Cinemental

Cinemental

By The Jones BrothersTV & FilmHealth & FitnessMental Health
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Cinemental episodes

  • 062 Alien
    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?
    31 min
  • 061 The Conjuring Ed & Lorraine
    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
    30 min
  • 060 The Conjuring
    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
    36 min
  • 059 RAD
    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]
    35 min
  • 058 Exorcist: The True Story
    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
    28 min
  • 057 The Exorcist
    Is demonic possession real — or just the stuff of horror movies? 👀
    In this episode of Cinemental, we dive head-first into The Exorcist, exploring the chilling history behind the film, the real-life case that inspired it, and how the movie shaped our cultural understanding of possession. We break down the film’s iconic scenes, its controversial release, and whether science, psychology, or the supernatural best explains what we see on screen.
    From Linda Blair’s unforgettable performance to the Catholic Church’s stance on exorcism, we cover it all — including the 1970s media frenzy, audience faintings, and the philosophical question: Can possession happen in the real world, or is it all in the mind?
    🎬 What we cover in this episode:
    The real story that inspired The Exorcist
    How the film blurred the line between horror and reality
    The psychology of “possession” vs. spiritual explanations
    The controversy and moral panic that surrounded its release
    Why The Exorcist still scares audiences 50 years later
    If you’re fascinated by horror history, true-crime-style mysteries, or the psychology of fear, this episode is for you.
    #TheExorcist #Exorcism #Possession #HorrorMovies #DemonicPossession #MentalHealth #CinementalPodcast #FilmAnalysis #TrueStory #HorrorHistory
    30 min
  • 056 Woke Superman
    In this episode of Cinemental, we dive headfirst into the controversy surrounding the new Superman movie and whether or not it’s gone "woke." Spoiler alert: Superman has always been woke. From standing up for the oppressed in his earliest comics to literally fighting Nazis, the Man of Steel has never been a bootlicker.
    But for those who think truth, justice, and a better tomorrow are too political, we’ve got you covered with our Top 5 Republican Superheroes—heroes who would feel right at home on a flag-draped pickup truck.
    And of course, we close with our Alpha of the Week award—this time going to Jasmine Jones, winner of the BEE award.
    Whether you think Superman’s too powerful, too political, or just too much, this episode breaks down how superheroes reflect the culture—and what it means when people start calling kindness "radical."
    🦸‍♂️ Keywords:
    Is Superman woke, new Superman movie 2025, Republican superheroes, political superheroes, top conservative superheroes, Superman always political, DC Comics woke debate, Alpha of the Week, Jasmine Jones news, Cinemental podcast, superhero politics, culture war in comics
    🧠 Join the conversation about storytelling, morality, and why capes always come with a point of view.
    0:00 Introduction
    2:00 Sponsor: Crypto Night
    3:10 Was Superman a Woke Film?
    7:20 Henry Cavill was NOT a woke Superman
    9:20 What is a Byronic Hero?
    11:30 Metropolis is OVER Metahumans
    13:30 Top 5 Superheroes for the Right Wing
    19:30 Big Beautiful Bill Will Cost More
    25:00 What's going on with Stephen Colbert?
    28:42 Alpha of the Week Jasmine Jones
    34 min
  • 055 Superman
    🎙️ This week on Cinemental, we’re taking flight with the Man of Steel and asking a big question: Is Superman… too perfect to care about?
    In this episode, we dig into the story problem at the heart of Superman: when your hero is invincible, is there anywhere for them to go emotionally? We explore what makes a compelling protagonist, why Superman has been a storytelling challenge for decades, and how writers try to get around his god-like invulnerability.
    But we don’t stop there. We also dive into the psychology of motivation: Are negative emotions like anger, grief, or resentment actually mentally healthy when it comes to pushing us forward? And what happens when your main character doesn’t experience those emotions? Can they still be interesting?
    💡 Topics we cover:
    Why Superman is hard to write (and how some versions got it right)
    The mental health upside of negative emotions
    What it means to grow as a character when nothing can hurt you
    0:00 Introduction
    1:33 Topics of the Day
    2:50 What happened in the new Superman Movie
    3:40 The Opening of the Movie was Great
    5:15 Best Scene in all of the Superman Movies
    7:00 The Story Problem with Superman
    11:45 Superman is NOT what made this movie great
    13:00 Mr. Terrific was the best superhero in Superman
