Shows
PSYCHOCINEMATICA Bridgerton Episode - Part 1: Actually so much representation (and also Pitbull)TRANSCRIPT HERE
My Dear Readers (I mean listeners, you get it)
Welcome to a surprise episode of Psychocinematic, where we cast all serious topics to the wind and focus on what makes us feel safe and protected right now from a world falling apart - trashy, romancey, sexy, gossipy Bridgerton. But did you think I would NOT have disability and mental illness representation to discuss? THINK AGAIN - as usual it is inescapable.
Join me solo as I discuss all the disability and mental illness representation we have seen thus far, w...
2024-06-1154 minPSYCHOCINEMATICThe Future of Psychocinematic PodcastTRANSCRIPT HERE
Just a little update on the future of Psychocinematic Podcast...
Don't worry, it's not all bad news!
Follow Asiatu on insta and connect with them here
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2024-03-3112 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 68: Two Backbrace Girls, and Romy & Michele’s Highschool Reunion (with Lauren Edwards)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Join us for the last episode of the year with the vivacious comedian and musical theatre actor Lauren Edwards. Lauren and Steph bond over their shared experience with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and being backbrace girls in highschool. We go through the limited selection of scoliosis-based media until we get to the beloved comedy film Romy and Michele's Highschool Reunion (1997). Find out what makes the film so iconic and whether its brief but infamous depiction of scoliosis was helpful or harmful!
Also if anyone needs to make a call, I've got a phone.
...
2023-12-131h 28
BraaainsA Little Advice for the HolidaysToday is our last episode of 2023 just in time for the holidays. We bring all of the Taylor/Deppisch siblings together – our little sister, Becky Taylor, and our little brother, Jonathan Deppisch – who is also our composer – to discuss how to deal with stress and protect your mental health over the holidays! We're especially grateful for all of our listeners, friends, and family who submitted voice recordings, and text messages with advice on how to deal with your mental health over the holidays and throughout the year. We're grateful to have so much to share today to hopefu...
2023-12-121h 03PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 67: Why Santa Claus IS Autistic, and making theatre more inclusive (With Oliver Hetherington-Page)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Happy early Christmas Psychocinemaniacs! It's been a hell of a year, but one thing that brings us joy is the work of disabled creators blazing the trail in inclusivity, such as our guest Oliver Hetherington-Page. Oliver joins us to talk about how he's working to make theatre more inclusive and what that looks like, what he wants to see in autistic depictions on screen & stage, and why musicals are inherently autistic. He tells us all about his show the No Bang Theory and his upcoming show Santa Claus is Autistic, which is Christmas themed but...
2023-11-291h 27PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 66: Disabled single mums being badass advocates! Also, Erin Brockovich (with Sarah Langston)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Today we sit down with Sarah Langston, disabled single mum, artist, and disability advocate, and learn a bucketload about the barriers facing neurodivergent parents, particularly mothers, and how Sarah supports those parents. Sarah dives deep into the child protection system and how often disability is equated with parenting risk, leading to reporting rather than supporting neurodivergent parents. And then we relate this somehow to the 2000 legal drama Erin Brockovich? WELL YES, as you'll soon discover!
CONTENT WARNING: child protection, child abuse (including sexual abuse), and child removal, statistics around death, ableism.
FOLLOW SARAH ON ALL THE THINGS:
TO JOI...
2023-11-161h 31PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 65: HALLOWEEN SPECIAL: The Haunting of Hill House, or, problems that could be solved by simply talking? (with Braaains Podcast)TRANSCRIPT HERE
In a perfect meeting of minds, Steph is joined by Braaains podcast hosts Heather and Sarah Taylor, sisters of podcasting, filmmaking and mental health & disability awareness. Which means of course it’s just a light casual chat about the devastatingly terrifying Mike Flanagan series The Haunting of Hill House. We get deep into what makes this show so affecting, what it says about trauma and family’s tendencies to deal with it in all the wrong ways, and how we see our own family in the triumphantly dysfunctional Crains.
Happy Halloween Psych...
2023-10-311h 36PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 64: Crohn’s Disease representation in Boldly Go, and Pete Davidson just trying to spread awareness (with Chris Cosgrove)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Just in time for Invisible Disabilities Week; Steph is blessed to have the talented filmmaker Chris Cosgrove today to discuss all things Inflammatory Bowel Disease and his personal experience with Crohn's disease. Chris takes us through the process of his acclaimed film Boldly Go (watch on ABC Iview here), what IBD and ostomy representation we've seen in the media, and finally how Pete Davidson has become a likely ambassador for Crohns representation, particularly seen in the film King of Staten Island.
For support and resources for those experiencing IBD, Chris recommends Cr...
2023-10-181h 28
Vampire Insider: An AMC Anne Rice's Immortal Universe After ShowAMC's Immortal Universe Hiatus Content: Repromote Vampire Psychology with Stephanie Fornasier of Psychocinematic PodcastDuring the break between seasons, the Vampire Insiders are working through Joann's tech issues and are taking a few weeks off, but will be back with all new content on October 30. We are re promoting some earlier episodes in the meantime. Here is what we said about this episode when it first aired almost a year ago.
In this episode the Vampire Insider team hosts Stephanie Fornasier, a licensed psychologist and host of Psychocinematic Podcast (available on all the major and minor podcast directories). Steph is applying her professional opinion to a discussion of the relationship dynamics...
2023-10-101h 01
BraaainsYou're Not Alone: When and How to DiscloseSteph is a psychologist and host of the Psychocinematic podcast who currently works in Disability Inclusion in schools in Naarm (Melbourne) and has her own mental illness lived experience. Steph joins us to discuss how you approach disclosure, concerns around discrimination about disclosure and how to address it, and why some people incorporate their mental illness or disability into their identity after disclosure. This is episode three of our three-part series, You're Not Alone: Navigating Life with Mental Illness. This is for Mental Illness Awareness Week 2023 (October 1 - 7) and it explores mental illness, the barriers that can...
2023-10-0531 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 63: A Star is Born - love, trauma and addiction in the journey of fame (with Alex Steed)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Steph is thrilled to be joined by one of her favourite podcasters from one of her favourite podcasts, Alex Steed from You Are Good. He is good! You are Good is good. All goodness all the time.
Steph and Alex discuss the 2018 version of an oft told tale, A Star Is Born, where Bradley Coopers fame story is winding down as Lady Gaga’s is just beginning. We discuss the depictions of addiction and treatment; asking the question- should a therapist laugh at a patient’s botched suicide attempt story? Join us as we d...
