In this episode, we use Mean Girls to break down what really causes bullying — and the five steps that actually help stop it. We cover how to build confidence, teach empathy, work with schools, handle online bullying, and recognize the moment someone can turn into a “villain.” We wrap with our Top 5 Movie Bullies of All Time and practical strategies to end the bullying cycle at home, in schools, and online.

Regina George isn’t just a brilliant piece of filmmaking — she’s a psychological mirror. Written so sharply in Mean Girls, her psychology reflects the part of us that craves control, validation, and belonging — whether we admit it or not.

🎬 Cinemental Episode 66 - Mean Girls

We explore how Regina’s parents shaped her need for dominance, how the teachers and authority figures in Mean Girls also model subtle forms of bullying, and why bullying is really about power and control — not cruelty. We even unpack whether the infamous Burn Book was toxic or actually a form of emotional release.

From relational aggression to social hierarchy, Mean Girls captures the same psychological patterns we see in real life — in classrooms, workplaces, and online. This episode reveals the science of popularity, the Queen Bee effect, and how self-awareness can help us end the cycle.

💬 Join the discussion:

What’s your experience with bullying or “queen bee” dynamics?

Do you think the Burn Book was healthy or harmful?

Share your thoughts below — we read every comment.

⏱️ Chapters / Key Moments

01:37 - ALT Summary

06:08 - 1st sign of bully in movie

08:20 - When Bullying starts in someone

11:38 - The silver bullet to stop being a bully

15:11 - Diagnosis of the character Regina George

17:21 - The issue with her parents

19:21 - Janice was ALSO a bully

19:56 - Bullying is about Control?

22:04 - How to block being Gaslit

23:29 - DATING Advice

25:42 - Was the BURN BOOK really a bad thing?

29:28 - FETCH and starting word trends and slang

Cinemental is a podcast where movies meet the mind. Each episode dives beneath the surface of pop culture’s most iconic films and characters to uncover the psychology, emotion, and hidden meaning behind what we watch. Hosted by brothers Jeff and Dr. Josh, Cinemental blends film analysis with real-world mental health insight — exploring why stories stick with us, what they reveal about human behavior, and how cinema can help us understand ourselves. It’s part film school, part therapy session, and all heart — where every movie tells us something about being human.

Feel free to email us at [email protected]

Subscribe on YouTube to never miss an episode, or click below to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

https://linktr.ee/cinemental

#MeanGirls #ReginaGeorge #Psychology #Bullying #Cinemental #MovieAnalysis #DrJosh #BurnBook

In this episode of Cinemental, we unpack the hidden mechanics of gambling addiction — why it’s not just about money, but about dopamine, control, and hope. Using Rounders as our guide, we explore how the brain gets trapped in a loop of intermittent reinforcement — that unpredictable pattern of wins and losses that keeps you chasing the next big score.

Unlike substances that alter your body chemistry, gambling addiction hijacks your reward system with uncertainty itself. Every hand, every spin, every near-miss floods the brain with possibility, not payoff — making it one of the hardest addictions to walk away from.

We’ll talk about the psychology of risk, why “almost winning” feels as powerful as winning, and how to break free from the illusion that the next turn will finally make it right.

🎧 This isn’t just a movie about poker — it’s a mirror for how easily we can mistake chance for destiny.

1:16 - The difference between and addiction and a disorder.

2:34 - Is gambling addiction different than other addictions?

4:53 - What happens to someone when they are gambling?

7:41 - When does gambling become a disorder?

9:54 - Negotiator training should include playing poker

12:55 - Poker is Fighting to the Death for Jeff.

14:36 - What to do if you have Gambling Addiction (disorder)

15:21 - 1-800-GAMBLER

16:17 - What responsibility do casinos bear?

18:58 - Josh's Final thoughts on getting help

19:20 - The TOP 5 Improbable Hands in recent movie history

In this Cinemental episode, we go all-in on Rounders, the cult-classic that turned every college dorm room into a late-night poker den — even though, let’s be honest, it’s not actually a great poker movie. We dive into why the film’s real stakes aren’t in the cards but in the choices: addiction, loyalty, and learning when to fold not just your hand, but a toxic friendship.

Matt Damon’s Mike McDermott and Edward Norton’s Worm show us the thrill and the danger of chasing losses — financial and emotional. We unpack how Rounders became a cultural revolution for poker while serving as a cautionary tale about risk, recovery, and identity. If you’ve ever been tempted by “just one more hand,” this episode’s for you.

🎧 Listen as we break down gambling addiction, codependent friendship, and how sometimes the smartest play is knowing when to walk away.

