality, transcendence, and the dangerous appeal of someone who seems completely free. In this episode of...
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090 JAWS
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws isn’t just a movie about a shark—it’s a movie about fear, responsibility, trauma, and the power of filmmaking to turn a simple story into a cultural phenomenon. In this episode of Cinemental, filmmaker and professor Jeffrey Jones and general and forensic psychiatrist Dr....
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089 THE ODYSSEY
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey gives us a lot to talk about — from Zeus’s Law and the shame of returning home, to the idea that Homer’s epic may ultimately be one of the oldest and most powerful stories ever told about a soldier trying to find his way back to his family. In this episode of...
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088 Obsession
In this episode of the Cinemental Podcast, we break down Obsession and explore how the film handles consent, romantic fixation, unhealthy desire, and the dangerous line between pursuing someone and refusing to respect their autonomy. Movies often portray obsession as proof of love: the hero…
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087 World Cup
The World Cup may look like a soccer tournament, but it's really a global experiment in identity, loyalty, competition, and collective insanity. In this episode of Cinemental, Jeff and Josh explore the psychology behind sports fandom and the thin line separating passionate support from full-blown...
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086 INTERSTELLAR
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar is one of the most powerful science fiction films ever made because it is not really about space — it is about love, sacrifice, survival, and the impossible moral choices parents make for their children. In this episode of Cinemental, we break down why…
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084 The Pitt Season 2
If you're looking for a mental health podcast that actually digs into the hard conversations, this episode of Cinemental breaks down The Pitt Season 2 through the lens of psychology, storytelling, and real-world emotional stakes. We explore suicide ideation, crisis response, and why talking...
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082 THE MARTIAN
If you’re searching for a breakdown of The Martian that goes beyond the science and into the psychology, this episode of Cinemental has you covered. Starring Matt Damon and directed by Ridley Scott, we explore why The Martian works not just as a survival story, but as a study in resilience,...
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081 JURASSIC PARK
What does Jurassic Park reveal about ethics, anxiety, and humanity’s obsession with control—and why does Jurassic Park still define how we think about science in cinema? In this episode of Cinemental, a writer and a psychiatrist break down the psychological, philosophical, and filmmaking legacy…
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080 Weapons
What went wrong with Weapons—and what does it reveal about storytelling, trauma, and the monsters we choose to ignore? In this episode of Cinemental, a filmmaker and a psychiatrist break down why the title Weapons fails the movie, how communities actually recover from devastating events like mass...
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079 BUGONIA
What happens when movies collide with mental health, conspiracy thinking, and delusion? In this episode of the Cinemental Podcast, filmmaker Jeff and psychiatrist Josh dive into the psychology behind delusional disorders, conspiracy theories, and the way films shape how we understand reality.…
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078 F1: THE MOVIE
In this episode of Cinemental, we break down F1 as both a high-octane spectacle and a character-driven study of ambition under pressure. From its immersive racing sequences and razor-sharp sound design to its use of competition as thematic spine, we ask the big filmmaking question: does the craft...
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076 Free Solo & Tapei 101
In this episode of the Cinemental Podcast, a filmmaker and a psychiatrist break down Free Solo—exploring thrill-seeking behavior, fear, obsession, and the ethics of documentary filmmaking when the stakes are literally life and death. Is something psychologically wrong with Alex Honnold—or are we...
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075 K-Pop Demon Hunters
What do K-pop idols, demon hunters, and shame have in common? In this episode of the Cinemental Podcast, we break down Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters to explore how pop music, storytelling, and mental health collide. From character psychology and theme to shame, trauma, and why songs like “Golden”...
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One Battle After Another
One Battle After Another is a brutal reminder that resilience isn’t something you have—it’s something you train. In this episode of Cinemental, we break down the psychology of endurance, what it means to keep showing up when life keeps swinging, and why the real theme of One Battle After Another…
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073 Severance
Severance isn’t just one of the best TV shows of the decade — it’s a masterclass in high-concept screenwriting and modern anxiety. In this episode of the Cinemental Podcast, we break down how Severance uses a razor-sharp “what if?” premise to explore work/life balance, trauma, and the…
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072 Cinemental
This year-end episode of Cinemental looks ahead to 2026 by exploring mental health, movies, and the cultural shifts shaping how we care for ourselves—and the stories we tell. From New Year’s resolutions to the future of entertainment, Josh and Jeff reflect on what we’ve learned and what comes…
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071 The Grinch
Great storytelling isn’t just about plot — it’s about perception, self-image, and emotional truth. In this episode of Cinemental, we break down Illumination's "The Grinch" to explore what it teaches writers about character psychology, unreliable self-narration, and how emotional wounds shape the...