2023-10-041h 33PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 62: Let’s fold in the cheese as we confabulate on ND coded characters in Schitt’s Creek (with Marie Camin)TRANSCRIPT HERE
This is no time for pettifogging! I am bombilating with anticipation to bring you the most impulsive, capricious and melodramatic episode yet! The scintillating winsome clinical psychologist Marie Camin joins Steph as they discuss with great vigour the beloved Schitts Creek. Marie shares her thoughts on who in the cast she would suggest is Neurodivergent, who she relates with the most, and how she approaches neurodiversity with her client base. Steph and Marie discuss the relationships on the show, how hard it is to appropriately diagnose autistic white cis professional males, and what ex...
2023-09-201h 34
BraaainsYou're Not Alone: Navigating Life with Mental Illness (trailer)Launching October 3rd, Braaains's three-part mini-series, You're Not Alone: Navigating Life with Mental Illness, explores mental illness, the barriers that can block your journey to good mental health, and how stigmas, diagnoses, and disclosure are represented on film and television. It's out October 3 - 5 for Mental Illness Awareness Week 2023. See more here: https://braaainspodcast.com/miaw2023 Episode One: How Stigma Hurts Everyone RELEASE DATE: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 Interviewee: Amie Archibald-Varley, Nurse, Health Equity Specialist, and co-host of the Gritty Nurse Podcast Amie Archibald-Varley, Nurse, Health Equity Specialist, and c...
2023-09-1901 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 61: The Kings Speech and other screen royals with a stutter (with Priya)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Welcome to episode 61 with a very special guest, podcaster, writer, disability advocate and YEAR 12 STUDENT, Priya from Stutter Conversation! Priya tells us all about stuttering and what it's like to have a stutter, and which on screen depictions she likes and loathes. We also take a deep dive into The Kings Speech (2010), and how accurate a depiction this might be (all british monarchy history aside- there's other podcasts for that!) Also find out Priya's advice for other content creators in highschool trying to do it all!
Other Films/TV discussed: Bridgerton (s1), Elite, Little, Primal Fear, One Flew Ov...
2023-09-061h 10PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 60: The truth about Tourette’s and Tiktok (with Monica Nguyen)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Join the enigmatic tiktok star and disability advocate Monica Nguyen as she chats with Steph about all things Tourettes Syndrome in film and TV, on social media, and on those wonderfully nuanced* feature stories on programmes such as 60 Minutes. We get to the bottom of whether Tiktok has created a Tourette’s epidemic, and Mon tells us her own experience with tiktok advocacy, and some helpful and harmful depictions of Tourette’s Syndrome in film.
*sarcasm, A LOT of sarcasm.
CONTENT WARNING: Ableism, discrimination, media bias.
FILMS DISCUSSED:
2023-08-231h 08PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 59: Lets watch Stutz and talk about the Jonah Hill textsTRANSCRIPT HERE
We’re back to our regular programming with a fun debate between a future psychiatrist and a psychologist, as Michael Watson joins Steph to talk Stutz, the Netflix documentary “about” Dr Phil Stutz created by Jonah Hill. Steph & Michael discuss how the unique revolutionary techniques Stutz employs aren’t quite so unique or revolutionary, and what Jonah was trying and succeeding to portray from this film. BUTTT OF COURSE within the context of the wild and gross texts that Jonah’s ex Sarah Brady shared from the actor in July this year. What do the text...
2023-08-101h 18PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 58 Tribute Re-release: Rubber Johnny, a wildly problematic viral short film (with Nic Fornasier)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Our 2nd tribute episode to our beloved Nic Fornasier is here, with a special release from the Patron archives.
Nic joined Steph to gush about Chris Cunningham and his controversial (and deeply problematic) short film, Rubber Johnny. Nic shares why he loves it so much and how it inspired his own passion for film, as well as highlights the exciting time of early 00's music videos.
Then of course Steph shares why it’s such a yucky depiction of disability and debate exactly how problematic it is. Nic's love for Chris Cu...
2023-07-2741 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 57 Tribute Re-release: The Royal Tenenbaums (with Nic Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Today we pay tribute to brother and editor of the podcast Nic Fornasier (11.10.1990 – 22.6.2023). We release in one episode, 2021’s originally 2 parter episode, where Nic joins Steph as they explore the dysfunctional family opus, The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Directed by Wes Anderson and written by Wes and Owen Wilson, it was Nic and Steph’s shared favourite film of all time.
Together they asked the question, can narcissistic dads who abandon their kids make up for the resulting trauma? And if so does this movie portray this situation with nuance and respect? Steph and Nic...
2023-07-131h 44
Wednesday BreakfastTonight It's A World We Bury: Black Metal, Red Politics, Psychocinematic podcast breaks disability and mental health stigmas, Warlpiri language 'baby talk', First Nations Classics SeriesWednesday Breakfast 28th June 2023 Headlines 7.09am We revisit a chat with Bill Peel about his new book Tonight It's A World We Bury: Black Metal, Red Politics. What are the possibilities in a musical genre whose notoriety connects it with fascist politics? Part of a segment that aired in full on 3CR Yeah Nah Pasaran Thursday 22 June 2023. 7.28am Flic Manning, host of 3CR Brainwaves, chats with Stephanie Fornasier, a psychologist, mother and producer of ‘Psychocinematic Podcast’ . The podcast which was born out her love of film and passion for breaking down stigmas surrounding mental illness and disability. Stephanie talks about her own mental hea...
2023-06-2700 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 56: Inclusion in action in How To Train Your Dragon (with Lo Nigrosh)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Today we are joined by Lo Nigrosh, IBCLC, childbirth educator and paralympian, and delve into the world of Vikings and Dragons, in the Dreamworks franchise How To Train Your Dragon. Lo shares her experience with limb difference and how she feels represented in the film, as well as the use of prosthetics, and how the town of Berk represents an inclusive society. There's themes of parenting, war, disability acceptance, and Lo also shares with us her experience becoming a Paralympic athlete. Steph shares that How to Train Your Dragon is now her toddler's current obsession and it's all L...
2023-06-151h 23PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 55: Heartbreak High aka All Hail Queen Chloe Hayden (with Zoe Simmons)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Welcome to Hartley High, where the kids are much much cooler than we ever were but also more relatable than they’ve ever been. Join disability advocate, journalist and copywriter Zoe Simmons, as she discusses with Steph what she related to in Netflix’s 2022 reboot of iconic Australian series, Heartbreak High. Steph and Zoe discuss how the writers really strived to provide appropriate representation, what landed and what didn’t, and ok spoiler - how the character of Quinni played by Chloe Hayden is hands down the best autistic representation we have seen to date. Also, learn what an Esha...
2023-06-011h 18
A Couple of Rad Techs PodcastScoliosis: With Radiology Patient Stephanie from AustraliaWhat Is It Like Growing Up With ScoliosisToday, they are joined by a remarkable guest, Stephanie, who will share her inspiring journey growing up with scoliosis.Stephanie's story is a testament to resilience and determination, as she navigated the challenges of scoliosis throughout her childhood. From the moment of diagnosis to undergoing various treatments, Stephanie faced physical and emotional obstacles head-on, emerging stronger and more empowered than ever.In this candid conversation with Stephanie about her unique experiences as a child with scoliosis. They explore the physical discomfort, the medical interventions, and...