1:18 - Rounders premise and plot

1:58 - Topics for this episode

4:02 - Rounders full summary

6:03 - A word from our sponsor

6:40 - The psychology of gambling

9:14 - Why are certain people wired to be addicted to the hit

10:24 - Why didn't Matt go on TILT in the beginning?

12:24 - Is Mike actually a gambling addict?

14:17 - Pot Committal

16:22 - short end

17:12 - PJ Brown Tribute Bonus

18:40 - breaking up with a lifelong friend

22:15 - The loan from Mike's professor

24:09 - The final game

25:12 - Rounders WAS NOT a good poker movie

In this episode of Cinemental, we dive deep into the dangers of AI and its growing impact on mental health. From people forming emotional relationships with artificial intelligence to the subtle ways we’re giving up autonomy, the conversation explores how technology is reshaping our daily lives.

We also tackle the future of political discourse in an AI-driven world—what happens when algorithms start influencing not only what we watch and read, but also how we think, feel, and vote? Is AI helping us connect, or is it quietly rewriting the way humans understand themselves and each other?

Whether you’re curious about the psychology of human-AI relationships, the risks of overreliance on tech, or the broader implications for society and democracy, this episode brings together film analysis, mental health insights, and urgent cultural questions.

🔎 Topics we cover:

Why people are forming relationships with AI

The dangers of losing autonomy to machines

How AI could shape political and social discourse

The mental health effects of an AI-driven world

Best Alien Movie Ranked

Top 5 Androids of all time

If you care about mental health, film, and the future of technology, hit play and join the conversation.

Why Alien is the ultimate sci-fi horror: corporate greed, fear, ethics in filmmaking, and screenwriting lessons for writing great science fiction.

In this episode of the Cinemental Podcast, we break down Ridley Scott’s Alien—from the dangers of corporate control and the psychology of fear, to whether it’s ethical to surprise actors on set. We also share tips on what makes great science fiction writing and why Ripley’s journey remains iconic.

We also debate the ethics of filmmaking—like whether it’s ever okay to surprise your actors for a “real” reaction—and break down what makes Alien a masterclass in writing great science fiction. From world-building and tension to Ripley’s iconic journey, this episode is packed with insights for fans of film, screenwriters, and anyone fascinated by the psychology of fear.

🎬 Whether you love horror, sci-fi, or just want to learn what makes Alien so timeless, this episode has something for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations at the crossroads of mental health, cinema, and storytelling.

#Alien #Cinemental #SciFi #Screenwriting #Horror

00:02:25 - Jeff's alternative summary of Alien

00:03:40 - Mental Health Topics we will cover

00:04:05 - True Summary of Alien

00:05:10 - Most iconic scene from Alien

00:06:13 - A little bit about Crohn's disease

00:08:06 - Everyone made bad decisions with eggs

00:09:12 - Is surprising actors on set OK?

00:13:30 - #Slates4Sarah

00:14:58 - Jeff won't watch a movie made before 1980 anymore

00:16:10 - The crew doesn't follow their own quarantine protocols

00:19:34 - Those who should be in charge, aren't

00:20:33 - Protections for Corporate Practices of Medicine

00:22:37 - Corporate Practice of Medicine

00:22:45 - Ripley's naivety standing up against corporation

00:25:20 - Write what you know and put it in space

00:25:47 - Ripley Returns in Aliens WHY?

Are Ed and Lorraine Warren real demonologists or just clever con artists? In this episode of Cinemental, we dive deep into The Conjuring and explore the controversial legacy of the Warrens. Known as the most famous paranormal investigators in modern history, Ed (a self-taught demonologist) and Lorraine (a clairvoyant) became the faces behind some of the most chilling “true story” horror films ever made. But were they uncovering real supernatural activity—or selling a carefully crafted myth?

We break down their methods, their role in the rise of The Conjuring universe, and why audiences remain fascinated by their blend of faith, folklore, and fear. Along the way, we ask tough questions about belief vs. skepticism, what makes a horror franchise successful, and why people are drawn to stories about hauntings, possession, and the unknown.

🎬 Topics we cover in this episode:

The true story behind The Conjuring and the Warrens’ investigations

How Ed & Lorraine built their reputation as self-taught demonologists

The debate: con men, believers, or something in between?

Why The Conjuring became one of the most successful horror franchises ever

Mental health, faith, and fear in the movies we love

If you’re into horror films, paranormal investigations, or the psychology of why we believe in the supernatural, this episode is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the conversation: Were the Warrens authentic paranormal experts—or brilliant storytellers pulling off the ultimate haunting?