    15:10 The Theme of the Movie is So Timely
    19:10 Iterations are killing Superhero movies
    22:30 Lex Luthor’s Main Motivation was Envy
    25:00 Can Negative Emotions Become Positive Motivators
    35 min
  • 054 T2: AI & Mental Health
    We’re back with another Cinemental deep dive into the mind‑bending world of Artificial Intelligence and this episode takes our Terminator 2 conversation to the next level.
    AI isn’t science fiction anymore, and it’s touching everything: our creativity, our workplaces, even our mental health. In this episode we explore:
    ✅ AI Hallucinations – what happens when machines confidently give us bad info, and what that does to our trust (and sanity)
    ✅ How to Make AI Sentient – the theory, the ethics, and the terrifying “what ifs”
    ✅ AI and the Entertainment Industry – from screenwriting to deepfakes, how it’s rewriting Hollywood
    ✅ AI and Therapy – could talking to a bot help… or hurt?
    ✅ The Environmental Impact of AI – the hidden cost of training those massive models
    ✅ Putting the Brakes on AI – is regulation even possible, or are we already too far down the road?
    We’re not just asking how AI will change the world—we’re asking what it’s already doing to our minds and what we can do about it.
    💬 What’s your biggest hope or fear about AI? Drop it in the comments—we read them all!
    👉 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of mental health, tech, and cinema.
    🎧 Episode also available wherever you get your podcasts.
    0:00 Introduction
    2:15 What are Large Scale Language Models?
    3:45 What are AI hallucinations?
    5:50 Jeff uses AI
    6:30 Theory on how to make AI sentient
    8:40 Josh doesn't like dogs
    11:10 No mustard in Relish
    12:40 Effects of AI on the Entertainment Industry
    13:45 Automation Always Wins
    16:00 Is AI the future for Therapy?
    19:00 Can AI be a substitute teacher
    22:20 Environmental Impact of AI
    24:00 Putting the Brakes on AI
    27:15 Josh's Final Thoughts
    30 min
  • 053 Terminator 2: Judgment Day
    🎙️ In this episode of Cinemental, we dive headfirst into Terminator 2: Judgment Day and explore why this isn’t just an action classic—it’s a film about mental health, identity, and the power of tiny details.
    💡 What we talk about:
    ✅ How Terminator 2 brilliantly portrays delusions through Sarah Connor’s arc—and what it’s like to be the child of someone carrying visions of a future no one else believes in.
    ✅ The emotional weight of growing up with a parent who the world labels “unstable” while they might actually be right.
    ✅ Linda Hamilton’s jaw‑dropping performance and physical transformation—how her dedication shaped an entirely new kind of action heroine.
    ✅ Why small moments, like a nurse’s unsettling gesture or a barely noticeable reaction shot, prove that tiny details can make a huge difference in a movie’s storytelling.
    Whether you’re a fan of explosive sci‑fi action, fascinated by mental health in film, or just love seeing how masterful performances can redefine a genre, this conversation is for you.
    👍 If you love movies that blend adrenaline with deep character work, hit that like button, subscribe for more mental‑health‑meets‑cinema conversations, and let us know your favorite detail from Terminator 2!
    02:23 - WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT TERMINATOR 2
    03:32 - TERMINATOR 2 RECAP
    04:59 - PSYCHIATRY
    07:21 - WHEN PEOPLE DON'T BELIEVE YOUR DELUSIONS
    08:39 - DO SICK PATIENTS PRETEND TO BE HEALTHY
    09:56 - WHY AREN'T PSYCHIATRISTS HEROES IN MOVIES?
    11:14 - TV THERAPIST THAT INSPIRED JOSH TO BECOME A PSYCHIATRIST
    12:24 - WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO BELIEVE A PATIENT'S DELUSIONS
    13:12 - CRAZY ABOUT BEING CRAZY
    15:33 - WHY WAS SARAH CONNER HOSPITALIZED?
    16:17 - THE EFFECTS ON CHILDREN WITH MENTALLY ILL PARENTS
    17:54 - EARLIER DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS OF MENTAL ILLNESSES
    19:36 - WHY ARE MEDICATIONS NO MAKING PROGRESS IN TREATING MENTAL ILLNESSES?
    20:58 - JEFF GEEKS OUT OVER LINDA HAMILTON
    23:01 - OUR DAD'S FAVORITE THINGS
    23:56 - WHAT DID JOHN CONNER ULTIMATELY WANT?
    24:39 - HOW A TINY DETAIL CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN YOUR SCREENPLAY
    26:38 - JUSTIFYING UNJUSTIFIED KILLING
    27:42 - THE DREAD OF AN UNSTOPPABLE VILLAIN
    28:15 - ZOMBIE FILMS ARE NEVER ABOUT ZOMBIES
    29:25 - PARANOID DELUSIONS
    30:37 - DRAGGING SNOW WHITE THROUGH THE MUD
    34:18 - SHIT TALKING CONTENT CREATORS
    #Terminator2 #LindaHamilton #MentalHealthInMovies #Delusions #ParentingAndMentalHealth #TinyDetailsBigImpact #T2 #CinemaPodcast #Cinemental
    40 min

About Cinemental

From the publisher's feed

Cinemental is a podcast about mental health and how it’s portrayed in cinema and television. What did they get right? What did they get wrong? And what do YOU need to know about mental health.…