Pop Psych 101 | Mental Health in Pop Culture

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In a world where Mental Health is used as a common trope in various forms of storytelling, Therapist, Ryan Engelstad, and Producer, Mike Graham try to determine what's real life, and what's just exaggerated fantasy. Listen as they delve into the fantastical tales told about Mental Health in books,…

Pop Psych 101


    • Sep 1, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 52m AVG DURATION
    • 146 EPISODES

    4.7 from 46 ratings Listeners of Pop Psych 101 | Mental Health in Pop Culture that love the show mention: mike and ryan, mental health, pop culture, issues, interesting, entertaining, great show, informative, love, favorite, guys, new, thank, good, listen.



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    Latest episodes from Pop Psych 101 | Mental Health in Pop Culture

    #111 Existential Crises and the Female Experience in Barbie

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 77:19


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss Greta Gerwig's Barbie! They explore how existential experiences show up in a variety of ways, and talk about the female experience, feminism, and how women are portrayed in movies. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poppsych101/message

    female greta gerwig existential crises
    #110 The Progression of Alzheimer's in Still Alice

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 66:08


    This episode Ryan and Hayley discuss the stages of Alzheimer's and how it affects Alice and her family members in the 2014 film Still Alice. @PopPsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poppsych101/message

    #109 Change and Parenting in Ted Lasso Season 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 70:39


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss the big question asked by Roy Kent to the Diamond Dogs: Can People Change? They also talk about moms and parenting. Finally they give ratings both for the season, and for the show as a whole. Check out our other episodes of Ted Lasso! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poppsych101/message

    #108 Reshaping Relationships in Shrinking

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 75:02


    This episode, Ryan and Hayley discuss how grief and intentional "boops" can reshape relationships. They also explore dual relationships and whether they even try to accurately portray therapy in the series. Follow @poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poppsych101/message

    BONUS: Cannibalism and Psychosis in Yellowjackets

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2023 18:01


    In this bonus episode, Ryan and Hayley discuss why cannibalism is so en vogue right now in media and how psychosis, magic, and medication are spoken about both IRL and in movies, and how Yellowjackets hints at these intersections with some of its characters. @PopPsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poppsych101/message

    #107 Survival and Trauma in Yellow Jackets S1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 70:22


    To prepare you for Season 2 of Yellowjackets coming out this weekend, Ryan and Hayley discuss Season 1. They explore what they believe are the stages of survival, how trauma shows up in different contexts, fugue states, and the consistency of the characters' personalities. And! A bonus episode will be released soon! Enjoy! @poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #106: Ted Lasso Season 2 Quotables

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2023 73:50


    To prepare you for s3 coming out: Ryan and Hayley discuss some notable quotes from Season 2 of Ted Lasso. Other Ted Lasso Episodes The Descent of Nate in Ted Lasso Season 2 Therapy in Ted Lasso S2 Curiosity vs Judgement in Ted Lasso S1 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #105 The Descent of Nate in Ted Lasso Season 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 57:48


    This week Ryan and Hayley focus on Nate's physical and psychological descent into villainhood. They discuss taking up space, spitting, power trips, and that grey hair! Past Ted Lasso Episodes: Ted Lasso Season 2 Episode: #104 Therapy in Ted Lasso Season 2 Ted Lasso Season 1 Episode: Curiosity vs Judgement in Ted Lasso S1 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #104 Therapy in Ted Lasso Season 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 67:46


    This week Ryan and Hayley jump into Ted's relationship with Dr. Sharon and how Season 2 of Ted Lasso represents therapy, in general. Ted Lasso Season 1 Episode: Curiosity vs Judgement in Ted Lasso S1 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #103 Hate Watching White Lotus: PopPsych101xPopSugar Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 47:59


    In December, PopSugar (Shannon Carlin) interviewed Ryan and Hayley about White Lotus and why people like to "hate watch" for her article: Love to Hate the "White Lotus" Characters? There's a Psychological Explanation For That We've got the audio of that interview for you here! Enjoy - let us know what characters you love to hate! @PopPsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #102 The Season of Change in Spirited

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2022 69:12


    This week Ryan and Hayley watched AppleTV+'s Spirited. They discussed change, what it means to be "unredeemable", self-narratives, and how the Christmas Carol storyline might just be... therapy? Follow us! @popPsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #101 Fame and Growth in Almost Famous with Debbie Carroll