2023-05-1824 minA Couple of Rad Techs PodcastScoliosis: With Radiology Patient Stephanie from AustraliaWhat Is It Like Growing Up With ScoliosisToday, they are joined by a remarkable guest, Stephanie, who will share her inspiring journey growing up with scoliosis.Stephanie's story is a testament to resilience and determination, as she navigated the challenges of scoliosis throughout her childhood. From the moment of diagnosis to undergoing various treatments, Stephanie faced physical and emotional obstacles head-on, emerging stronger and more empowered than ever.In this candid conversation with Stephanie about her unique experiences as a child with scoliosis. They explore the physical discomfort, the medical interventions, and...
2023-05-1824 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 54: Frozen is Psychoeducation for kids... and adults (with Laura Pettenuzzo)TRANSCRIPT HERE
For the first time in forever, we’re analyzing FROZEN! Join Steph and the delightful and beautifully articulate disability and mental health advocacy writer Laura Pettenuzzo as they fangirl over one of Disney’s best and biggest (and feminisest?) films. We delve into how perfectly the film encapsulates mental illness, its impact and how to manage it, and attempt to figure out their own GAD Sister’s handshake.
Follow Laura on twitter & instagram @thisgirl_writes and read her wonderful work here: Laura Pettenuzzo – Books, mental health and disability. (wordpress.com) (incl...
2023-05-181h 29
BrainwavesBreaking Down Mental Health Depictions in popular Film & TVPsychologist and mother of one, Stephanie Fornasier's ‘Psychocinematic Podcast’ was born out her love of movies and tv, and passion to breaking stigma surrounding mental illness and disability. Stephanie, who also has a lived experience of depression and anxiety, is today’s guest on our radio show Brainwaves. She will talk about her own mental health journey, why she became a psychologist and her podcast. She will also talk about depictions of mental illness and disability in popular films and TV and points out why we should care. Well worth tuning into! Join host Flic Manning and tune in on 3CR Commun...
2023-05-0300 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 53: Wednesday and coded vs canonized neurodivergent characters (with Jeremy Andrew Davis)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Welcome to the kooky world of the Addams family - or an allegory for the neurodivergent experience?? The viral tiktoker and film maker Jeremy Andrew Davis joins Steph to talk about Netflix's Wednesday (2022), and how much Wednesday is coded autistic, whether intentionally or not... or is she coded something else?
Jeremy delves into the importance of appropriate representation in film & TV, what it means for a representation to be coded or canonized, and how writing a neurodivergent character led to his own diagnosis. Also Siri adds her own opinions in the mix, which are scarily appropriate.
Follow Jeremy fo...
2023-05-021h 23PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 52: Ode to Joy and what Narcolepsy REALLY looks like (with Charlene Barker)TRANSCRIPT HERE
What do Moulin Rouge, My Private Idaho, and cheesy comedies Deuce Bigalow and Rat Race have in common? Terrible depictions of Narcolepsy!
Today, Steph is joined by the fashionably creative and wonderful Charlene Barker, to discuss her real life experience of Narcolepsy with Cataplexy, and how it is depicted in the romantic comedy Ode To Joy, starring Martin Freeman. Charlene takes us through what life is like with Narcolepsy and if this film does it justice. Can’t be worse than Rowan Atkinson falling asleep mid jog can it??? (p.s. You...
2023-04-191h 12PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 51: Reasons to like Please Like Me (with Dr. Elise McGlashan)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Today Steph welcomes back Dr Elise McGlashan to chat deeply about one of her favourite TV shows, Please Like Me. The creation of one of Australia’s beloved comics, Josh Thomas, Please Like Me delves deeply on many mental health issues, including Bipolar Disorder, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, self harm, as well as abortion, friendship and sexuality. But somehow it is also hilarious??? Join us as we assess how well Josh depicts these topics, and how much he reminds Steph of her husband.*
Please note we recorded this episode a few mont...
2023-04-061h 38PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 50: What America’s Next Top Model taught us about bodies, beauty, gender and how to be on top (with Clinton McQueen)TRANSCRIPT HERE
WOW WELCOME TO EPISODE 50! So completely chuffed that we achieved this milestone! *FANFARE AND STREAMERS*
The fabulously articulate (it’s his job) Clinton McQueen joins us to unpack in great detail the legacy of Americas Next Top Model, specifically Cycle 11. We discuss how the series perpetuated beauty and body standards, and tackled issues of race, gender, sexuality, mental illness and disability. We also unpack how they portrayed the inclusion of first transgender model on the series (Isis King) and what it meant for the world. Because as you should know, trans women are wo...
2023-03-241h 53PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 49: RE-RELEASE (RIP Judy Heumann) Crip Camp, the Disability Rights Movement, and who you should listen to instead of me
TRANSCRIPT HERE
In honour of the passing of iconic disability activist Judy Heumann (18 December 1947 - 4 March 2023), we are re-releasing our September 2021 episode which coincided with International Day of Persons with Disability.
Join me (Steph) as I have a big gush about the documentary Crip Camp and a little rant about ableism, and direct your attention to the ‘mother of disability’ Judy Heumann as well as some of the many disability activists that I look to, leading the work in inclusion in Australia and the world.
DISABILITY FOCUSED PODCASTS MENTIONED:
The Heumann Perspective
I Can't Stand Podcast
Beyond 6 Seconds
[UN] Marginalised Podcas...
2023-03-0837 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 48: Drop Dead Fred and ”Imaginary Friend Syndrome” with Ariadne Giousmas
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Drop Dead Fred was a movie most millenials grew up with in their childhood, to the chagrin of their parents. But did we realise as youngsters that this silly slapstick comedy starring Young Ones’ Rik Mayall was actually a deep meditation on childhood trauma, arrested development, and narcissistic parenting? Join Steph and special guest Ariadne Giousmas as they dissect a hallmark film from their childhood and whether it passes or fails the Psychocinematic test (the Answer May Shock You!) Did you ever have an imaginary friend? Please tell us in the comments or in that Apple Podcasts review you...
2023-02-221h 15PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 47: Married At First Sight & the brutal reality of Reality TV with Clare VerrallTRANSCRIPT HERE
Welcome back to a brand new season of Psychocinematic Podcast! We kick off this year with a bang as Steph interviews Clare Verrall, who was a participant of Season 2 of Married At First Sight Australia. Clare talks about her experiences during and the impact of it after, including her mental health journey, gaining a ADHD & ASD diagnosis, and her fantastic work fostering rescue dogs and as a dog behaviourist and trainer.
If you had icky feelings about Married at First Sight (or MAFS) get ready for them to be validated in spades - o...
