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Episode 51: Pride Month & the Love is Love Comic Anthology (6/16/17)
Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of the Pulse nightclub shooting and discussion of discrimination toward LGBTQ+ individuals.
Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a mental health or medical professional. If you are struggling with mental health issues, please seek professional help.
Episode Summary: It has been one year since the tragic loss of lives at Pulse nightclub. We begin this episode by discussing the Love is Love comic anthology that was created in remembrance of those affected. Next, we provide a brief overview of LGBTQ+ history within the field of psychology and discuss how discrimination negatively impacts mental health. Finally, we discuss some ways that mental health professionals can work toward reducing discrimination toward LGBTQ+ people. This episode does not go into depth, and instead provides an overview/introduction of these topics. For more detailed information and additional resources, please check out the following:

The APA Office on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
APA blog post on a study by the CDC on health risks faced by LGB Youth
The Trevor Project
Trans Lifeline
JAMA paper on same-sex marriage legislation and adolescent suicide attempt rates
This American Life episode about how “homosexuality” was removed from the DSM
Sawbones episode on Conversion Therapy
Information on the LGBT PRIDE Act
Love Is Love comic anthology
APA document on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation

Also, check out Geek Therapy’s episode on Love is Love here!

Episode 50: Myths, Part 5: Substance Use-Related Myths with Dr. Keith Donohue (6/9/2017) – Hey folks! This week, we conclude our mini-series on myths with a focus on substance use-related misconceptions. Our guest expert, Dr. Keith Donohue, discusses topics related to the nature, treatment, and fictional depictions of substance use problems.  Some fictional characters we discuss include Jessica Jones, Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad, Dr. House, and Logan. If you are interested in additional information on this topic, you can find it here and here.

Episode 49: BONUS EPISODE – Wonder Woman, First Impressions and Initial Reactions (SPOILERS) (6/2/2017) – Hey folks! This bonus episode is all about Wonder Woman! We turned on the mic about ten minutes after finishing the midnight release of the film. As such, prepare for two very tired podcasters nerding out big time about an excellent film. Let us know what you think on Twitter at @jedi_counsel! PS – SPOILERS!

Episode 48: Myths, Part 4: Forensic Psychology-Related Myths & Silence of the Lambs (6/2/2017) – Hey folks! This week, we continue our mini-series on myths with a focus on forensic psychology-related misconceptions. Using Lilienfeld et al.’s book as a primary resource, we debunk the following myths 1) The polygraph (“Lie Detector”) test is an accurate means of detecting dishonesty (it’s not, BUT tune in to hear how it has a cool connection with Wonder Woman!), 2) Most people with mental illnesses are violent (they’re not!), 3) Criminal profiling is helpful in solving cases (not as helpful as we’d like), and more!  We also discuss Silence of the Lambs and speculate about what made Clarice Starling such a compelling character that she inspired many people to want to have similar career paths.

Episode 47: Myths, Part 3: Mental Health Myths (5/26/2017) – Hey folks! This week, we continue our mini-series on myths by addressing mental health-related misconceptions that people asked us about via Twitter or Facebook! In honor of mental health awareness month, we first talk about our training in clinical psychology and mention a few myths we’ve heard about our field. We refer to this link that goes into more detail about the differences between some different types of mental health professional training. Next, we address several more myths, such as: 1) suicides occur at higher rates during the winter holidays (they don’t), 2) all “talk therapy” is the same (it’s not), and more! DISCLAIMER: We are NOT trained medical professionals and you should not seek any advice for your personal situations from this podcast. You should speak directly to a medical or mental health professional about any concerns. We mention some general findings in the research for educational purposes, but it should not be used as advice.

Episode 46: BONUS EPISODE – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 & the Psychology of Family Connections (5/26/2017) – Hey folks! Tune in this week to hear us geek out about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2! WARNING: This episode contains tons of SPOILERS. We talk about aspects of the movie that we love, with a focus on family-related themes. We explore the plot and characters through a psychological lens and connect concepts with some of the therapeutic work we’ve done.