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 63:00


    This week Ryan and Hayley invite Debbie Carroll (Onsite) to join them to discuss mental health in the entertainment industry, in general, and specifically how it is represented in Almost Famous. Onsite, a Nashville-based emotional company with 40 years of experience, has launched a first-of-its-kind program specifically designed to support the entertainment industry — musicians, actors and other public-facing professionals — to proactively manage their mental and emotional health. Debbie Carroll joined Onsite in March to lead its entertainment industry program. Debbie is a licensed social worker and was with The Recording Academy's MusiCares program for more than 20 years, most recently as vice president of health and human services. She is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable people in the industry when it comes to supporting artists mentally and emotionally. PLEASE Rate, Review, and Subscribe! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #100 Looking back with Ryan's official 100 episodes!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2022 58:21


    This week Hayley flips the script on Ryan and surprises him with a conversation about what it's like doing PopPsych101 over the past 4-ish years. They discuss the PopPsych101 journey from start to future! Follow us @PopPsych101 let us know what you think! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #99 Identity and the Female Experience in She-Hulk

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 87:02


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss Marvel's She-Hulk. They explore how sudden life-changes can affect identity, how the female experience shows up in Jennifer Walters's expression as She-Hulk, and what they think of Jennifer's group therapy experience. They also are lucky to check in with their own Jennifer, Attorney-at-Law: Ryan's wife! She shares where the show hits the mark on lawyering and were it doesn't represent a true attorney's experience. Please rate, REVIEW, and subscribe! And check in with them on all socials: @PopPsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #98 Trauma and Cultural Assimilation in Midsommar

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 93:38


    Because it's Halloween week and everyone has been begging for them to cover Midsommar, Ryan and Hayley find a way to make it happen... In this week's episode, Ryan explains to Hayley about the plot of Midsommar and she uses her intake session skills to ask questions so she can understand the context and psychology of the creepy film. Follow us @poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    halloween trauma midsommar cultural assimilation
    #97 Therapist Relationships in How I Met Your Mother

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2022 67:52


    This episode, Ryan and Hayley delve into a story arc in S7 of HIMYM. Robin dates her therapist *GASP*. Ryan and Hayley explore if everyone, ultimately, dates or marries "their parents." Please Rate Review and Subscribe... these things all help! Reviews are the best! Also follow us on social media @poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #96 Handling Stressful Contexts in The Bear

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 67:32


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss Hulu's The Bear. They explore the grief that characters are experiencing in different ways, the stress of professional hierarchies, and the importance of communication - both personally and on teams. This episode includes a clip from comedian, Kyle Ayers. You can find him on instagram/twitter: @kyleayers, tiktok: @kyleayersthings, or for his (VERY FUN) podcast or more info check out https://linktr.ee/kyleayers! follow us @poppsych101! Byyyyeeeee. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #95 Multiverses, Validation, and Choice in Everything Everywhere All at Once

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2022 68:48


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss the importance of validation, looking back on past choices and recognizing current choices, and the big question: Do multiverses exist? Follow us at @poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #94 Friendship and Nostalgia in Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 64:33


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss Disney+'s Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers. They explore how friendships change over time and how conflict resolution is represented by our beloved chipmunks. They also explore why so many movies lately are so nostalgic and why it makes sense in current times. Please follow them on all the socials! @poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #93 High School Experiences in Senior Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 64:14


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss Netflix's Senior Year. They explore fixation, post-coma psychosis, and how high school experiences shape people, affect people as adults, and hold different value for people as they grow. Please follow us on all social media @PopPsych101 PLEASE rate and review.... it helps us a lot! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #92 Dissociative Identity Disorder in MoonKnight

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 66:29


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss one of the newest additions to the MCU: Moon Knight. They explore how Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is portrayed in the film, where mental health and magic collide, and how Hollywood plays a role in how people view mental health. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #91 Ethics and Morality of Severance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2022 65:46


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss Apple TV's Severance. They explore the ethics and morality of the procedure, some "psychological plot holes", and work-life balance. Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe. And follow us @poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #90 The Emotions of Puberty in Turning Red

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2022 63:43


    In this week's episode, Ryan and Hayley discuss Pixar's Turning Red. They explore puberty, parental pressure, and the struggle with narratives about controlling emotions. Follow us on social media @poppsych101 NOTE: Hayley's microphone settings were off, so her sound is a little hollow! But it seems to slightly improve as the episode progresses AND it's a great episode - so don't miss it! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #89 Mothers, Addiction, and Why people like Euphoria