2023-02-081h 24PSYCHOCINEMATIC2023 Psychocinematic Trailer
Welcome to Psychocinematic's 2023 season fam!! Here to get you ready for a fantastic year of dissecting media, is our latest trailer! You'll notice a gorgeously synthpop melody underlaying some of last years' amazing guests, which is our new theme tune by Michael Watson! I love it. I loved the old one too but it's always fun to freshen things up!
New episode of the year comes on Thursday 9th of Feb. Can't wait!
Transcript:
*theme music starts and builds up*
Steph- Welcome to Psychocinematic, a podcast where we analyse depictions of...
2023-02-0501 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 46: Your Fave & Flop Films of 2022!
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Welcome to our last episode of the year but actually the first of the new year (because, sorry.) Thanks to everyone's contributions to this episode, where we asked you what films you loved and loathed this year - both 2022 releases and all time films.
Michael and Steph go through the list and discuss their own entries, with our typical no-filter approach to our own opinions (well mostly Michael). Join us as we get very sarcastic about covid, find out what the E-bert-o-meter says about our films, controversial opinions about the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, Christopher Nolan, Julia Ro...
2023-01-021h 25PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 45: Falling for Christmas- Lindsay is back! And so are outrageous representations of amnesia (with Emily & Heather McIntyre)TRANSCRIPT HERE
It’s our 3rd annual Christmas film episode ready for your lucky listening ears! Today we have a Psychocinematic first - a sister duo joining us, Emily & Heather McIntyre! Steph, Emily and Heather discuss the iconic new Netflix Christmas film charting Lindsay Lohan’s comeback - Falling for Christmas! Think we won’t have enough content to overanalyse in this one? THINK AGAIN!
Join us as we try to make sense of the films depiction of amnesia, why little Avy is constantly smiling, and why there are so many cheques.
CONTENT WARNING...
2022-12-211h 26PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 44: Bojack Horseman the cartoon horse teaches us everything about mental illness (with Annie Ware)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Join Steph and her oldest friend, the gorgeously insightful Annie Ware, as they dissect as much of the psychological meaning behind Netflix's iconic animated series Bojack Horseman, created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg and Lisa Hanawalt. Can a series centring on a toxic male cartoon horse really convey a plethora of mental illnesses with a level of nuance and realism we've not seen before? Find out as we managed to tackle all (most) of its themes in 90 minutes!
Follow Annie on @fancyfreshpups on Instagram, to see her incredible grooming work (and the goodest doggos).
CONTENT WARNING: Suicide, childhood abuse, alcoholism, sel...
2022-12-071h 36PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 43: Hannah Diviney talks Latecomers, disability advocacy and serious plans to take over the world
TRANSCRIPT HERE
In an incredible first for Psychocinematic, we interview an actor who stars in the media we are talking about! Hannah Diviney talks to Steph about the brand new show Latecomers on SBS TV, created by and starring disabled actors.
Hannah plays the lead role of Sarah alongside Angus Thompson who plays Frank, and tells us all about how she got involved, what it's like being part of groundbreaking disability representation, and her experience calling out mega popstars for their ableist lyrics. Hannah is a powerhouse; a dynamic and brilliant disability advocate, wise beyond h...
2022-11-3030 minVampire Insider: An AMC Anne Rice's Immortal Universe After ShowAMC's Interview with the Vampire Season 1 Deep Dive: Vampire Psychology with Stephanie Fornasier of Psychocinematic PodcastIn this episode the Vampire Insider team hosts Stephanie Fornasier, a licensed psychologist and host of Psychocinematic Podcast (available on all the major and minor podcast directories). Steph is applying her professional opinion to a discussion of the relationship dynamics between the main characters of AMC's Interview with the Vampire, what their individual psychological profiles may be, and whether or not the toxic relationship at the heart of this show is portrayed in a realistic way. The VI team and Steph are approaching this subject with the understanding that these are fictional characters and vampires, so the discussion should b...
2022-11-2858 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 42: ADHD is being Everything Everywhere All At Once (with Jordan Bastian)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Jordan Bastian, film and artistic genius, joins Steph as we tackle the chaotic wonder that is Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022), by eccentrically amazing duo Daniels. Does the film not just depict undiagnosed adult ADHD, but embody what it’s like to live with it? Does it hold up as an indie form of the wave of immigrant American intergenerational trauma films (e.g. Turning Red)? And is it okay to laugh at Hot Dog fingers?
Follow Jordan Bastian and her incredible designs on insta here and purchase via Society6! And go and see SISSY in cinemas today!
CW: T...
2022-11-231h 26PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 41: Darren Aronofsky loves a Mental Illness Movie - Part 2. Black Swan (with Ash Roberts)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Our second focus on the auteur who loves to lightly and heavily traumatise us, Darren Aronofksy- is a deep swan dive into 2010's Black Swan starring Natalie Portman. Joining us is Ash Roberts*, Hot Girl's Theory Podcasts' other half! Ash shares her history of, in her words her 'spicy mental health cocktail', and how her experience of Autism and Bipolar Disorder has parallels with Nina (Natalie Portman)'s experience in the film.
Listen to Hot Girls Theory here: HOT GIRL'S THEORY PODCAST (hotgirlstheory.com)
Follow Ash on insta here! And Hot Girls Theory on insta here!
*Apologies as St...
2022-11-091h 20PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 40: HALLOWEEN SPECIAL: The Exorcist asks, have you considered your mental illness could simply be a touch of demon possession?TRANSCRIPT HERE
Join us on a spooky scary episode where Steph and Michael discuss in great depth (yet, succinctly, dare we say?) 1973's massively influential horror film The Exorcist. Together we shed light on the religious and cultural context of this film, the various stories of its creation and resulting impact on society, feminist and psychodynamic theories behind it (Oedipal Complex welcome to the podcast), and whether it’s trying to say something about mental illness, religion, or both.
And don’t forget to watch our shot for shot remake of the film in our tikto...
2022-10-271h 07PSYCHOCINEMATICPATREON BONUS: The Babysitters Club- Stacey’s Emergency: Diabetes is not simply a maths gameTRANSCRIPT HERE
Today you get a taster of what you'll find from our Patreon with an extra special release of an exclusive bonus episode - for everyone to hear!
Steph makes Michael watch season 2 episode 3 of the Babysitter's Club, and then fires questions at him about how his diabetes experience compares to that of Stacey McGill, member of the BSC with juvenile diabetes. It's a position of power for Steph, but also allows Michael to vent a lot. A perfect combination! Find out about the complexity of managing your diabetes (NB as a w...
2022-10-1649 min
The I Can't Stand PodcastHow Social Media Is Influencing Disability, With Psychologist Stephanie FornasierYou might have noticed that disability related content is popping up on your feed more than usual. Peta and Psychologist Stephanie Fornasier discuss if all disability representation is a positive thing and how it is influencing how disability is seen in wider society. This conversation was motivated after Peta listened to another podcast called Honestly, where disability representation online, is discussed in at times hurtful and disempowering manner. As a disabled person, Peta wanted to talk to psychologist Steph to see if her reactions were clouded by her personal experience or if in fact the per...