Episode 45: Myths, Part 2: Bullying Myths with Dr. Wendy Troop-Gordon (5/19/2017) – Hey folks! This week we continue our mini-series on myths with the fantastic Dr. Wendy Troop-Gordon, a developmental psychologist. Listen in as she takes us into the world of bullying research. What exactly is bullying? What do we know about it? What can we do about it? Listen in to find out all of this and more! 

You can check out the other great Geek Therapy Podcast Network shows here!

Episode 44: Myths, Part 1: Brain Myths with Dr. Rob Gordon (5/12/2017) – Hey folks! This week we begin our mini-series on myths. We start things off with special guest, Dr Robert Gordon, a cognitive psychologist. Listen in as we cover such myths including: do we use only 10% of our brain? Is our memory similar to a tape (or video) recorder? And is it possible to subliminally influence other people? For other great myths of psychology, check out this book that Dr. Gordon references here: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP002362.html

You can check out the other great Geek Therapy Podcast Network shows here!

Episode 43: Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice (revisited) and Bereavement (5/5/2017) – Hey folks! This week we decided to just come full circle and revisit the topic that started it all, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice! We dive in deciding whether or not the film holds up and then talk about Bruce Wayne’s response to the loss of his parents. We talking about responding to grief, different styles of grief, and how the relationship between bereavement and depression recently changed. 

You can check out the other great Geek Therapy Podcast Network shows here!

Episode 42: The Jedi Counsel and One Year of Podcasting (4/28/2016) – Hey folks, this week we decided to hit the brakes and reflect on one year of podcasting. What do we like, what have we learned, where are we going, and who do we have to thank. Listen in for all that and more. And, sincerely, thank you for tuning into the Jedi Counsel Podcast. 

You can check out the other great Geek Therapy Podcast Network shows here!

Episode 41: The Depiction of Suicide in Thirteen Reasons Why, Part 3 (4/21/2017) –Content Warning: We include discussion of aspects of the series that include rape, stalking, photo sharing without consent, and suicidal behavior.

 This week, we conclude with our third episode in our mini-series on 13 Reasons Why. We continue to discuss the areas of accuracy, places in need of improvement, and what we know based on the research. This episode contains spoilers and information through the end of the series.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available – please reach out at 1-800-273-TALK or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.

 For more information about sexual assault, look here. If you or someone you know is concerned about this issue, you can call 1-800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

 Learn the warning signs for suicide here: http://www.suicidology.org/resources/warning-signs and risk factors here: https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/.

 For more information on the articles discussed in this episode about suicide contagion, look here and here. For media guidelines for discussing suicide, look here.

 You can check out the other great Geek Therapy Podcast Network shows here!

Episode 40: The Depiction of Suicide in Thirteen Reasons Why, Part 2 (4/14/2017) – Hey Folks! This week we continue our second episode in our mini-series on 13 Reasons Why. We continue to discuss the areas of accuracy, places in need of improvement, and what we know based on the research. This episode contains spoilers and information through episode seven.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available – please reach out at 1-800-273-TALK or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. Learn the warning signs for suicide here: http://www.suicidology.org/resources/warning-signs and risk factors here: https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/.

You can check out the other great Geek Therapy Podcast Network shows here!

Episode 39: The Depiction of Suicide in Thirteen Reasons Why, Part 1
(4/7/2017) – Hey folks! This week, we start our first of a series of episodes on the new Netflix show 13 Reasons Why. We talk about areas of accuracy, as well as myths about suicide that are presented in the show. We discuss whether people should make memorials for people who die by suicide, warning signs, reasons for suicide, and how people respond following someone’s death by suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available – please reach out at 1-800-273-TALK or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. Learn the warning signs for suicide here: http://www.suicidology.org/resources/warning-signs and risk factors here: https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/.

You can check out the other great Geek Therapy Podcast Network shows here!
The survey link mentioned in the episode is here!

Episode 38: Major Depressive Disorder and Batgirl, Part 2 (4/7/2017) – Hey folks! This week we continue our discussion on major depressive disorder. We spend some time covering Aaron Beck‘s Cognitive Model of Depression as well as describe how Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (one of the empirically-supported interventions) works. Then we take what we learned and apply it to none other than Barbara Gordon, the Batgirl!