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070 House of Dynamite
There are four involuntary stress responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn. All four are perfectly demonstrated in the Netflix movie A House of Dynamite. Listen in as Dr. Josh details these responses but also how to master them. And just for funsies, Filmmaker Jeff clues you in on the REAL...
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069 Moneyball Continued
00:02:07 - Billy Bean was driven by anxiety 00:02:49 - Excitement equal Anxiety? 00:04:14 - SHORT End 00:12:56 - How to overcome anxiety to pursue innovation. 00:14:59 - Is Anxiety a bad emotion? 00:19:06 - How to adapt a book into a screenplay. 00:21:31 - How to create visuals for a book that is...
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068 Moneyball
In this Cinemental deep dive into Moneyball, we unpack how the film reshaped modern sports analytics and what it really takes to innovate against an entire industry. From Billy Beane’s psychology to the mental health cost of revolutionizing a system, we explore why true innovation requires…
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067 Mean Girls Cont.
In this episode, we use Mean Girls to break down what really causes bullying — and the five steps that actually help stop it. We cover how to build confidence, teach empathy, work with schools, handle online bullying, and recognize the moment someone can turn into a “villain.” We wrap with our…
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066 Mean Girls
Regina George isn’t just a brilliant piece of filmmaking — she’s a psychological mirror. Written so sharply in Mean Girls, her psychology reflects the part of us that craves control, validation, and belonging — whether we admit it or not. 🎬 Cinemental Episode 66 - Mean Girls We explore how...
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065 Rounders Continued
In this episode of Cinemental, we unpack the hidden mechanics of gambling addiction — why it’s not just about money, but about dopamine, control, and hope. Using Rounders as our guide, we explore how the brain gets trapped in a loop of intermittent reinforcement — that unpredictable pattern of…
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064 Rounders
In this Cinemental episode, we go all-in on Rounders, the cult-classic that turned every college dorm room into a late-night poker den — even though, let’s be honest, it’s not actually a great poker movie. We dive into why the film’s real stakes aren’t in the cards but in the choices: addiction,...
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063 Alien Continued
In this episode of Cinemental, we dive deep into the dangers of AI and its growing impact on mental health. From people forming emotional relationships with artificial intelligence to the subtle ways we’re giving up autonomy, the conversation explores how technology is reshaping our daily lives.…
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062 Alien
Why Alien is the ultimate sci-fi horror: corporate greed, fear, ethics in filmmaking, and screenwriting lessons for writing great science fiction. In this episode of the Cinemental Podcast, we break down Ridley Scott’s Alien—from the dangers of corporate control and the psychology of fear, to...
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061 The Conjuring Ed & Lorraine
Are Ed and Lorraine Warren real demonologists or just clever con artists? In this episode of Cinemental, we dive deep into The Conjuring and explore the controversial legacy of the Warrens. Known as the most famous paranormal investigators in modern history, Ed (a self-taught demonologist) and...
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060 The Conjuring
Why do we love to be scared? In this episode of Cinemental, we step into the haunted world of The Conjuring series. We take a close look at Ed and Lorraine Warren, the controversial paranormal investigators at the heart of the films, and ask why their stories continue to fascinate audiences…
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058 Exorcist: The True Story
The terrifying true story behind The Exorcist is stranger than fiction. In this episode of Cinemental, we dig into the real-life case that inspired William Friedkin’s horror classic — a chilling tale of a young boy’s alleged possession in the late 1940s, the priests who tried to save him, and the...
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057 The Exorcist
Is demonic possession real — or just the stuff of horror movies? 👀 In this episode of Cinemental, we dive head-first into The Exorcist, exploring the chilling history behind the film, the real-life case that inspired it, and how the movie shaped our cultural understanding of possession. We break...
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056 Woke Superman
In this episode of Cinemental, we dive headfirst into the controversy surrounding the new Superman movie and whether or not it’s gone "woke." Spoiler alert: Superman has always been woke. From standing up for the oppressed in his earliest comics to literally fighting Nazis, the Man of Steel has...
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055 Superman
🎙️ This week on Cinemental, we’re taking flight with the Man of Steel and asking a big question: Is Superman… too perfect to care about? In this episode, we dig into the story problem at the heart of Superman: when your hero is invincible, is there anywhere for them to go emotionally? We explore...