2022-10-1026 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 39: Looking for Alibrandi and life as an Italian immigrant family in 1960’s Australia (With Frank Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Steph is the luckiest daughter to be able to interview her retired engineer father, Frank (or Franco) Fornasier, on the podcast today, as they reflect on the film and play Looking for Alibrandi (2000 and 2022 respectively). Frank tells Steph what it was like growing up in Brisbane as an Italian boy with an extremely religious mother, and tyrannical unaffectionate father. Topics include religion, early immigration days, and wine that tastes like pus.
This episode is dedicated to Luigia Fornasier, aka Nonnie (14/11/17 - 13/4/2010). We still miss your food and sloppy cheek kisses.
2022-09-2948 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 38: Darren Aronofsky loves a Mental Illness Movie - Part 1. Requiem for A Dream (with Nic Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Our first foray into the Darren Aronofsky Mental Illness Universe, today we have the editing genius and dead-pan-ly funny Nic Fornasier to talk about the slap in the face that is REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (2000). Join us as Nic takes us throw what he relates to in the film (and what he absolutely does not relate to), how it compares to other ‘Don’t do drugs!’ films of the 2000’s, and whether Darren Aronofsky’s style of filmmaking is genius or film school 101. Also is method acting good or bad?
CONTENT WARNING: Th...
2022-09-221h 28PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 37: Keep Sweet, Pray and Obey and the psychology of abusive cults (with Merowyn Olaver)TRANSCRIPT HERE
For Psychocinematic’s first foray into the documentary film, Steph discusses the Netflix documentary Keep Sweet Pray and Obey, with the inspiring (and multitasking) Merowyn Olaver, a nurse, writer, mental health & domestic violence advocate, breast cancer previvor, AND a mother as well.
Steph and Merowyn discuss the psychology of religion, how it differs from that of cults or cult-like structures, and of childhood sexual abuse and trafficking. We reflect on how this is explored in the doco with regard to the Fundamentalist Church of the Latter Day Saints, whether it is conveyed respectfully to...
2022-09-011h 09PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 36: The Babadook is actually grief, depression, trauma, and a fabulous queer iconTRANSCRIPT HERE
Since Steph finally convinced Michael to watch the Babadook we found ourselves covering this absolutely terrifying film. We discuss why this film scares us so much, what the Babadook really represents (so many mental illnesses), and why Steph thinks the plot is actually a metaphor for therapy. Should we be proud of how brutally f**ked Australian horror/thriller is?
CONTENT WARNING:, Swearing, death of loved one, car accident, animal death, brief mention of infanticide & suicide, childhood trauma, horror themes, violence, Steph mentions Mulligrubs (not a joke).
Follow Psychocinematic on...
2022-08-181h 04PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 35: We Need To Talk About The Butterfly EffectTRANSCRIPT HERE
It had to be done. After a Netflix watch party everyone voted for but nobody wanted, Steph and Michael decided they simply must make an episode talking about 2004’s absolutely ridiculous psychological thriller, The Butterfly Effect starring Ashton Kutcher. We change up the format today by breaking down the problematic tropes, themes and messages plotpoint by plotpoint, to really hit home why this is an absolutely terrible movie. It’s also quite traumatic and distressing, so be warned!!
CONTENT WARNING:, Lots of Swearing (in first 20 seconds sorry) suicide, childhood abuse and trauma...
2022-08-0453 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 34: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: a film nerd and psychologist’s literal dream (with Indi Gage)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Steph has the insightful Indi Gage from Hot Girls Theory podcast to talk about a movie they both adore, Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), written by Charlie Kaufman. We discuss how the film raises questions about our experience of relationships and the way our fallible memory can shape how we see them, as well as how we relate to the character of Clementine and have definitely dated a Joel or two in our time. Also, does Clementine have Borderline Personality Disorder or does she just have contextually significant hair colour?!
...
2022-07-221h 25PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 33: Moon Knight- have we progressed in our portrayals of Dissociative Identity Disorder in 2022?TRANSCRIPT HERE
Steph and Michael enter into the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time. As non- Comic-Book-film aficionados, do they like what they see? Moon Knight is their first piece on the slab for dissecting*. Join us as we discuss (with ultimate vocal fry due to heavy colds, apologies), the portrayal of Dissociative Identity Disorder through Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight hero, and where it stands compared to the other depictions we’ve seen so far. Does it perpetuate the same tropes, or are we actually here for it? We also talk about the cultural portrayal of A...
2022-07-071h 21PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 32: Russian Doll, and trying to stop dying and start living after trauma (with Maz Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Maz and Steph join forces again to discuss the time travel mental illness tale of the modern world, Netflix’s Russian Doll, created and starring our husky queen Natasha Lyonne. We take a deep dive into the depictions of intergenerational trauma (our fave), complex PTSD, OCD and substance use, within a fun and at times hilarious time travel plot. We related more to this one than we realised we would, and it’s not just cos we both wanna be Natasha Lyonne stomping around New York in a trenchcoat, saying ridiculous phrases in a gruff voic...
2022-06-231h 21PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 31: Human Resources & Perinatal Mental Illness (with Clary Garrett)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Our lovely guest host Clary Garrett starts off our episode by generously discussing her experience with perinatal depression, anxiety and psychosis, and what it was like to re-visit her experience while filming You Can’t Ask That on ABC. Clary and Steph then get deep into the depiction of postnatal depression on Netflix’s Big Mouth spinoff series, Human Resources. Do we overthink it too much, or just enough? Don’t forget our fundraiser in honour of today’s episode and to watch Clary’s episode! (Links below!)
CONTENT WARNING: Discussions of birth tr...
2022-05-291h 17PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 30: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory aka Things Roald Dahl Hated (with Maz Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Who can build a sunrise? Sprinkle it with dew? Not Roald Dahl that’s for sure. Maz Fornasier returns to discuss the 1971 cult movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, based off the 1964 novel by Roald Dahl*. Come with us as we explore the racist origins of the Oompa Loompas, the eccentric character of Willy Wonka, and the themes of fatphobia, classism, and ableism throughout the story on film. We also ask the question - did Roald Dahl actually hate children?
*And no, we will not be talking about the 2005 Charlie and...
2022-05-261h 27PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 29: Encanto - Disney Does Intergenerational Trauma (with Heidy White)TRANSCRIPT HERE
We finally did it listeners, we’ve covered our first Disney film! Of course it’s the ridiculously popular Encanto (2021), which no one has stopped singing ever since it turned up mid pandemic. Join Steph and her Disney expert bestie Heidy White as they delve into the themes of intergenerational trauma, family expectation & pressure, and the inevitable resulting variety of mental illnesses.
Sorry but we’re going to be talking about Bruno. A lot.