You can check out the other great Geek Therapy Podcast Network shows here!
The survey link mentioned in the episode is here!

Episode 37: Major Depressive Disorder and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Part 1 (3/31/2017) – Hey folks! This week we cover major depressive disorder! We start by going through some of the symptoms and prevalence rates. Then we tie it all back into none other than Buffy the Vampire Slayer! Tune in next week for the epic conclusion where we will cover some of the theories and treatments for major depressive disorder.

Episode 36: The Geek Therapy Podcast Network and Josué Cardona (3/24/2017) – Hey folks! This week we were fortunate enough to interview the highly esteemed Josué Cardona! He is the founder of the Geek Therapy Podcast Network and was vital to Jedi Counsel becoming what it is today. 

Episode 35: Suicidal Ideation and Logan (3/17/2017) – ***THIS EPISODE CONTAINS LOGAN SPOILERS*** Hey folks! This week we finally get to talk about Logan. We start with our overall impressions and then dive into some of the suicidal thoughts Logan is experiencing throughout the film. For more information related to suicide; click here for statistics, here for warning signs, and here for what you can do if you are concerned about a friend or loved one.

You can find Thomas Joiner‘s book about the interpersonal theory of suicide here. Katie’s lab’s study examining the stigma of suicide is available here.

You can check out the other great Geek Therapy Podcast Network shows here. You can check out our new Jedi Counsel merchandise here!

Episode 34: Internet Gaming Disorder and The Guild (3/10/2017) – Hey folks! This week, with some inspiration from MPR, we decided to talk about Internet Gaming Disorder. After talking a bit about the disorder, we cover one of the most accurate and compassionate depictions of mental illness in popular culture; The Guild with Felicia Day! Thanks for listening!

You can check out the other great Geek Therapy Podcast Network shows here!

Episode 33: Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Body Depictions in Comics (3/3/2017) – After two weeks off the air, we nearly forgot how to make podcasts! Just kidding… listen in as we dive into eating disorders. We start by covering the specific disorders, then talk a bit about body shape in comic books, and finish up by briefly touching upon treatments.
Click here for more information about eating disorders.
Click here for more information about treatments for eating disorders.
Click here for the Atlantic article on the comic book character Faith Herbert.
Click here for the article on Renae De Liz on drawing women in comics.

Episode 32: Dissociative Identity Disorder, Part 3: Split (2/20/2017) – Hey folks! This week we conclude our series on dissociative identity disorder by reviewing the 2016 film Split. Fresh from seeing it the night prior, we offer a quick plot summary, our reactions, whether it is an accurate representation, and whether it is a compassionate depiction. See here for the referenced article from The Guardian, sent in via Zach McGough. Thanks, Zach! 

Episode 31: Dissociative Identity Disorder, Part 2 (2/3/2017) – Hey folks! We start this week off with some current events, including the new MBMBAM tv trailer. After that, we continue our discussion of dissociative identity disorder. We start by covering a study by Spanos and with a discussion of the Hillside Strangler. Then we jump into some fictional examples, including Two-Face, of Batman fame, and Tara from The United States of Tara. Thanks for listening in!

Episode 30: Dissociative Identity Disorder (1/27/2017) – Hey folks! Big news! We are officially part of the Geek Therapy Podcast Network! Check out all of the great shows this wonderful network has available! After we nerd out about that, listen in as we begin our discussion of dissociative identity disorder. We start things off by talking about what the disorder is, what the symptoms are, and how it is treated! Next week we will dive in on how the disorder is portrayed in popular media!

Episode 29: Rogue One, Hope, and Representation (1/20/2017) – Hey folks! Today we finally got to talk about Rogue One. Sorry it took so long! Listen in as we talk about our general thoughts about the film and then get into some of the benefits of hope and representation. As always, thanks for listening in!

