Popcorn Psychology
by Popcorn Psychology
Three licensed therapists breakdown and analyze popular movies and characters from the perspectives of an individual, child, and a marriage and family therapist. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
Episodes
-
Obsession: Avoidance, grief and trauma
Listen while Brittney and Hannah discuss one of the most talked about movies this year: Obsession. We will be discussing avoidance, anxiety, grief and trauma in this episode. We break down the characters of Bear, Nikki and Wish Nikki. Let us know what you think! Trigger warning: Suicide Become a...
-
Now & Then: The Psychology of Growing Up
[Content Warning: some discussion of suicide] Join us as we disect the 1995 classic, Now And Then! We discuss each of the movie's four main characters: Roberta, Teeny, Samantha, and Chrissy. We explore each of the girl's struggles, be it the death of a parent, going through the first divorce in…
more -
ET: Aliens, Sibling Relationships and Keys
We are finally talking about ET, a film that we have had on our list since we started! We discuss how a family deals with a parent leaving and how it effects sibling relationships and family dynamics. We also discuss empathy and communication as well as who is Keys and what does he want. As…
more -
A Knight's Tale: Self-Determination, Chosen Family and Self Care
Listen as we explore the famous popcorn movie, A Knights Tale from 2001. In this episode, we discuss self determination within each of our main characters as well as how important it is to live towards your purpose and values. We also discuss the clear familial bond we see between Wat, Rolland…
more -
What About Bob!: Differential Diagnosing & Egotistical Therapists
WHAT ABOUT BOB!?!?!?!?!?!? We try to answer that question in our official premiere episode of Season 9! We use Bob as a case study for how to use differential diagnosing. We also rip apart the portrayal of a therapist via Dr. Leo Marvin. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
-
Bridget Jones's Diary: Undiagnosed ADHD in Adult Women & Dating
Happy Valentine's Day! Our poll winner this year is Bridget Jones's Diary! We meant to talk about authenticity and ended up having an indepth conversation on ADHD in women and the impact this diagnosis can have on someone who goes undiagnosed into adulthood. Of course, we also discuss the…
more -
Muppets Christmas Carol: Attachment Wounds & Values
Happy Holidays! For our final episode of 2025, we are finally diving into A Christmas Carol, Muppet-style! We discuss the character of Ebenezor Scrooge and why he is so attached to money instead of relationships. We examine how his childhood created attachment wounds that impact the rest of his...
-
The Family Stone: Grief, Family Dynamics, Meredith.
Happy Holidays! This is our first holiday episode this year! Listen while we discuss what is going on with Meredith, Everett and the rest of the clan! We discuss relationship dynamics when families are going through grief, importance of finding meaning and purpose in your life as well as those...
-
Sinners: Systemic Trauma & Musical Healing
Happy Halloween! For our spooky episode of 2025, we are discussing Sinners! This is Hannah and Brittney's favorite movie of 2025 and we are so excited to be talking about it. We discuss many heavy topics: childhood abuse, racial violence, oppressive systems; so be mindful while listening. Below…
more -
KPop Demon Hunters: Identity, Shame, and Healing Connections
Today we are gonna show you how its's DONE DONE DONE as we cover the MOVIE. OF. THE. YEAR. K-Pop Demon Hunters! In this episode we discuss Identity, Shame, and Healing Connections with those closest to you! This film has taken over the hearts of kids and adults everywhere and is absolutley…
more -
The Neverending Story: Identity, Grief, & Healing Through Stories
Come with us on a journey to Fantasia in this episodes film, Neverending Story. In this episode we discuss the shift in idenity that takes place when we lose a loved one. We discover the stages of grief throughout the film. We also discuss bibliotherapy and using stories to help heal ourselves....
