Popcorn Psychology

Step Brothers: Emotional Maturity, Parenting in Blended Families, and Therapist Portrayals in the Media

May 27, 2019 13:00 - 1 hour - 207 MB

It's Shark Week! In this Episode on the Will Ferrell/ John C. Reilly classic comedy Step Brothers we discuss the depiction of Emotional Maturity and Development, Blended Families, and the (TERRIBLE) depiction of Client-Therapist relationships in the media! Did we just become best friends?! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith - Manipulation, Grooming, and Gaslighting LIVE at Chicago Podcasters Unite Festival

May 13, 2019 15:27 - 26 minutes - 61.6 MB

Have you heard the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise? In this special short LIVE episode we cover Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and the manipulation and grooming masterfully deployed by Palpatine to turn Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. We discuss the specific strategies that master manipulators use to groom their prey and detail how Darth Sidious played the long game in his slow gaslighting of Anakin and helped warp his mind from the Chosen One to the Dark Lord. We also discu...

Avengers Infinity War and Endgame: Examining different responses to Grief and Loss

April 29, 2019 13:30 - 1 hour - 232 MB

SPOILER ALERT!!!! Avengers Assemble and make sure you have your kleenex! In this epsiode we will be discussing the events of Avengers Endgame and Infinity War in full detail so DON"T LISTEN UNTIL YOU ARE READY because this epsidoe is FULL OF SPOILERS! Without giving too much away we will be discsussing how the OG Avengers Hawkeye, Black Widow, Hulk, Thor, Captain America, and Iron Man deal with Grief and Loss in these two epic films! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker...

The Princess Bride: Grief, Loss, and Revenge Fantasies

April 08, 2019 12:37 - 1 hour - 205 MB

In this episode on Rob Reiner's 80s Classic: The Princess Bride we discuss Grief and loss and the different ways that people react to it. We primarily focus on the presentations of Buttercup, Westley, and Inigo and the different ways in which the deal with losses in their lives. We also discuss the concept of revenge fantasies and how they represent a classic McGuffin that drives many plots, but, in reality rarely works out the way people imagine. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://...

Harry Potter and Psychology: Years 5 & 6 - PTSD and Personality Disorders

March 25, 2019 13:20 - 1 hour - 208 MB

The wait is over! In the second installment of our Harry Potter series we are discussing The Order of the Phoenix and The Half Blood Prince! This episode will largely focus on youth trauma and the various responses to it in youth as demonstrated by Harry, Luna, and Draco. We will also evaluate the healthiness of the responses to it by the adults in the films and how their use of information (or lack thereof) impacts recovery. We will also discuss the villainous Dolores Umbridge and evaluate ...

Heathers: Bullying, Suicide, and Anti-Social Personality Disorder

March 11, 2019 11:00 - 1 hour - 243 MB

Welcome back for Season Two! We are diving into a cult classic that has been requested several times by listeners and covering Heathers. We hit a variety of topics: bullying, Antisocial Personality Disorder, suicide, the effects of parenting, and the struggle of trying to find your identity as an adolescent. We also rip apart the movie’s example of a mental health counselor and provide more appropriate ways for mental health providers to handle crises in school settings. Become a supporter o...

Ten Things I Hate About You: Romantic Relationships, Family Relationships, and Adjustment Disorder. A Fan Choice Valentine's Special 2019!

February 11, 2019 13:54 - 1 hour - 234 MB

In this special Valentine's Day Episode we discuss the classic Millennial Rom Com 10 Things I Hate About You! We discuss Healthy Relationship development, Teen Social Issues, Adjustment Disorder, Family Systems Issues after a divorce, and boundary setting. Tune in to hear us analyze this modern retelling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and be sure to check our Facebook for a contest about this one! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychol...

Mean Girls : Personality Disorders Live at Women in Podcasting Festival

January 07, 2019 12:00 - 30 minutes - 70 MB

In this fetch LIVE recording of Popcorn Psychology we debate the Queen of the Plastics: Regina George. Is she a Psychopath? In this episode we debate Antisocial, Histrionic, and Narcissitic traits displayed by Regina George in Mean Girls live from the Otherworld Theater in Chicago at the Women In Podcasting Festival. Tune in to find out what we think Regina's deal is!

Mean Girls: Personality Disorders Live at Women in Podcasting Festival

January 07, 2019 12:00 - 30 minutes - 70 MB

In this fetch LIVE recording of Popcorn Psychology we debate the Queen of the Plastics: Regina George. Is she a Psychopath? In this episode we debate Antisocial, Histrionic, and Narcissitic traits displayed by Regina George in Mean Girls live from the Otherworld Theater in Chicago at the Women In Podcasting Festival. Tune in to find out what we think Regina's deal is! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

It's a Wonderful Life: Persistent Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, and Existentialism

December 24, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 200 MB

In our final episode of Season 1 we discuss the life and trials of George Bailey and attempt to answer the question of whether "Wonderful" is a fair assessment. We debate whether George's symptoms are primarily based in depression or anxiety as well as debate the co-morbidity of depression, anxiety, and trauma. We detail the treatments available to help George as he faces his existential crisis. Tune in to find out more and Happy Holidays to all! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://w...