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054 T2: AI & Mental Health
We’re back with another Cinemental deep dive into the mind‑bending world of Artificial Intelligence and this episode takes our Terminator 2 conversation to the next level. AI isn’t science fiction anymore, and it’s touching everything: our creativity, our workplaces, even our mental health. In…
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053 Terminator 2: Judgment Day
🎙️ In this episode of Cinemental, we dive headfirst into Terminator 2: Judgment Day and explore why this isn’t just an action classic—it’s a film about mental health, identity, and the power of tiny details. 💡 What we talk about: ✅ How Terminator 2 brilliantly portrays delusions through Sarah...
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052 Lewy Body Dimentia & This Week In Mental Health
🎙️ In this episode of Cinemental, we dive deep into the life and legacy of Robin Williams and how his battle with Lewy Body Dementia shaped his final years. We explore how this devastating neurological disorder often goes undiagnosed, how it impacts memory, mood, and identity, and what we can...
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051 Good Will Hunting
"It’s Not Your Fault" — The Psychology of Good Will Hunting | Cinemental Podcast In this episode of Cinemental, we go deep on the modern classic Good Will Hunting — a film that doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings but rips them clean out. We explore the powerful depiction of Reactive Attachment...
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050 Our 50th Episode
Everything about who we are and the future of the podcast
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049 Star Wars
Psychiatrist Josh and Screenwriter Jeff break down Star Wars and how you can learn everything you want to know about generational trauma from the Skywalker family. 🚀 In this episode of Cinemental, we explore the Star Wars saga through a mental health lens, diving into how generational trauma...
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048 Deep Dive Into Trust
In this episode of Cinemental, we dive into the Mission: Impossible franchise—not just the explosive action and espionage, but the psychological toll that comes with living in a world where trust is a liability. 🧠💥 We explore how Ethan Hunt navigates a landscape of deception, betrayal, and...
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047 Mission:Impossible
In this explosive episode of Cinemental, we dive into the high-octane world of Mission: Impossible to uncover the mental health themes hidden beneath the action. 🧠💥 We explore: 🔍 The psychology of con artists 🕵️ Are spies sociopaths? 💣 The most jaw-dropping stunt in the Mission: Impossible...
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046 MCU Versus DC
In this episode of Cinemental, we dive deep into Marvel’s Thunderbolts and explore the mental health themes that lie beneath the action-packed surface. We break down why Marvel gets it right—starting with real people and building them into heroes—while DC often falls short by reversing that...
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045 Thunderbolts
Was Black Widow depressed? Yes. Was the Sentry bipolar? Also yes. And this is a perfect chance to understand a little more about the two. In this episode of Cinemental, we dive deep into Marvel's Thunderbolts* – a dark, gripping addition to the MCU – and explore how trauma, redemption, and…
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044 Sinners & Vampires
Vampires have way more to do with mental health than you'd probably imagine. In this episode we break down the history of vampires and their role in sexual repression, relation to hoodoo, and why vampires are the only good looking monster. We also talk about some of the sexual themes in Sinners…
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043 Sinners
In this episode of Cinemental, we dive deep into Sinners starring Michael B. Jordan—a haunting, genre-blending film that weaves together transcendental music, hoodoo traditions, vampirism, and the psychic bond of twins. We explore how these elements reflect themes of trauma, identity…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Cinemental is a podcast about mental health and how it’s portrayed in cinema and television. What did they get right? What did they get wrong? And what do YOU need to know about mental health. Hosted by Jeffrey Jones (screenwriter and professor) and his brother Dr. Joshua Jones (psychiatrist), these two brothers tackle and all subjects such as depression, grief, anxiety, schizophrenia, even possession. They’ll discuss the triggers for mental health such as family drama, the role of stress, even mentorship. Cinemental is meant to start the conversation about mental health in a fun and entertaining way to let you know that whatever mental health issue you may be struggling with… you’re not alone.
HOSTED BY
The Jones Brothers
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Cinemental have?
Cinemental currently has 93 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Cinemental about?
Cinemental is a podcast about mental health and how it’s portrayed in cinema and television. What did they get right? What did they get wrong? And what do YOU need to know about mental health. Hosted by Jeffrey Jones (screenwriter and professor) and his brother Dr. Joshua Jones (psychiatrist),...
How often does Cinemental release new episodes?
Cinemental has 93 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Cinemental?
You can listen to Cinemental on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Cinemental?
Cinemental is created and hosted by The Jones Brothers.
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