Popcorn Psychology

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

Big Fish: Having a Complicated Relationship With Your Parent

August 14, 2025 • 104 mins
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 your fishing rod and waders and join us in the deep waters of Big Fish!

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Moonstruck: Identity Crises and Relationships

July 17, 2025 • 104 mins
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!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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Thunderbolts*: What Happens When Trauma Gets Superpowers?

June 27, 2025 • 109 mins
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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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Godzilla Minus One: Moral Injury & Collective Trauma

June 5, 2025 • 96 mins
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 Japanese people after WWII. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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Starship Troopers: Adolescent Development & Propaganda

May 13, 2025 • 85 mins
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 out for bugs!!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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Inside Out 2: The Impact of Anxiety

April 14, 2025 • 80 mins
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 interventions. Hold on to your sense of self and join us!!

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My Big Fat Greek Wedding & Enmeshment

February 14, 2025 • 111 mins
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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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A Christmas Story: Kids & Their Parents

December 24, 2024 • 96 mins
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 podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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Home Alone: Family Issues, Holiday Stress, and KEVIN!!!

December 20, 2024 • 95 mins
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 to tune in! One, two...ten! 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: Accepting What Makes You Different

November 22, 2024 • 14 mins
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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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House of the Dragon Live at Fan Expo Chicago 2024 with Dr. Vanessa Hintz

November 22, 2024 • 42 mins
[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 of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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Addams Family Values: Stunted Development, Anti-Social Traits, and Family Systems

October 31, 2024 • 111 mins
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, and the family dynamics of the Addams family on display!  Duh duh de Dun!! Snap snap!!

*Note Technical issues impacted us during this record...
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Nope: Sibling Dynamics & Dissociation

October 30, 2024 • 85 mins
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 interesting presentation of Jupe in the way that he is dealing (or not dealing) with his childhood trauma. So strap into your saddle and giddy up!

Be...
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District 9: Dehumanization, Empathy, and Forced Perspective Change

September 26, 2024 • 81 mins
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 it's ok?!" (Spoiler alert) they dissociate, dehumanize, and delegitimize the group they are othering. This time we examine how it happens, w...
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The Breakfast Club: Parental Influence & Societal Roles w/ Molly McAleer

September 20, 2024 • 146 mins
[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: Bender, Claire, Andrew, Brian, & Alison. We discuss a variety of topics: parental influence on our sense of self, societal roles, the...
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Jumanji & Trauma Reactions

August 26, 2024 • 128 mins
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, pathological lying, identity issues, and arrested development. 

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Princess Mononoke & Values

July 22, 2024 • 103 mins
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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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Portrait of a Lady on Fire: Autonomy & Actualization

June 23, 2024 • 100 mins
[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 LGBTQIA+ community. 

If you are experiencing suicidal thinking and/or feel at risk of suicide, you can contact the following supports:

 The...
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Batman: Mask of the Phantasm: Arrested Development, Egocentrism, and Facing your Shadow

June 18, 2024 • 77 mins
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 sworn as a child or living a happy life best honors his departed parents. In this episode we cover the topics of Arrested Development, Eg...
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Arrival: Communication & Existentialism

May 27, 2024 • 106 mins
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 this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/popcorn-psychology--3252280/support.
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