The Incredible Hulk: Anxiety, Anger, and Dissociative Trauma w/ Special Guests Capes on the Couch

December 10, 2018 11:30 - 1 hour - 200 MB

To Smash or not to Smash??? In this very special episode we discuss the 2008's The Incredible Hulk starring Edward Norton with our friends at Capes on the Couch! We discuss the issues of Anxiety Disorder, Anger Management, PTSD, and Dissociative Trauma. We review the psychology of Edward Norton's version of Dr. Bruce Banner/ Hulk and in this episode cover it from the perspectives of an Individual Therapist, a Child Therapist, a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as with our special guests ...

Silver Linings Playbook and Bipolar: Live at SMGPM4

November 26, 2018 12:00 - 37 minutes - 68.2 MB

This episode is from our first live show in which we discussed Silver Linings Playbook! Because it is from a live show it is a much shorter episode than usual and, therefore, less of a thorough discussion than in our other episodes. The majority of our focus is breaking down the fact and fiction of how this movie portrays Bipolar Disorder via the character of Pat. We will also be discussing how Pat’s family and their interactions with him significantly impacts his mental health symptoms and h...

Fantastic Beasts: Child Abuse, Identity, and Social Functioning

November 12, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 184 MB

[Content Warning: Discussions of childhood abuse and sexual abuse] How much do our childhood experiences shape who we become? In this episode we will be discussing Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, particularly the characters of Creedence and Newt Scamander, and exploring that question. We will be tackling a variety of topics: childhood abuse, grooming, parenting, social skills, trauma, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. We will also be exploring how the strictness of familial beliefs (reli...

Halloween: Conduct Disorder, Dissociative Trauma, and ACES

October 29, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 189 MB

CONTENT WARNING: CHILD ABUSE! In this episode we disuss the psychology of THE classic horror slasher, Michael Myers, in Halloween (1978 & 2007 versions). We compare and contrast the depiction of Michael Myers as well as Dr. Loomis in the 1978 John Carpenter version with the 2007 remake by Rob Zombie. We review the Adverse Childhood Events Scale (ACES) as well as debate whether Michael shows symptoms of Conduct Disorder, Dissociation due to Childhood Trauma, Reactive Attachment Disorder or a ...

Psycho : Dissociative Identity Disorder, Enmeshment, and Sexual Abuse

October 15, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 183 MB

[Content warning for this episode: we will be talking about sexual abuse and the traumatic impact of incest, which may be triggering for some listeners.] Should a boy’s best friend be his mother? Join us as we discuss the movie Psycho and Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder). We will also be discussing the traumatic impact of isolation, sexual abuse, enmeshed relationships, and inappropriate parental boundaries. Tune as we dive into the head of No...

Psycho: Dissociative Identity Disorder, Enmeshment, and Sexual Abuse

October 15, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 183 MB

[Content warning for this episode: we will be talking about sexual abuse and the traumatic impact of incest, which may be triggering for some listeners.] Should a boy’s best friend be his mother? Join us as we discuss the movie Psycho and Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder). We will also be discussing the traumatic impact of isolation, sexual abuse, enmeshed relationships, and inappropriate parental boundaries. Tune as we dive into the head of No...

The Sixth Sense: Child Therapy, Psychosis, and Multiculturalism

October 01, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 227 MB

In Our first Halloween episode, we delve into M. Night Shaymalan's The Sixth Sense and discuss its impressively accurate portrayal of building a therapeutic relationship with a child client by Bruce Willis. We also explore the topic of psychosis and how Cole's experience of seeing dead people reminded us of our own encounters with clients who experience psychotic symptoms. We also discuss the importance of remainig respectful of multiculturalism and recongizing the difference between psychosi...

Harry Potter and Psychology: Years 1-4

August 20, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 231 MB

In this episode we discuss the psychology of the Harry Potter series in the first of 3 episodes we will devote to this topic. We discuss growth and development, social development, trauma, family dynamics, group dynamics, and bullying. We discuss our house membership (Can you guess which one each of us belong to?) and the impact being sorted into houses has on the social structure at Hogwarts. Tune in to find out more and let us know your thoughts which house you belong to at www.facebook.com...

Batman Begins: Grief, Identity Reformation, and Survivor's Guilt

August 06, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 224 MB

In this episode we examine Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, the film that started a revolution of superhero movies and bringing them into a realistic world. In this episode we discuss the themes of finding your identity after a trauma, coping with survivor's guilt, and overcoming grief that are presented in the start of The Dark Knight Trilogy. We focus largely on Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne/ Batman, but also touch on Ra's al Ghul and Alfred Pennyworth. Listen in to our tenth episode to he...

