June 03, 2025

137. How a Film Director Used OCD as Fuel: The Story Behind the Film PURE O

23 minutes

🧠 Episode Summary: What if your own mind was the biggest mystery you ever had to solve?

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova sits down with writer and director Dillon Tucker, creator of the narrative feature film PURE O. Diagnosed with OCD himself, Dillon shares how the chaos, fear, and obsessive spirals of his own mind became the raw material for a deeply personal and groundbreaking movie. Together, they explore the power of storytelling to humanize OCD, break stigma, and reach those silently suffering.

This isn’t just a film—it’s a lifeline for people who feel misunderstood, unseen, and trapped in their own thoughts. Because sometimes the most healing thing we can do… is turn pain into art.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• How turning OCD pain into art can be healing for you and others

• Why films like PURE O matter in breaking OCD stigma

• What makes OCD storytelling different from typical mental health narratives

• How OCD can be reframed as a superpower through creativity and advocacy

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00:01] Introduction to the episode

[00:01:35] Did Dillon Expect the Film to Be Therapeutic for Others?

[00:03:00] What Viewers Said After Watching Film

[00:04:05] Dilan’s Emotional Response to Seeing the Finished Film

[00:04:15] The Purpose Behind Making This Movie

[00:05:30] Where the Film Stands Now & What’s Coming

[00:06:30] Why Everyone Should Watch This Movie — Not Only People with OCD

[00:07:20] We Need More Stories, Films, and Resources on OCD

[00:08:05] What to Know Before Making Something Similar / Manage Emotional Weight

[00:10:00] OCD as a Superpower: Boosting Your Potential

[00:11:25] First Time Screening the Film in a Movie Theater

[00:13:00] How Family Reacted to the Film’s Premiere

[00:13:30] Dilon's OCD Advocacy and Impact Today

[00:14:28] The Community Built Through OCD Advocacy

[00:14:47] OCD Is Gaining Awareness and Acceptance

[00:15:46] Why Mainstream Media Representation of OCD Matters

[00:17:36] Movie Characters Development Explained

[00:18:28] OCD and the Pain of Social Isolation / Educating Loved Ones About OCD

[00:20:04] Other Popular Films and Series Featuring Disorders

[00:21:27] Where Can You Watch the Film? / Where Can You Reach Out to Them?

[00:22:20] Closing Reflections and Final Thoughts

🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎁 Free Download: https://shorturl.at/KcTxM

📓 OCD Journal: https://shorturl.at/7pUxB

✅Dillon Tucker:

👉Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dillontucker/

✅Pure O Movie:

👉Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pure_o_movie/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D

👉Buy/rent a movie - https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CVR6M2NJ/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

👉Watch on Tubi -https://shorturl.at/C5PGX

👤 About the Host:

The OCD Whisperer Podcast is hosted by Kristina Orlova, LMFT, a licensed therapist who has helped hundreds of clients with OCD and anxiety using ERP, ACT, and ICBT.

🌐 Learn more: www.korresults.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer

📧 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/KcTxM

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⚠️Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.

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By Kristina Orlova

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