Alien Earth and sport psychology with Dr. Drea Letamendi
“When is a machine not a machine?” I chat with clinical psychologist, comic book character, and OG pop culture psychology expert, Dr. Drea Letamendi as we geek out about the first half of Alien: Earth (2025). We wouldn’t dare talk about the series without celebrating the greatness of Ellen Ripley. We talk about the show’s ragtag cast of cyborgs, synthetics, hybrids, and humans. We discuss the psychological challenges of children adapting to super-powered adult bodies. We talk about how our group of “lost boys” learns to work together as a team during a rescue mission fraught with danger. We even talk about the power dynamics and ethical dilemmas of living under a narcissistic tech bro and The Five, the corporations that replaced countries as sovereign powers. (Glad we won’t actually live in that world… cough cough.) Don’t go into hypersleep without listening — cuddle up with your ship’s cat and press play!Check out Dr Drea Letamendi’s website! https://drdreapsychology.com/Check out The summer of Psy-Fi on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh-_W5Gh1Ic&list=PLG0szTOgxKS5pDWTDma8ovMC-DRHSJJIgCheck out the Arkham Sessions:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-arkham-sessions-psychology-of-batman-more/id806565467Follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drdreapsychology/Follow her on Blue Sky:https://bsky.app/profile/drdrea.bsky.socialCheck out my new website! https://www.drjasonvonstietz.comFollow me on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsychBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
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Practical Magic (1998), Indo art and culture, and sport psychology with Elizabeth Coert Souza, MFA
“If any man dared take on an Owens woman, he would live briefly in the euphoria of her love… before meeting an untimely death.” In this episode, I sit down with multimedia artist, educator, and fellow Indo Elizabeth Coert Souza, MFA, to explore the 1998 cult classic Practical Magic. We discuss how Elizabeth uses her art as activism—shining a light on the comfort women of the Dutch East Indies during WWII—and dive into the film’s themes of culture, matriarchy, and generational trauma. We examine the movie’s allusion to suicide. We even consider the “mental skills” that witches might need. Take a listen!If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential emotional support across the United States—call or text 9-8-8, or chat online. https://988lifeline.org/Follow Elizabeth Coert SouzaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethsouzaartist/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/elizartist.bsky.socialWebsite: https://koala-hawk-mfbe.squarespace.com/Check out my new website!https://www.drjasonvonstietz.comFollow me on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsychBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
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Severance S1E1 and sport psychology with Shaina Siber, LCSW
“Hi there, you on the table. I wonder if you’d mind taking a brief survey?”Today, I’m joined by Shaina Siber, LCSW, to discuss Apple TV+’s Severance (2022), Season One, Episode One: “The Good News About Hell.” Don’t be alarmed by the disembodied voices you’re hearing—that’s just Shaina and me chatting about our mutual admiration for Adam Scott!In this episode, we explore:The show’s unique premise and its hypothetical ethical implications for athletes and high achieversBurnout and strategies for preventing itThe importance of integrating your “innie” and “outie” selvesAnd much more!Take a listen—you’ll feel right as rain!Shaina Siber, LCSWWebsite: AffirmMentalHealth.comInstagram: @affirmmentalhealthLinkedIn: shaina‑siber‑sanderowitz‑lcswPodcast: The Affirming Minds PodcastDr. Jason von StietzWebsite: drjasonvonstietz.comInstagram: @cbtsportpsychBluesky: cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
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1:02:38
The Wild Robot (2024) and sport psychology with Drs. Kristin Szuhany and Simon Rego
Today, I’m joined by two amazing psychologists, Dr. Kristin Szuhany and Dr. Simon Rego. We’ve presented together at conferences on the use of pop culture metaphors in therapy—and now, we’re having fun diving into the 2024 Disney movie The Wild Robot.In the words of our favorite beaver, Paddler: “The process is the art.”We explore Roz’s transformation from a standard bucket of bolts into a mother. She might not have the programming—but then again, no one does. We also discuss Brightbill’s journey of self-discovery, the formation of the island’s animal community, their solidarity in the face of invasion, the film’s spiritual undertones, and much more!Find Dr. Kristin Szuhany at trivia night in her favorite pub in New York, on the conference circuit, or on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-szuhany-ph-d-49495813Follow Dr. Simon Rego on social media:https://x.com/psydhttps://bsky.app/profile/cbtpsyd.bsky.socialConnect with him on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonregoCheck out his website:https://www.simonrego.comCheck out my new website!https://www.drjasonvonstietz.comFollow me on social media!https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsychhttps://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
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1:09:05
Avengers Infinity War and Endgame and sport psychology with Dr. Travis Langley
"On your left!" In today’s episode, I talk to prolific author, professor, expert of pop culture psychology, and Wheel of Fortune champion, Dr. Travis Langley. We geeked out about Avengers Infinity War and Endgame as well as pretty much all superhero movies. We’re like Steve Rogers, we can do this all day. We discussed the very real grief experienced by Thor Lebowski (Thorbowski), Tony Stark’s mentorship of Peter Parker, and the commitment to value-driven behavior and the outstanding teamwork by the Avengers, and much much more! By the way, Dr. Langley definitely does not have an alter ego named Professor Plunder. Definitely not. Check out this episode. “Avengers assemble!”Follow Dr. Travis Langley on social media:https://www.facebook.com/drtravislangleyhttps://x.com/Superherologisthttps://bsky.app/profile/drtravislangley.bsky.socialCheck out his website:https://www.travislangley.info/Check out Dr. Langley on Wheel of Fortune:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIlIM3YRyfoCheck out my new website!https://www.drjasonvonstietz.comFollow me on social media!https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsychhttps://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
Do your favorite movies and TV shows teach and inspire you? Dr. Jason von Stietz is a psychologist specializing in clinical and sport psychology and a lifelong fan of TV and film. Tune in to hear how psychological principles apply to your favorite fictional characters.
South Africa