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2022 72:42


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss Season2 Episde6 of the popular show Euphoria. They discuss mothers, the support they offer, and the representation of someone as more than their addiction. Ryan and Hayley also explore why people like the show despite its heavy topics. linktr.ee/poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #88 Being Seen in Nightmare Alley

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 60:02


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss people's need to be seen, the questions of Man vs Monster and Curiosity vs Confidence, and the arts of mentalism and magicians. Linktr.ee/poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #87 Oscar Nominations: Communication & Boundaries in CODA

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2022 60:32


    This month, Ryan and Hayley are covering some Oscar nominated movies. This week, they discuss AppleTV's CODA. They cover needed codependence, communication, and being a teenager trying to find your own way. linktr.ee/poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #86 Oscar Nominations: Family Dynamics in Encanto

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2022 62:19


    This month, Ryan and Hayley are covering a couple Oscar nominated movies. This week, they discuss Disney's Encanto. They cover the power of feeling seen, personal growth, gifts vs curses, and family dynamics.  linktr.ee/poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #85 Oscar Nominations: Personal Perspectives and the Power of the Dog

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2022 59:11


    This month, Ryan and Hayley are covering a couple Oscar nominated movies. This week, they discuss Netflix's The Power of the Dog. They cover toxic masculinity, how our personal narratives affect how we view things, and the is-this-or-isn't-this of antisocial personality disorder symptoms. linktr.ee/poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #84 Coping Through Play in Bluey

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2022 62:20


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss an episode of Bluey called "Copy Cat." They explore the childlike experience of grief, coping through play, and different takes on parenting. Please follow us @poppsych101 on the socials Rate, Review, and Subscribe. Linktr.ee/poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #83 Climate Anxiety and AI in Finch

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2022 56:44


    This week, Ryan and Hayley watch Apple TV's Finch and discuss anxiety vs fear, artificial intelligence, and the power of taking initiative. Rate, review, and subscribe! Thank you so much! linktr.ee/poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #82 The Philosophy of Cloning & Grief in Swan Song

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 54:19


    This week Ryan and Hayley dive deep into philosophy... aliens, cloning, what makes someone human, and ultimately grief in Apple TV's Swan Song.  Please follow us @PopPsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #81 Teletherapy in the Simpsons

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2022 55:08


    This week, Ryan and Hayley discuss Season 33 Episode 9 of the Simpsons: Mothers and Other Strangers. They explore how it represents teletherapy as a whole, particularly therapy apps; lesser known diagnoses; and parenting. Please follow us on the socials @popsych101 and join our patreon for bonus material patreon.com/poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    simpsons teletherapy other strangers
    #80 Hypnotherapy in Hypnotic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2022 66:05


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss Hypnotherapy in Netflix's Hypnotic. They talk about fears, control, and buy in. They also discuss how it compares to other therapeutic techniques, and really hammer home the idea that it is important to ASK QUESTIONS when you want to know more! Please follow us @poppsych101 Join our patreon: patreon.com/poppsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #79 Egotism and 'Truman Show Delusion' in The Truman Show w/ Dr. Matt Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2022 63:38


    This week, Ryan and Hayley welcome Dr. Matt Johnson as they discuss The Truman Show and how it was so popular that it actually has a mental health experience named after it related to how we all sort of think that we're the center of the universe! Dr. Matt Johnson's work can be found in the following locations: Book: getbook.at/BLINDSIGHT (case sensitive) Bootcamp: www.popneuro.com/neuromarketing-bootcamp Blog: www.popneuro.com/neuromarketing-blog --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #78 Wellness Gurus & Psychedelics in Nine Perfect Strangers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 64:25


    This week, Ryan and Hayley discuss Hulu's Nine Perfect Strangers. They explore micro-dosing, hallucinogenics. and wellness retreats in general. They also cover the importance of informed consent and accountability in treatment. Please rate, review, and subscribe. And follow us at @PopPsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    Autumn Series 2021: In Treatment - Brooke

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2021 62:46


    This month, Ryan and Hayley are deep diving into season 4 of In Treatment. Each week they will focus on one of the 4 main characters and discuss their overall case. This week, to close it out, they focus on Dr. Brooke Taylor, herself. Thank you so much for following along with our Autumn Series! We'll see you in 2022! Please follow us on socials @PopPsych101 and let us know what you think and what you'd like to hear. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    Autumn Series 2021: In Treatment - Laila