Captain America Civil War -Family Dynamics, Anger and Identity

July 23, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 215 MB

Do you know what role you play in your family? Listen as we discuss the different roles that each superhero plays in the Avengers Family in the film, Captain America: Civil War. We also discuss anger and identity which both play roles in the division of the Avengers as well as the complicated consciousness of an entire galaxy. Who do you think plays the roles of Mom and Dad in this movie? How does a family therapist, an individual therapist and a child therapist help a family in need. Listen ...

Fatal Attraction and Borderline Personality Disorder

July 09, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 92.8 MB

This Episode won't be ignored! In this fan requested episode we discuss the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder demonstrated by Glenn Close in her depiction of Alex Forrest in 1987's Fatal Attraction. We also debate whether or not the character of Dan displays traits of Narcissitic Personality Disorder or simply Narcissitic Personality. Be sure to listen in to hear our analysis of this classic psychological thriller! Please be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or e...

Shutter Island: Dissociation,Ethics, Psychoses, and Trauma

June 25, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 183 MB

SPOILER ALERT!!! In this episode we cover Martin Scorese's 2010 film Shutter Island. We discuss the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and Psychoses displayed by Teddy/ Andrew. We also debate the ethics of the treatment provided by the Psychiatrists that run the treatment team and evaluate the question of innovation vs conventional when dealing with treatment resitant individuals. The issues get especially complicated when dealing with the appropriate...

Logan: Depression, PTSD, and Caregiver Fatigue

June 11, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 201 MB

In this episode we discuss the symtpoms of Major Depressive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Caregiver Fatigue displayed masterfully by Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in the 2017 film Logan. We also explore the impact of Dementia in loved ones on Caregivers as displayed by Logan and Caliban as they care for their declining mentor Professor Charles Xavier. We also explore the impact caring for Laura aka X-23 and the other young mutuants has on The Wolverine. Tune in and let us know wha...

Anchorman and Personality Disorders

May 28, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 172 MB

In this episode we discuss the movie Anchorman:The Legend of Ron Burgundy and how the characters demonstrate multiple symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissitic Personality Disorder, and Histrionic Personality Disorder. Tune in to hear us discuss these diagnoses, debate which one we feel is best represented by Ron Burgundy, and how being "kind of a big deal" can lead to an emotional breakdown and the challenges people face when they lose their identity. Stay Classy San Diego! B...

The Family Dynamics of Call Me By Your Name

May 14, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 178 MB

The movie we breakdown in episode 4 is, "Call Me by Your Name". This movie gives the audience the pleasure of watching two people fall in love in the beautiful setting of 1983 Northern Italy. It is adapted from the book by the same name and won an Oscar for the screenplay. Listen as we discuss the importance of family acceptance,grief, sexual identity and the trials and tribulations of being a 17 year old in love. We also explore family dynamics and the precarious balance of letting a child h...

A Wrinkle in Time: Grief, Depression, and Finding Your Way

April 30, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 199 MB

In this episode we review and discuss Disney's "A Wrinkle in Time". We breakdown the role of grief, loss, depression, and finding your identity. We focus primarily on the journey Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace, but will also cover the story and emotions of the adults. We discuss the symptoms of grief and depression as well as treatment approaches we would offer if these characters were to walk into our offices. Listen to find out more and be sure to connect with us on Facebook if you have a...

Fifty Shades of Grey: Fact, Fiction, and Reality of BDSM and Relationships

April 16, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 184 MB

In this episode we examine all 3 films in the Fifty Shades Trilogy. We explore the depiction of Kink and BDSM, the health of the relationship between Christian and Anastasia, and the trauma and abuse experienced by Christian and it's impact on him. We also explore the facts vs fiction in BDSM and the culture of safety and consent and evaluate how it was presented in these films. Fifty Shades of Grey or Fifty Shades of BS? Listen and find out! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.s...

Trauma and Star Wars: The Last Jedi

April 02, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 159 MB

Three Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors review Star Wars: The Last Jedi and cover the topics of Trauma, PTSD, and Abusive Relationships and how they impacted the plot and characters of Luke Skywalker, Kylo Ren, Supreme Leader Snoke, and Rey. We discuss the impact Trauma symptoms and abusive relationships have on the characters and discuss how it is represented in the film, how it may look in real life, and how we as professionals would treat the characters if they were to walk into ou...

An Introduction to Popcorn Psychology

March 15, 2018 00:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MB

This short episode offers a brief introduction to the Podcast as well as into hosts Ben Stover, LCPC, Brittney Brownfield, LCPC, and Hannah Espinoza-Reimus, LCPC, AMFT. We discuss why we created the podcast, our clinical backgrounds, our treatment philosphies, and our favorite movies. QQtMvLU7nMieThACDusL Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.

Popcorn Psychology Trailer

February 16, 2018 14:57 - 40 seconds - 623 KB

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