Popcorn Psychology

[Content Warning: Discussions of abuse and violence]

Happy Halloween! For our second spooky installment of 2026, we finally discuss Pan's Labyrinth! We explored Ofella's use of imagination and storytelling to manage her traumatic circumstances. We conceptualize Capt. Vidal as a case study of Antisocial Personality Disorder. We also discuss the importance of ethical disobedience as both a therapist and as a person. Stay safe out there!

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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

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[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 the neighborhood, or trying to get your parents' attention. We discuss how their childhood experiences have influenced their presentation as adults. We hope you enjoy!

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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 always ending with treatment and final thoughts. Let us know what you think about this incredible film!

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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 and Will as chosen family. Instead of doing our regular treatment we are discussing self care and how important it is to take time for yourself and watch silly movies like this one. Did we all love it? Listen and find out!

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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.

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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 romantic relationships seen in the movie as well as the societal factors that exacerbate Bridget's self-esteem. Join us and spread the love!

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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 life until he is supernaturally intervened with on Christmas Eve.

From all three of us at Popcorn Psychology, we wish you a peaceful end to this year and tons of love in return for the love we feel from you :)

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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 expensive shoes being broken willy nilly! This episode features Hannah and Brittney only and we missed our Ben while recording! Enjoy!

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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 you can find the research referenced by Brittney in this episode:

https://lazarussiafa.medium.com/myth-metaphor-and-meaning-a-deep-dive-into-the-overwhelming-symbolic-architecture-in-the-movie-24e39197990d

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2025/04/11881716/sinners-movie-ending-explained-wunmi-mosaku-interview

https://tapmagazine.org/all-articles/sinners-is-a-film-about-black-joy

https://theemancipator.org/2025/04/26/topics/movies-and-tv/sinners-movie-analysis-beautiful-struggle-belong-survive/

https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/sinners-have-souls-too-humanization-deep-south-ryan-cooglers-southern-gothic-horror-sinners

https://www.horrorhomeroom.com/black-joy-white-interruptions-sinners-and-the-afrofuturism-of-black-horror/

https://browderfile.substack.com/p/the-psychology-of-sinners-and-the

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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 GOLDEN!

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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. Please enjoy this wild ride with us.

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The Trolley Problem meets Zombies! Enjoy this Live episode on The Last of Us (HBO) from FanExpo Chicago 2025!

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Popcorn Psychology LIVE at FanExpo Chicago 2025!!! Panel 1 of 2 on Thunderbolts and When Marvel Gets Mental Health Right!

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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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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!!

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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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