#TheConjuring #EdAndLorraineWarren #HorrorMovies #Demonology #CinementalPodcast #MentalHealthAndMovies

Why do we love to be scared?

In this episode of Cinemental, we step into the haunted world of The Conjuring series. We take a close look at Ed and Lorraine Warren, the controversial paranormal investigators at the heart of the films, and ask why their stories continue to fascinate audiences decades later.

We also dig into the psychology of fear — exploring why scary movies are so addictive, what they reveal about us, and how The Conjuring became one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. From jump scares to real-life hauntings, we unpack the mix of storytelling, marketing, and cultural timing that made these films resonate.

🎬 In this episode:

The legacy of Ed & Lorraine Warren

Why audiences love being scared

The craft behind The Conjuring’s success as a horror series

How real-life cases fuel box office hits

If you’re a horror fan or curious about the line between fact and fiction, this one’s for you.

#TheConjuring #EdLorraineWarren #HorrorMovies #CinementalPodcast #ScaryMovies #FilmAnalysis #Haunted

Was Rad the best sports movie of the 80's? Probably not. But was it awesome? Yes it was. And it gives us a great opportunity to talk about thrill seeking behavior, professional athletes, and nature versus nurture. We're also joined by special guest Kurt Yaeger, who as well as being an accomplished writer and actor in Hollywood (Sons of Anarchy, Another Life, The Beanie Bubble) was a professional BMX rider, until he tragically lost his leg in a motorcycle accident.

I think the word tragically is superfluous there. No one is GLAD they lost their leg, but I digress.

Kurt shares with us his unique perspective as someone who's just wired a little different than the norm, and Josh tells him whether or not he's mentally healthy.

So join us for this episode of the Cinemental Podcast, where we discuss mental health issues from cinema and television.

3:30 Introducing Kurt Yaeger

4:45 The nostalgia of Rad

6:15 There were no Karen’s in the 80’s Corps are the bad guys

10:25 This was a TAME movie by today’s standards

12:35 Are Extreme Sports Athletes Healthy

14:45 Is our Friend Kurt Mentally healthy?

17:30 The Flow State

19:15 The Opposite of the Flow State

22:05 The Hardest Part of Sports is Other People

24:35 Hollywood is a Bunch of Crabs in a Bucket

27:05 Failure is the Only Option

30:15 Is Thrill Seeking Nature or Nurture

Follow Filmmaker Jeffrey Jones on Instagram @hugemanmissing

Follow Dr. Joshua Jones on BlueSky @usapsychiatrist

You can also email us at [email protected]

The terrifying true story behind The Exorcist is stranger than fiction.

In this episode of Cinemental, we dig into the real-life case that inspired William Friedkin’s horror classic — a chilling tale of a young boy’s alleged possession in the late 1940s, the priests who tried to save him, and the medical mysteries that remain unsolved to this day.

We also take a hard look at the medical world, asking why doctors often guess instead of admitting they don’t know — and how that uncertainty blurs the line between science and the supernatural. Finally, we count down our Top 5 Horror Tropes That Need to Die, from the jump scares we saw coming to the clichés that keep haunting the genre.

🎬 In this episode:

The real exorcism case that started it all

How The Exorcist blurred horror and reality

Why doctors sometimes fake certainty — and the risks that come with it

Our Top 5 Horror Tropes That Have to Go

Why horror works best when it surprises us

Whether you’re a horror purist, a skeptic, or just love a good cultural deep dive, this episode will make you see The Exorcist — and the medical world — in a whole new light.

Cinemental is a podcast where we discuss mental health in cinema and how its portrayed.

https://linktr.ee/cinemental

Follow Filmmaker Jeffrey Jones on Instagram @hugemanmissing

Follow Dr. Joshua Jones on BlueSky @usapsychiatrist

You can also email us at [email protected]

#TheExorcist #TrueStory #HorrorPodcast #Possession #Exorcism #HorrorMovies #CinementalPodcast #MedicalMystery #FilmAnalysis #HorrorTropes

01:53 - The true story

06:18 - Would modern medicine and care cure faster than it did in 1950?

07:48 - Did doctors believe babies didn't feel pain in the past?

09:19 - Do doctors guess when they don't know the answer?

11:30 - Calling out Texas Gov for comment about the floods

14:00 - To hold each other accountable, Democrats will eat their own

16:02 - Faith in Religion vs Trust Science

20:47 - TOP 5 overdone Horror Troupes

25:01 - Jeff always roots for the killer in Horror