Follow Heidy on instragram here: @mystgrrlreviews and @3six5beauty. She also reviews restaurants with her partner at @thefoodnomilist.
CONTEN...
2022-05-041h 33PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 28: Crazy Ex Girlfriend, living with Borderline Personality Disorder in musical form (with Dr Elise McGlashan)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Welcome to West Covina, California, where manic pixie dreamgirls actually go on to receive appropriate mental health diagnoses. Join Steph with esteemed psychology and sleep researcher Dr Elise McGlashan, as they discuss their very favourite show and try to be impartially critical about its depiction of Borderline Personality Disorder. We talk about how while we do not ourselves have BPD, we heavily see ourselves in some of the journeys taken throughout the show, including diagnosis, therapy and accepting that antidepressants are so not a big deal.
Note: If it being a musical turns yo...
2022-04-201h 25PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 27: Special, one person’s journey of life with Cerebral Palsy - emphasis on one (with Peta Hooke)TRANSCRIPT HERE
The world of disability representation was on Ryan O'Connell's shoulders when Netflix gave him a deal to create a series based on his memoir of life with Cerebral Palsy. So how do we rate it? Join Steph with Peta Hooke, disability activist and creator of the I Can't Stand Podcast, as we dissect the two part series.
Follow Peta on insta at @petahooke
Listen to Peta's podcast I Can't Stand here: https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/
CONTENT WARNING: Ableism, sex and sex work.
REFERENCES:
Cerebral palsy - Sym...
2022-04-0659 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 26: Don’t Look Up and death anxiety, aka Steph makes her psychologist proudTRANSCRIPT HERE
In this episode, Steph gets deep on her biggest trigger of anxiety, end of life and the end of the world - as we dissect 2021's Netflix hit Don't Look Up, directed by Adam McKay. Does the film depict climate and death anxiety well, and does it do anything to help the cause? Or does it try to do too much? It's the most political we get in a while... right wingers beware! Also we disrespect Mark Rylance in the name of neurodiverse representation. Sorrynotsorry.
Please watch Adam McKay’s toddler be timelessly in...
2022-03-231h 23PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 25: Atypical, and how autism representation has and hasn’t progressed since Rain Man (with Eric Michael Garcia)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Our 25th episode has the brilliant Washington DC based journalist, author and autism advocate Eric Michael Garcia joining Steph to discuss Netflix’s extremely polite series Atypical (2017-2020). We drag it just as politely, and discuss what it does well, what it neglects, and what promising ideas it doesn’t really flesh out. We also discuss the problems with autism parenting culture, and whether we should like Zahid or not (But we should definitely love Casey).
Check Eric’s work out at his website http://www.ericmgarcia.net/. Follow him on Twitter @EricMGarcia where h...
2022-03-091h 57PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 24: Touched With Fire, aka the non-hollywood Bipolar movie (with Jossie Williams)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Join Steph and the vibrant Jossie Williams as they dissect the indie Paul Dalio film Touched With Fire. Jossie takes us through her own journey of diagnosis, treatment and life with bipolar disorder and how it compares to the depiction in the movie. We also rag on Silver Linings Playbook a little, soz. Could this be the film that finally fully passes the Psychocinematic test? Does it have to be one that's almost impossible to find on streaming sites goddammit!?
Jossie Williams is a Psychology personal assistant, counselling student, mental health advocate, writer...
2022-02-231h 27PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 23: Silver Linings Playbook, aka David O. Russell’s Bipolar MovieTRANSCRIPT HERE
Welcome to a new year of Psychocinematic deep dives you didn’t know you needed! Today we start a conversation about Bipolar Disorder, by firstly looking at the Oscar bait 2012 film by David O Russell, Silver Linings Playbook. How does Hollywood handle something that has so much stigma and misunderstanding attached to it? Is it as accurate as people seem to believe? And do we like David O Russell?
Content Warning: ableism, sports gambling, institutionalisation, physical violence, sex shaming, brief description of panic attack, body shaming, brief description of sexual assault, use of th...
2022-02-081h 44PSYCHOCINEMATICPsychocinematic TrailerA little trailer for the lols! Starring the voices of Michael Watson, Steph Fornasier and Maz Fornasier.
Editing by Steph Fornasier
Music by Michael Watson
TRANSCRIPT:
Steph:
Welcome to Psychocinematic
(CLIP)
Steph:
Can I say that it was on the nose?
Michael:
No you may not, you get one per episode
(CLIP)
Steph:
But we are the only married podcast team
Steph:
A...
2022-02-0800 min
2022-02-0436 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 22: The Muppet‘s Christmas Carol AKA Cancel Tiny TimTRANSCRIPT HERE
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL YOU GENTLEFOLK! Welcome to our second annual Christmas episode, where we bring you the deepest of dives into the most beloved of yuletide tales by Charles Dickens, brought to you by furry puppets and a most serious Michael Caine. THE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL!
Did this story invent Christmas? What would Scrooge and Tiny Tim be diagnosed with today? Is Tiny Tim actually a super problematic character? Do you even need to guess the answer to that question? FIND OUT NOW!
CONTENT W...
2021-12-221h 30PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 21: Clueless, and why Cher Horowitz, like, totally has ADHD (with Maz Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
On our last main episode of the year, Maz and I dive far more deeply than most would into the most iconic highschool mid 90’s movie, Clueless (1995) directed by Amy Heckerling and starring the almost-forgotten Alicia Silverstone. We discuss why Cher definitely has ADHD and why her plight is so relatable to Maz (although not because she has a crush on her ex-step-sibling). Does Clueless’ inspiration, Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ also have ADHD? And does anyone use the term 'cake boy' in real life?
Apologies for Steph's gnarly vocal fry today!
See the ti...
2021-12-151h 12PSYCHOCINEMATICBONUS: Crip Camp, the Disability Rights Movement, and who you should listen to instead of meTRANSCRIPT HERE
Happy International Day of People with Disability!!
Join me (Steph) as I have a big gush about the documentary Crip Camp and a little rant about ableism, and direct your attention to the ‘mother of disability’ Judy Heumann as well as some of the many disability activists that I look to, leading the work in inclusion in Australia and the world.
This episode was to be only available to everyone via patreon for one day before it went to exclusive patreon content but then I thought, nah! Here it is forever.
...
2021-12-0332 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 20: Split, Primal Fear, and Identity, aka Having DID does not make you a murderer (with Maz Fornasier)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
It’s our 20th episode Psychocinemaniacs! Who knew we’d make it this far!
Buckle up for some wild rides as we delve into the 3 biggest movies of their decades featuring Dissociative Identity Disorder*. Primal Fear (1996), Identity (2003) and Split (2016). Steph and Maz discuss the wild assertions each film make, and the actual statistics around criminal activity, murder, and dissociative identity disorder. Also if there are any lawyers in the house we are sorry we don't know legal facts!!!
