Greta Thunberg: Psychology of Teenage Activism
Greta Thunberg is a 16-year-old Swedish environmental activist on climate change whose campaigning has gained international recognition.
Every Friday, Thunberg would skip school in order to sit outside the Swedish parliament to call for stronger action on global warming by holding up a sign saying (in Swedish) "School strike for the climate". Her efforts have...
Jeopardy, Alex Trebek, Cancer, and Positive Psychology
Alex Trebek, the longtime host of Jeopardy! has been a pop culture staple since the show’s revival in 1984.
Apart from being a beloved icon of public television, he’s made waves this year for how he’s eloquently handled his diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in the public eye.
Trebek first announced in March of...
Is Tom Hanks the Mister Rogers of Today's Time?
Tom Hanks has one of the most long-standing careers in Hollywood, yet has remained one of the kindest individuals in the industry. Tom Hanks' portrayal of Mister Rogers in It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood inspired this discussion on his psychological make up.
That said, how does Tom Hanks maintain his...
Psychology of Fetishes: How Do We Think about Fetishes in a Sex-Positive Culture?
With an ever-changing culture on the way we talk about sex, our panel of Shrinks wanted to approach the subject of fetishes. How do fetishes start? Are fetishes psychologically healthy? How do fetishes relate to vulnerability and intimacy?
In today's episode of the Shrink Tank Podcast, our panel...
JoJo Rabbit: Is it Okay to Use Hitler as a Punch Line?
JoJo Rabbit, the latest film from Taiki Waititi, follows a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend—Adolf Hitler—Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.
Our panel...
Should Student-Athletes Be Paid? Where Moral Psychology Comes into Play
In September of this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a measure that allows players to receive endorsement deals, despite the NCAA calling the move “unconstitutional.”
When asked about the NCAA’s differing view on the subject, Governor Newsom said, “I have deep reverence, deep respect for the NCAA and...
How Misbehavin' was Born: Interviewing 'The Righteous Gemstones' Composer, Joseph Stephens
In today's special edition of the Shrink Tank Podcast, panelist Jonathan Hetterly sits down with the composer of The Righteous Gemstones, Joseph Stephens.
Joseph Stephens is an American multi-instrumentalist, film score composer, and songwriter who wrote the infectious tune Misbehavin’ on HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones.
In this interview, they discuss...
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Joker.
Why Joker is so Polarizing, Explained by Psychology
Joker, the latest film starring Joaquin Phoenix, has been the catalyst of numerous discussions regarding its depiction of mental health, toxic masculinity, and the correlation of mental illness and violence.
In today's podcast episode, therapists Jonathan Hetterly and Frank Gaskill break down the film's mental health depictions, how...
Righteous Gemstones & Megachurch Culture
Danny McBride’s latest HBO creation, The Righteous Gemstones, is a satirical take on a Southern megachurch, following the dysfunctional lives of the Gemstone family.
Megachurches and televangelism can vary in regard to delivering their spiritual messages. While some megachurches give more robust sermons leaning heavy on scripture, others are more feel-good, motivational messages—like spiritual fast food.
So,...
The Psychology of Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt’s latest movie, Ad Astra, follows his character on a space mission to remedy a cosmic threat to all human life, as well as to search for his missing father.
Similarly, the famed Hollywood actor has been dealing with some major life changes following his divorce and separation from his ex-wife Angelina Jolie.
In today’s episode,...