Episode 28: Bipolar Disorder and a Tribute to Carrie Fisher (1/13/2017) – Hey folks! Today we decided to talk a bit about Princess Leia Organa, Carrie Fisher, and Bipolar Disorder. Carrie Fisher did so much to advocate for for mental illness and deserved some attention. We also dive into Bipolar Disorder. We cover some myths/facts, the symptoms, and available treatments. Thanks for listening in!

Episode 27: Mad Max (1/9/2017) – We hope the new year is treating you well! This week’s episode covers one of our favorite characters, Mad Max! We cover a bit of the relevant background of the character and then dive into the psychology. Enjoy! 

Episode 26: Kevin Smith (1/1/2017) – Happy New Year, everyone! To bring in the new year, we decided to talk about one of our favorite people ever, Kevin Smith! Listen in as we talk about why we like him and how he inspired us and this project! Plus, this week’s episode features two, you read that right, two pearls of wisdom!

Episode 25: The McElroy Brothers, Humor, and Mental Health (12/23/2016) – Hi folks! During this episode we discuss the McElroy brothers! You might know them from My Brother, My Brother, and Me, The Adventure Zone, or any of their other great projects. You can find them all here! Listen in as we talk about why we like these good, good brothers, how humor and mental health might be related, and then we finish up by answering some questions on Yahoo! Answers related to psychology!

Episode 24: Dr. Horrible, Part 3 (12/9/2016) – The epic conclusion to our Dr. Horrible Commentary Saga is upon you! Listen in here as we conclude our commentary of this beautiful, yet harrowing, tale. 

Episode 23: Dr. Horrible, Part 2 (12/2/2016) – Welcome back to our Dr. Horrible Saga! You can listen in to part two here! Load it up and follow along as we continue this mystical journey through one of our favorite musicals!

Episode 22: Dr. Horrible, Part 1 (11/22/2016) – This week we decided to dive into one of our favorite musicals, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. We started this week with Act 1. Load it up and follow along with us as we provide our thoughts and commentary during this excellent piece!

Episode 21: Wonder Woman (11/12/2016) – This week is all Wonder Woman! We were inspired by the newly dropped trailer and the character herself! Listen in as we cover our perspective of Diana Prince, the Wonder Woman. (Also, please pardon the audio issues! We updated our recording set up and need to fine tune the process again! Thank you!)

Episode 20: Halloween Scare-tacular! Fear, Anxiety, and Phobias (10/27/2016) – This week we took a listener suggestion and decided to talk about fear! We start the conversation with Dr. Crane, the Scarecrow and talk a bit about Brandon’s research on fear. Then we move into the clinical realm with a discussion about fear, anxiety, and phobias. Happy Halloween, everyone!

Episode 19: Samantha Myhre, Music, and Mental Health (10/21/2016) – Listen in as we talk with special guest co-host, Samantha Myhre! She brings us her experiences as an instructor, clinician, and musician to tell us about the gaps between music and mental health. 

Episode 18: Superheroes and Coping Styles (10/14/2016) – In this episode we decided to talk about coping styles! Coping styles are the negative or positive ways in which we handle stress and negative emotions. After that we speak about the ways in which we find inspiration and motivation in superheroes, using them as a coping skill. How do superheroes help to inspire or motivate you?

Episode 17: Star Wars, Part 3 – The Light Side (10/7/2016) – Today we conclude our conversation on Star Wars by delving into the light side of the Force. We talk about our favorite characters as well as some of the ways in which the Jedi teachings, like mindfulness meditation, might apply to therapy or overall positive mental health.

Episode 16: Star Wars, Part 2 – The Dark Side (9/29/106) – Today we continued our conversation on Star Wars by delving into the dark side of the Force. Check out this discussion by Dr. Andrea Letamendi who inspired this week’s topic. We talk about our favorite Star Wars villains and what might lead someone to falling to the dark side. 

Episode 15: Star Wars and (some) Psychology, Part 1 (9/22/216) – Today we decided to talk about Star Wars and largely forgot about mental health until the very end. Listen in as we talk about the Star Wars series and who our favorite characters are. We decided if there can be three Star Wars trilogies in the film world, our podcast can have its own Star Wars trilogy. Tune in as we continue the conversation about Star Wars and how it relates to mental health over the following two episodes.