*Ok obviously Fight Club will be covered in a later episode. Maybe our 50th?
2021-11-301h 31PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 19: Steel Magnolias, Type 1 Diabetes, and women supporting womenTRANSCRIPT HERE
Hello Psychocinemaniacs, did you drink your juice today??
What movies are there about type 1 diabetes? Not many, but there is certainly Steel Magnolias (1989). Steph and Michael take you through this all female cast lead film (directed by Herbert Ross and written by Robert Harling), and the very interesting history of discovery and treatment of diabetes. Michael talks about his own, very recent experience of Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis and management, and whether this movie got it right or wrong. Also featured: reasons why Dolly Parton is awesome and Shirley Maclaine is terrible. ...
2021-11-111h 34PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 18: Mad Max- The social model of disability in post apocalyptic AustraliaTRANSCRIPT HERE
Did you know that one of the most popular action movie series of all time is actually a comment on how society sees disability, whether it was intended to be or not? Well let us BLOW YOUR MIND as we deeply dissect Mad Max 1,2,3 AND 4. As well as find out why Max, is supposedly, indeed, Mad.
P.S. One thing we neglect to unpack in this episode (probably wise for brevity’s sake) is how WHITE these movies are… next to no First Nations Australian characters in a movie set in the Aust...
2021-10-121h 41PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 17 - Sybil (1976), Sybil (2007), and the big question: Does Dissociative Identity Disorder exist? (with Maz Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Maz and Steph finally present to you the magnum opus of podcast content about Mental Illness in film. They watched both versions of telemovies Sybil, and now you don’t have to. That, is the 1976 version starring Sally Field and Joanne Woodward, and the 2007 version starring Jessica Lange and Tammie Blanchard. (Our cover image contains the font they used in that 2007 version, which is harmful to my soul).
Get your ears prepped as we unpack the true story which inspired Sybil, and the cultural impact it had on diagnoses of Multiple Pers...
2021-09-151h 49PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode16: Ari Aster, Who Hurt You? Part 2: MidsommarTRANSCRIPT HERE
Finishing up our Ari Aster-palooza! Let’s unpack Ari’s next traumatic experience of a film, 2019’s Midsommar. It’s a break-up movie, but not like most break up movies. We continue our discussion of grief and trauma in Ari’s cinematic world, and Midsommar’s themes of society’s view of life, death and family. It’s not all fun and games though, as we highlight the negative messages about disability and mental illness. Also, spoiler alert, Christian is a toxic, narcissistic prick. We talk about that too.
CONTENT WARNING: Murder, suicide...
2021-08-101h 29PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 15: Ari Aster, Who Hurt You? Part 1: HereditaryTRANSCRIPT HERE
Welcome to hell. A family is falling the fuck apart, in the most distressing way. Toni Colette wishes she was back in Porpoise Spit at this point. We are of course, unpacking the traumatizing debut from Ari Aster, Hereditary (2018).
We talk in depth about how Ari portrays grief, PTSD and family attachments, but also make it horror? As well as start to question his choices in how he portrays and utilises disability in his films. Is he exploitative? Do we love Ari or do we hate him? Can it be both?
...
2021-07-281h 30PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 14b: Forrest Gump. Part 2: It was capitalism all along (with Maz Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Here is part 2 bbs!
In this episode, Maz gets political, which means she does smoke a lot in the recording. She also does the best impression of Chet Hanks I've ever heard.
We talk about the myriad of terrible stereotypes this movie highlights, and of course the harmful message not only to people with intellectual impairments, but to the American people who were about to vote in the 1994 election. This is a disability/mental health podcast, but sometimes we need to digress!
Special thanks to You’re Wrong About podc...
2021-06-2437 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 14a: Forrest Gump: Part 1 - The creation of Forrest and erasure of American history (with Maz Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Today, Maz and I discuss THE FILM of 1994 (because the academy inappropriately sidelined Pulp Fiction), directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. Part 1 starts to unravel some of the reasons why you probably shouldn’t love this movie including how the character of Forrest was developed, its depiction of disability, and how it trivializes events of American history.
Tomorrow you’ll get part 2 when we delve into stereotypes and whether the film made a positive or negative impact on the world. It's very POLITICAL. Best listened to with a box of choc...
2021-06-2359 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 13: The Father, or let’s all experience dementia togetherTRANSCRIPT HERE
Episode 13 focuses on Oscar nomm’d play adaptation The Father (2020). A unique exploration into the real life experience of dementia and life as a carer, it picked up best adapted screenplay (Florian Zeller adapting his own play) and best actor for Anthony Hopkins. Join us as we discuss how accurate the depiction may actually be, and how much we would like to be a best friend with Florian Zeller.
p.s. Michael was nursing a total of 5 kidney stones at the time, hence he’s a little quieter than usual. He does a lot...
2021-06-101h 12PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 12b: The Simpsons Tackle Depression & Anxiety! Part 2: Was the Simpsons good for mental illness stigma? (with Nathan Phillips)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Simpsons part 2 is here! For our second part of episode 12, special guest Nathan Phillips and Steph look at the two episodes Moaning Lisa (Season 1 episode 6) and Fear of Flying (Season 6 episode 11), the stereotypes of the Simpsons and how they evolved (or devolved), and how these episodes shaped our understanding of mental illness. Is Bart society?? Should Maggie be at a jazz club or should she be in bed?? Find out now!
Also this is actually what "Loewenstein" is from, and it is hilarious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POqV7gjuCiY
...
2021-05-2056 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 12a: The Simpsons Tackle Depression & Anxiety! Part 1: How The Simpsons evolved and shaped us (or didn’t) (with Nathan Phillips)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Here we are in the Simpsons universe!
For our first part of episode 12, special guest Nathan Phillips and Steph look at the two episodes Moaning Lisa (Season 1 episode 6) and Fear of Flying (Season 6 episode 11), the history of the early Simpsons, and how accurate we believe their depictions of mental illness and therapy are, with a bit of our own experience thrown in. Nathan is a walking Simpsons encyclopedia living in North Carolina and Steph was banned from the Simpsons as a kid and has suffered as a result.
Follow Nathan at...
2021-05-181h 38PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 11b: The Royal Tenenbaums, or when shitty dads mess up their clever kids - Part 2: Wes-isms under a mental health lens (with Nic Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
Thanks for your patience lucky ducks, bet you were chomping at the bit to finish this episode! Here it is, PART 2 OF 2!
Brother of the podcast and editor Nic Fornasier joins Steph as they explore the dysfunctional family opus, The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), directed by Wes Anderson and written by Wes and Owen Wilson.
Together they ask the question, can narcissistic dads who abandon their kids make up for the resulting trauma? And if so does this movie portray this situation with nuance and respect? There is literally no way of knowing...
2021-04-1636 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 11a: The Royal Tenenbaums, or when shitty dads mess up their clever kids - Part 1: The Family of Geniuses (with Nic Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
PART 1 OF 2!