-
The Last of Us LIVE at FanExpo Chicago 2025
The Trolley Problem meets Zombies! Enjoy this Live episode on The Last of Us (HBO) from FanExpo Chicago 2025! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
-
Thunderbolts Panel Live from FanExpo Chicago 2025
Popcorn Psychology LIVE at FanExpo Chicago 2025!!! Panel 1 of 2 on Thunderbolts and When Marvel Gets Mental Health Right! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
-
Big Fish: Having a Complicated Relationship With Your Parent
Join us as we take our first trip down Burton lane to talk about Big Fish! We go into depth about the characters of Edward and William and their complicated dynamic as father and son. We explore the motivation behind Edward's tall tales and their impact on his relationship with his son. So get…
more -
Moonstruck: Identity Crises and Relationships
When the moon hits your eyes like a big pizzzza pie you will love this move all over again! Listen to this amazing episode on one of our favorite films ever! Hear us explore Identity Crises, Relationships, Grief, End of Life Issues, Cher, and hear the incredible weight of Hannah's massive talent!...
-
Thunderbolts*: What Happens When Trauma Gets Superpowers?
Lets Go Thunderbolts!!! Spoilers ahead as we dive into the newest Marvel movie and break down the team of characters: Yelena, Alexei, Bucky, John, Ava, & Bob. We discuss trauma, ego, narcissism, attachment, mood disorders, and more! Become a supporter of this podcast:...
-
Godzilla Minus One: Moral Injury & Collective Trauma
IT'S GODZILLLLLAAAAA!!!! We are finally facing the notorious giant with Godzilla Minus One. This has been a highly requested movie since it came out in 2023. Join us as we break down the concept of moral injury seen in the main character, as well as the collective trauma experienced by the…
more -
Starship Troopers: Adolescent Development & Propaganda
By fan request, we are diving into the 1997 cult classic, Starship Troopers! We break down how adolescent development is demonstrated with the main characters. We also explore the power of propaganda as this movie is a satirical look on facism and the propaganda that serves it. Buckle up and look...
-
Inside Out 2: The Impact of Anxiety
Welcome to Season 8!!! We kick off with the 2024 sequel, Inside Out 2! We discuss the introduction of Anxiety as a significant shake up to the emotional control board. We explore various therapeutic interventions to manage anxiety and how the movie does a decent job of demonstrating some of these...
-
My Big Fat Greek Wedding & Enmeshment
Happy Valentine's Day! This year you all picked "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". Enjoy as we dive into the concept of enmeshment: what that means, the factors that can create enmeshment, and the impact of enmeshment on an individual's development. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
-
A Christmas Story: Kids & Their Parents
Be careful, this episode is FrA-Gee-Lay!! We dive into the holiday classic, A Christmas Story. We discuss the child dynamics centered within the film as well as parenting styles and the relationship between Mom and Dad. Join us as we try not to shoot our eyes out!! Become a supporter of this...
-
Home Alone: Family Issues, Holiday Stress, and KEVIN!!!
Happy Holidays ya filthy animals! In this episode we will be breaking down the 1990 Holiday Classic: Home Alone! We will be discussing the challenges of being a gifted child, the roots of behavior issues, family problems, holiday stress, and dissociation. We're gonna give you to the count of ten…
more -
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: Accepting What Makes You Different
Enjoy this bite sized holiday appetizer exclusively recorded using the new Spreaker content app! Hope you enjoy our mini discussion on acceptance and finding strength in what makes us different than the rest of the herd! Become a supporter of this podcast:...
-
House of the Dragon Live at Fan Expo Chicago 2024 with Dr. Vanessa Hintz
[CW: discussions of abuse and trauma] Please enjoy our live panel from Fan Expo 2024! We discuss House of the Dragon with Dr. Vanessa Hintz! We mostly focus on the dynamic between Rhaenrya and Alicent and their differing experiences within the patriachy of the Seven Kingdoms. Become a supporter…
more -
Addams Family Values: Stunted Development, Anti-Social Traits, and Family Systems
Happy Halloween! We are excited to join force with Dr. Benjamin Taitz of MyHeroTherapy once again to bring you this Mysterious and Ooky Sequel on Addams Family Values! We will be covering the stunted development of Fester due to being infantilized, the predatory and criminal behavior of Debbie…
more -
Nope: Sibling Dynamics & Dissociation
Happy Halloween! We are heading back into the cinematic universe of Jordan Peele to discuss 2022's Nope. We explore the sibling dynamic between OJ and Emerald as well as how their father's death impacted them individually as well as their relationship to each other. We also discuss the…
more -
District 9: Dehumanization, Empathy, and Forced Perspective Change
Trigger warnings: Violence, Poverty, Racism, Oppression This episode is for HUMANS ONLY! NON-HUMANS BANNED! We are taking on the 2009 Academy Award Nominee for Best Picture: District 9! We will be addressing the burning question that seems to plague our species: "How do people do this and think...