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 66:47


    This month, Ryan and Hayley are deep diving into season 4 of In Treatment. Each week they will focus on one of the 4 main characters and discuss their overall case. This week, they focus on Dr. Brooke Taylor's work with Laila. Ryan and Hayley are joined by Dr. Karmen Thulin. You can find her at https://catalystcenterllc.com/our-team/karmen-thulin/ and soon at https://selfstudied.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    Autumn Series 2021: In Treatment - Colin

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 67:00


    This month, Ryan and Hayley are deep diving into season 4 of In Treatment. Each week they will focus on one of the 4 main characters and discuss their overall case. This week, they focus on Dr. Brooke Taylor's work with Colin --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    Autumn Series 2021: In Treatment - Eladio

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2021 61:19


    This month, Ryan and Hayley are deep diving into season 4 of In Treatment. Each week they will focus on one of the 4 main characters and discuss their overall case. This week, they focus on Dr. Brooke Taylor's work with Eladio. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    Quick Announcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2021 2:44


    Hayley hops into your speakers to quickly update you on PopPsych's break and her and Ryan's plans for the podcast. Be sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter: @PopPsych101 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #77 Curiosity vs Judgement in Ted Lasso Season 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2021 60:09


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss how Ted Lasso's approach of curiosity rather than judgement looks across various circumstances; masculinity as it shows up and is reframed during season 1; as well as relentless optimism and anxiety. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #76 Mental Health in the Music of Frozen II

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2021 63:56


    (This version is not connected to Spotify - please listen on Spotify if you would like the songs built into the episode for you!) This week, Ryan and Hayley take a look at how the songs of Frozen II represent various experiences within mental health (hallucinations, depression, grief, attachment). They also take a look at a song that was removed from the movie and how it would have changed a huge part of the movie itself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message

    #75 Agoraphobia in Woman in the Window

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2021 62:53


    This week Hayley and Ryan delve into agoraphobia and anxiety as it is portrayed in the movie Woman in the Window, starring Amy Adams. They also talk about the unique presentation of a therapist receiving therapy and the tricky situation of having an unreliable narrator. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/support

    #74 Consent and Gender Norms in Bridgerton with Novel Feelings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 64:18


    This week Ryan and Hayley are joined by the cohosts of the Novel Feelings podcast to discuss Bridgerton - the show AND the book. They discuss how mental health discourse looks in Australia, as well as the topics of consent, gender, and gossip as it is portrayed by the Bridgerton series. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/support

    #73 Finding your Spark in Disney Pixar's Soul

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 55:38


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss intentionality, the difference between goals and values, and Hayley gets on a soap box about passion. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/support

    #72 Sports Psychology in The Weight of Gold with Dr. Shane Saenz

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2021 58:49


    This week Ryan and Hayley invite guest Dr. Shane Saenz (PsyD, CMPC: Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Sport Psychologist; https://www.drshanesaenz.com) to explore with them HBO's original documentary The Weight of Gold. Shane explains how sport is often the "first love" for many competitive athletes and the role that human development plays in their focus of their sport. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/support

    #71 Marriage Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 66:08


    In this episode Ryan and Hayley break done the Netflix movie Marriage story. We break down the emotional toll of the divorce process and what kind of support the characters could benefit from. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/support

    #70 Intergenerational Trauma in Mare of Easttown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2021 68:02


    This week Ryan and Hayley discuss intergenerational trauma in HBO's Mare of Easttown. We look at Mare's therapist and how Mare was able to work through her grief. We also answer the question "Why do therapists ask 'How did/does that make you feel?'" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/support

    #69 Memory Loss in Memento

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 63:08


    This week, Ryan and Hayley discuss the movie Memento. They play with the idea of how structure and order effect how memory is created and stored, as well as lost - particularly with regard to Anterograde Amnesia/Memory Loss. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/support

    #68 Psychopathy vs Sociopathy in The Undoing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2021 73:41


    Hayley and Ryan break down the crisis experienced by therapist Grace Fraser, played by Nicole Kidman, and her family in this HBO series. We discuss the differences between psychopathy, sociopathy, and narcissism and how to understand the attempts to cope with this family crisis. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/support

    #67 Identity and Loss in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2021 73:42


    In this episode, therapists Ryan Englestad and Hayley Roberts discuss characters from the Disney+ series, Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. They explore personal identities that the characters desire and grow into, as well as those that they want to escape, avoid, and change. We also look into social dynamics including privilege, power, and race and how those play into how the characters are perceived and perceive others. Ryan shares a fear of his own that he faced, and Hayley doesn't even try to hide her disgust for one of the show's characters. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/poppsych101/support

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