Episodes

Arnelle (Shayna's bestie) and Matt (Kathy's husband) join Shayna and Kathy to talk video games. Matt and Kathy bring the Gen X perspective, and Shayna and Arnelle weigh in as Millennials. And believe it or not, there are some very real mental health benefits to playing video games. Citations and Resources: The Psychology Behind Video Games During Covid 19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Reducing intrusive traumatic memories after emergency cesarean section: A proof of p...

To round out Pride Month Shayna and Kathy are joined by Shelby Bouck to discuss queer representation in Young Adult Literature. Shelby has a Masters degree in library and information science is a voracious reader and is obsessed with YA literature. Randomly, we have mild spoilers for the 2003 thriller, Identity. 100% of the profits from the sale of any of our Pride Merchandise will be donated to the Trevor Project to provide support for the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. Citations and Resourc...

Trigger warning- discussion of homophobia, suicidal ideation Shayna and Kathy and joined by Carly and Rachel to talk LGBTQ+ representation in media. In honor of Pride Month and in the face of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation we felt it was important to highlight mental health issues impacting the community. We explore the history of LGBTQ representation in tv and movies, the gains made and how far we still have to go. We also establish that African penguins do absolutely NOTHING to challeng...

This episode contains mild spoilers for Steven Universe. Shayna and Kathy are joined by Arnelle and Ana to discuss the optimism, pain and wonder of Steven Universe. It is quite the roller coaster. Silly at times, heartfelt, deep... just like Steven Universe. Citations Here Comes a Thought Video- https://youtu.be/Hz5yPxr0HJ8 https://lgbtqia-characters.fandom.com/wiki/Peridot_(Steven_Universe) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Universe Artwork by Matthew Gwaltney- https://www.bdbumblebee....

We talk about one of Shayna's favorite topics- BOARD GAMES! These aren't your mom's board games (but those are fun too). Michael, co-owner of Armada Games in Tampa, FL, joins us to discuss the rich and diverse world of board games, and how it relates to mental health, relationships and problem solving. And also- they are FUN! Citations: Longitudinal Study on reduction of cognitive decline associated with board games. Armada Games Artwork by Matthew Gwaltney- https://www.bdbumblebee.com Editin...

Shayna and Kathy are joined by their friend, Manami, for this very special bonus episode all about Superstitions. We explore historical and cultural aspects of superstitions, OCD and anxiety. If you listen carefully when Shayna is speaking, you will often hear Phantom, her lucky black cat, trying to join in on the discussion. Citations: The Top 20 Superstitions Black People Live By Psychology Expert Explains Why People Believe Superstitions Superstitions: What's the Harm? How Do Superstitions...

SPOILER ALERT for the movie, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Today Shayna and Kathy are joined by Rachel to discuss why Jyn Erso, the protagonist of Rogue One, resonates so much with her. We discuss trauma and apathy and hope and activism. You can hear more of Rachel on Followers of the Force Podcast. Citations The Enemy is Apathy- https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/enemy-apathy Understanding Apathy, or Lack of Emotion- https://www.healthline.com/health/apathy What is Emotional Numbness- ht...

SPOILER ALERT for the movie, Turning Red. Today Kathy and Shayna are joined by Pylynn, a licensed mental health counselor who specializing in working with children who have experienced trauma. We discuss puberty, familial relationships and emotional development- all while discussing giant Red Pandas. Citations Understanding Collectivist Cultures. (2022, February 23). Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-collectivistic-cultures-2794962 Adolescent Development Explained- https://o...

Meet Kathy and Shayna, two mental health therapists who love talking about pop culture and mental health. Find out their inspiration for the pod and what they hope for the future. Kathy also discovers, to her horror, that Shayna has no idea what "hair metal" is. Here is her playlist of some of her nostalgic faves- Kathy's Hair Metal 101 Artwork by Matthew Gwaltney- https://www.bdbumblebee.com Editing by Ryan Merrill Intro Music is "Call to Adventure" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)-Licensed un...

Today we chat about the movie, Encanto, generational trauma, familial relationships, making meatloaf and more! Huge SPOILER ALERT for Encanto. Shayna and Kathy are joined by three special guests: Ysa (She/They) is a school social worker pursuing her clinical licensure. Yazmin Castellano (She/Her) is a mental health professional, currently working with families to provide education and break the stigma of autism. Daveed Castellano (He/Him) is preparing to graduate with a degree in Film and Ne...

Mental Mages Podcast is two mental health therapists talking about what they know best- mental health and pop culture. New episodes will be released every two weeks. Artwork by Matthew Gwaltney- https://www.bdbumblebee.com Editing by Ryan Merrill Intro Music is "Call to Adventure" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)-Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License Follow us on: https://www.mentalmages.com https://www.facebook.com/MentalMagesPodcast https://www.instagram.com/mentalmages...