Brother of the podcast and editor Nic Fornasier joins Steph as they explore the dysfunctional family opus, The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), directed by Wes Anderson and written by Wes and Owen Wilson.
Together they ask the question, can narcissistic dads who abandon their kids make up for the resulting trauma? And if so does this movie portray this situation with nuance and respect? There is literally no way of knowing, except to listen to this episode, in two parts!
Part 1 focuses on the various mental illnesses of the...
2021-04-141h 13PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 10: The Virgin Suicides, teen angst and mental illness through the male gaze (with Maz Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
For our TENTH episode, Maz Fornasier joins us again as we dissect the ethereal adolescent world of The Virgin Suicides (1999) directed by Sofia Coppola and based on the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides. Listen as Maz and I explain our journey of love and hate of the film, and how it’s narration through the male gaze causes some problematic influence on the audience. BIG trigger warning, as we discuss suicide at length. (It’s also the title of the film).
Apologies to the audience for the weird sound quality today, and to Eugene Levy...
2021-03-301h 38PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 9: Me Before You, voluntary assisted dying, and the devaluing of disabilityTRANSCRIPT HERE
Welcome to Ep 9 and a new naming convention!!
Today we cover 2016’s Me Before You. In this episode, Michael takes the lead and goes ahead and writes a whole motherfucking university essay on the subject of disability and voluntary assisted dying. He goes on quite a journey of understanding as to why this movie, directed by Thea Sharrock and based on the novel by Jojo Moyes, is a pile of steaming offensive ableist trash. “On the nose” doesn’t cover a sliver of it. Please note that we speak as able bodied pe...
2021-03-081h 47PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 8: The Queen’s Gambit, aka chess & drugs & Anya Taylor Joy (with Maz Fornasier)TRANSCRIPT HERE
We welcome the enigmatic Maz Fornasier back for our EIGHTH episode covering 2020’s Netflix phenomenon, The Queens Gambit, based on the 1983 novel by Walter Tevis (Steph AND Maz call him William, apologies!) Can an adaptation be both harmful and helpful all at once? Find out, as Maz also gets deep into her own lived experience with addiction.
Content Warning: Drug and alcohol use, misuse, addiction, withdrawal and recovery, childhood trauma, abuse and neglect, some mention of suicide
NOTE: This podcast is not designed to be thera...
2021-02-161h 36PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 7: Tully -aka Juno grows up and goes through post partum depressionTRANSCRIPT HERE
Today we get a little more serious and personal (than usual, what a dirge) and tackle the subject of postpartum mental illness by looking at 2018's Tully, directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. A film that hadn't really been made before... should you watch it or boycott it?
Steph and Michael air some slightly soiled marriage laundry. Steph's vocal fry is on fire. Best quote of the episode is 'Film school bullshit. Dumb. Yuck.'
CONTENT WARNING: birth trauma, psychosis, risk taking behaviour, mania, postpartum depression, brief mention of infanticide, lactation issues
If...
2021-01-201h 30PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 6: Love Actually - about mental health and disability, actually.TRANSCRIPT HERE
It’s our mini ep on Love Actually (2003), Directed by Richard Curtis. This generation’s favourite Christmas movie. But you know what we watch Christmas rom coms for right? MENTAL HEALTH AND DISABILITY! Obviously. Maz Fornasier joins us for this special episode, and she is an efficient talker. Michael pls take some pointers.
CONTENT WARNING: psychosis, stalking, death of a parent, suicide, Hugh Grant.
We also lightly/heavily image shame Thomas Sangster Brody, sorry.
Host: Stephanie Fornasier
Co-host: Maz Fornasier
Editor: Nic Fornasier (are we seeing a pattern here)
The...
2020-12-2253 minPSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 5: Donnie Darko - schizophrenia or time travel?TRANSCRIPT HERE
It's 2001 and you have a big hot crush on Jake Gyllenhaal. You're Stephanie Fornasier and you have a lot of feelings. You're also every early 2000's suburban teenager who listens to indie music and now you wanna know what the heck that movie was about. Was it about mental illness or time travel though? Brought to you by David and Margaret, I mean, Steph and Michael.
Trigger/content warning: Suicide, violence, trauma, murder, psychosis
Hosted by Stephanie Fornasier
Cohosted, & music and artwork by Michael Watson
...
2020-12-031h 45PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 4: Ratched VS One Flew Over the Cuckoo‘s Nest and the history of mental health instutionsTRANSCRIPT HERE
In this episode, we compare literary and film classic One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, with the latest Netflix binger, Ratched. We take a good look at the history of mental health institutions and treatment along the way. Steph doesn’t say “on the nose” once this episode and apologizes for this profusely. Can you tell how much we liked Ratched?
Shout out to Cathy Watson, mental health nurse legend who we should have had as a guest on this episode!
Trigger/content warning: Suicide, ECT, lobotomies, sexual assault...
2020-11-101h 31PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 3: Rain Man - Hollywood’s first autism movieTRANSCRIPT HERE
1988's biggest blockbuster of the year was Rain Man, which put autism in the spotlight for the first time in Hollywood, but was it rightly or wrongly? We have a lot to say. Including way too much about Tom Cruise's teeth.
TRIGGER/CONTENT WARNING: Sexual assault.
Hosted by Stephanie Fornasier
Edited by Nicholas Fornasier
Co-hosted, music and artwork by Michael Watson
Articles we refer to:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/dec/13/rain-man-at-30-autism-hoffman-cruise-levinson
https://the-art-of-autism.com...
2020-10-211h 29PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 2: The Sopranos - lets have a very long chat about Tony Soprano and Dr MelfiTRANSCRIPT HERE
Our second episode focuses on The Sopranos, created by David Chase in 1999, one of the most heralded shows in the “Golden Age of Television”. We focus specifically on Tony Soprano and his experience of therapy with Dr Melfi. Steph does an amazing impression of Edie Falco. Michael uses some controversial psychiatric terms and makes rude comments about toxoplasmosis. It is long. I’m sorry. Perfect for your 2 hour exercise window!
TRIGGER/CONTENT WARNING: Episode contains references to violence, rape, suicide, panic attacks.
Also American Psycho came out in 2000…...
2020-10-051h 32PSYCHOCINEMATICEpisode 1: Joker - DC has things to say about mental illnessTRANSCRIPT HERE
Our first episode of Psychocinematic, focusing on Todd Phillips' slice of zeitgeist film, JOKER. Does it portray an accurate representation of mental illness? Is it helpful, or is it harmful as they come?
Featuring guest co-host (and probable regular) Michael Watson. Pre fancy podcast microphone, so apologies for the quality. Also Kanye has gone even more off the rails since we recorded...
Theme music by Michael Watson
Editing by Stephanie Fornasier
Artwork by Michael Watson
Name thanks to Michael Watson and Na...
2020-09-2137 min