Episode 14: The Science of Clinical Psychology (9/15/2016) – Today we decided to dive into the science of clinical psychology. Listen in as we describe how clinical scientists choose treatments as well as how those treatments undergo empirical investigation. For more information on the debate between therapy as a science vs an art, click here and here! You can find more information about empirically supported interventions here, and for children, here! And click here to learn more about treatments that harm! And for a great blog resource on empirically supported interventions, click here!

Episode 13: Jessica Jones and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (9/8/2016) – Today we talk about Marvel’s hit Netflix series, Jessica Jones! Listen in as we talk about our thoughts about the show in general, as well as the portrayal or mental health. Here is a closer look at some of the empirically-supported interventions. Here you can find some further resources for PTSD via the VA system.

Episode 12: The Controversy over Diagnosing Donald Trump (8/25/2016) – Today we dive into some of the controversy over diagnosing Donald Trump. It’s popped up throughout the media and social networks, but is it ethical? Listen in to learn more about this example, others, and the ethical standards surrounding this controversial topic!

Episode 11: Psychology and the Suicide Squad (8/18/2016) – Today we start by discussing our thoughts on the newest Rogue One trailer, which you can see here! After that, we dive into Suicide Squad! Listen in as we talk about some of our thoughts, as well as some specific psychology related to some of the characters.

Episode 10: Richard Early from Paradox Comics-N-Cards (8/11/2016) – Today we stopped over to our favorite comic book store, Paradox! Listen in as we discuss some of the psychology behind comic books and table top gaming with the owner, Richard Early. 

Episode 9: A Simple Case (8/4/2016) – We start with a quick recap of some related comic book news. After that, we dive into Batman #44, by Scott Snyder, in which he address multiple relevant social issues related to racial disparities. For more information on the topic, please check out a blog post by our very own Katie Gordon, an excellent Science Friday podcast episode about the health costs of racism, or this excellent YouTube video by Dr. Ali Mattu of The Psych Show. 

Episode 8: The Killing Joke (7/28/2016) – We start things off with our new current events sections. Hear our thoughts about the recent Wonder Woman and Justice League trailers. After that, we discuss both the graphic novel as well as the recent film adaptation of Alan Moore’s The Killing Joke. Hear our thoughts about how they portray the character of Batgirl as well as mental health. 

Episode 7: Pokemon GO! and Dark Night: A True Batman Story (7/14/16) – We discuss the wildly popular Pokemon Go! game. What are some of the pros and cons that you have noticed? After that we talk about one of our new favorite graphic novels, Dark Night: A True Batman Story by Paul Dini. 

Episode 6: Why Does Everyone Hate Kylo Ren? (6/22/16) – We discuss the character Kylo Ren. Everyone seems to dislike him. We really enjoyed him! Listen along as we discuss some of the common criticisms and then respond directly to comments that we found on the World Wide Web!

Episode 5: Comics & Psychology (6/16/16) – We discuss how we became interested in comics, what we like so much about Buffy and Batman, DC Rebirth, and potential applications of comics in mental health settings. We get most of our comics at Paradox Comics-N-Cards. We especially like DC Comics & Dark Horse Comics. Many excellent psychologists have utilized comics in their work – we have posted links to their websites here.

Episode 4: Dungeons and Dragons (6/2/16) – We provide some description and history on Dungeons and Dragons, 5th Edition and discuss some of the ways in which the fantasy genre (games and other media) are viewed negatively as well as the ways D&D has experienced a resurgence and has been implemented in a therapeutic setting.

Episode 3: Diversity Day (5/26/16) – We provide commentary for one of our favorite episodes of The Office (Diversity Day) and discuss culturally-sensitive mental health services.

Episode 2: Harley Quinn and The Joker (5/23/16) – We discuss our views about Harley Quinn, The Joker, and their relationship from a psychological perspective.

Episode 1: Batman v Superman (4/1/16) – We discuss our views about the movie, Batman v Superman, from a mental health perspective.