-
The Breakfast Club: Parental Influence & Societal Roles w/ Molly McAleer
[Trigger warning as we discuss domestic violence, parental abuse, suicide, and briefly mention sexual assault] School is back in session and we are already in detention! But never fear because joining us is a very special guest: Molly McAleer! We break down the five members of The Breakfast Club:...
-
Jumanji & Trauma Reactions
In the jungle you must wait, til the dice read five or eight! We are jumping into the 1995's Jumanji! We will be discussing the four main characters: Alan, Sarah, Judy, & Peter; and how they all demonstrate different reactions to trauma. We cover a variety of topics: selective mutism…
more -
Princess Mononoke & Values
We are travelling back to Studio Ghibli to discuss the beloved Miyazaki film, Princess Mononoke! We use the wide spectrum of characters to discuss the concept of values. We explore how values are formed and also how values influence our choices. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
-
Portrait of a Lady on Fire: Autonomy & Actualization
[CW: discussions of suicide] Happy Pride! Join us as we discuss Portrait of a Lady on Fire! We break down the themes of autonomy & actualization represented by the various female leads. We also explore the idea of abstract grief and have a lengthy discussion on suicide, specifically within the...
-
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm: Arrested Development, Egocentrism, and Facing your Shadow
In today's episode we break down the animated classic Batman: Mask of the Phantasm! This film was truly ahead of its time and the stellar voice cast masterfully covered the mental anguish Bruce Wayne experiences as he battles his internal family system about whether upholding an oath of vengeance...
-
Arrival: Communication & Existentialism
Join us today as we discuss one of Hannah's favorite movies of all time, Arrival! We break down the use of communication in the film and how it relates to communication both in and out of therapy. We also explore the film's theme of existentialism and radical acceptance. Become a supporter of…
more -
Barbie: What Was I Made For?
Hi Barbie! In this episode, we are once again joined by our beloved friend, fellow therapist, and real life Barbie: Rachel Harrison. We discuss sense of self vs systemic identity. We also explore the themes of codependency and life changes. So put on your favorite pink outfit and join us! Become…
more -
Saltburn: Antisocial Personality Disorder & Dysfunctional Families
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...
-
Never Been Kissed: Neurodivergence & Predatory Relationships
[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...
-
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: Why You Need Your Memories
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...
-
Seinfeld & Festivus: Trauma & Personality Disorders
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…
more -
Jingle All the Way and Being a Present Parent
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...
-
Fried Green Tomatoes: Identity & Chosen Family
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...
-
Whiplash: Tough Love vs Abuse
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...
-
The Shining: Domestic Violence, PTSD, & The Psychology of Kubrick
[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...
-
The Addams Family: Psychopathy and Enmeshment
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...
-
Special Live Episode from FanExpo Chicago 2023
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...
-
Inception with Dr. Isaac Taitz: Consciousness, Dreaming, & Shame
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...
-
Wakanda Forever: Layers of Grief
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…
more -
Up w/ Raiders of the Lost Podcast!
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...
-
The Mummy: Why Do People Go On Adventures??
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...
-
Spider-Man No Way Home: Corrective Experiences, Grief, & Empathy
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...
-
A Goofy Movie: Parenting Styles & Parenting Teens
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! Become a supporter of this podcast:...
About this show
Three licensed therapists breakdown and analyze popular movies and characters from the perspectives of an individual, child, and a marriage and family therapist.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
Hosted by
Popcorn Psychology