“The seaweed is always greener
in somebody else’s lake.”

Jumping jellyfish, the human world is a mess! So, I take a moment to discuss life under the sea with Leslie Trujillo, MA, as we look back on the 1989 Disney classic The Little Mermaid.

Before Leslie became the athletic director at Los Angeles Harbor College, she went on an adventure pursuing her passion as a collegiate strength and conditioning coach. She later published the book Dear Her, which reminds girls and young women that one day their struggles will become their strengths. (I have a copy autographed by both Leslie and her daughter!)

We discussed our experience of rewatching the classic and realizing that crabby old Sebastian was right about a lot of things after all. Who knew that making a Faustian bargain with a sea witch could be a bad idea? We discussed the dangers of acting impulsively when experiencing strong emotions. Leslie seems to think it’s not wise to make life-altering decisions to pursue a relationship with someone you’ve never met.

We also discussed how Ariel faced challenges like a champion athlete. You won’t see her getting cold fins. We explored the importance of Ariel’s oceanic support system, which helped her on her mission. Whether we’re talking about life on land or under the sea, it takes a village.

Put down the dinglehopper and check out this episode. Otherwise, you may end up a poor unfortunate soul!

Follow Leslie on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lesliet_coachc/

Check out her book:

https://www.instagram.com/dearherproject/

Check out LAHC Athletics

https://www.lahcathletics.com/

Check out my website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Subscribe to the Movie House YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@MovieHouseSportPsychologyClips

Follow me on social media!

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

“You might not remember him, but... he was a true knight.”

Today, Braun Inslee, LMHC, and I discuss A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Episode 2, "Hard Salt Beef." Yes, it's that episode, and yes, we talk about it. We wax poetic about Ser Arlan in all his glory and what he represents psychologically.

We explore the contrast between Ser Arlan's healthy masculinity and the toxic masculinity embodied by Prince Aerion Targaryen. We also discuss the symbolism of hard salt beef. As Braun puts it, it's "honest" and "of the earth."

We examine the importance of mentorship, including how Prince Baelor mentored his little baby brother, Prince Maekar.

We also discuss imposter syndrome and the tension between idealism and reality. Dunk and Egg begin to panic when they see fully trained knights and squires in action at the opening of the tourney.

To make matters worse, all these noble lords can't even remember the name of Dunk's mentor. His name was Ser Arlan of Pennytree. Tune in to see what his hand has wrought.

“The consensus here is that it would be preferable if you did not die.”

Today, I’m joined by health and fitness coach for elementary school students, Caroline Dempsey, M.Ed. After a brief guest appearance by Taco the cat, we discuss how one handsome astronaut’s journey of self-discovery saves all life on Earth in this episode’s movie, Project Hail Mary.

We talk about Ryland Grace’s (Ryan Gosling) struggle with imposter syndrome. He begins as a disgraced scientist who puts the "not" in astronaut and ends up fisting bumps with a sentient space rock! We explore the complementary strengths of Ryland and Rocky, discuss a major turning point involving Ryland’s loss of personal agency, and dive into the spiritual themes of self-sacrifice and the power of small acts of kindness.

Now, I must tell you to listen to this episode! This isn’t me betraying you—it’s me believing in you!

Get in touch with Caroline Dempsey, M.Ed.:

[email protected]

Check out my website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Subscribe to the Movie House YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@MovieHouseSportPsychologyClips

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https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

“Big men get punched more than little men. Did you know that?”

I sit down with friend of the show Braun Inslee, LMHC, to discuss episode one of HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, "The Hedge Knight." We explore Dunk's grief after the sudden loss of Ser Arlan and follow the big man's journey as he picks up the sword and takes his first steps as Ser Duncan the Tall.

We also talk about the origins of everyone's favorite duo, Dunk and Egg, the budding bromance with the Laughing Storm, Lyonel Baratheon, and soak up the vibes of the tavern at the inn and the tournament camps at Ashford.

This podcast brings luck to those who play it. Tune in, and the luck just might be yours alone!

Connect with Braun on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/braun-inslee-225a5515b/

Check out his friend's YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@Remnant_Works

Check out my website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Subscribe to the Movie House YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@MovieHouseSportPsychologyClips

Follow me on social media!

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

“...tiny acts of service to your fellow cadets—a single stitch and another and another, until you have devoted yourself to something greater than you ever imagined, a tapestry that is Starfleet.”

I’m joined by fellow Trekkies and hosts of Dice in Mind, a podcast about RPGs, pop culture, and life. Bradley Browne, MBA, is an executive strategist and possible Ferengi, while Jason Kaufman, PhD, is a professor of leadership studies. They join me in the ready room to discuss the 32nd-century series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

We share our surprise at how much we enjoyed the show and tackle important questions, such as how Holly Hunter and Helen Hunt are, in fact, two different people. We discuss our favorite characters, including Jay-Den Kraag and Lura Thok, and contemplate the mystery of The Sisko.

We explore the cadets’ development of team cohesion as they play space laser tag and face increasingly dangerous challenges. We also discuss the importance of mentorship at the Academy and the role of theater and improv in healing emotional trauma.

Assemble your away team before listening to this action-packed episode. As Jay-Den said, “A warrior does not let a friend face danger alone.”

Listen to Dice in Mind:

https://diceinmind.podbean.com/

Check out Dr. Jason Kaufman's website:

https://www.profkaufman.com/

Read the books:

https://www.profkaufman.com/books

Check out my website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow me on social media!

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

“I will leave at my leisure, but I am flattered by your desire to trap me.”

I talk with former athlete and current mental health startup founder Emily Huston about the film Poor Things. Although the movie contains multitudes, we focused on how Bella Baxter’s (Emma Stone) journey as a reanimated corpse with a baby brain mirrors the journey of an athlete. (I know what you’re thinking, but hear us out before judging!)

We discuss Bella’s challenges in gaining mastery over her body and navigating emotional development. We also explore how her decision to leave home represents a transition into a new stage of life, similar to athletes transitioning out of sport. Along the way, we talk about the inevitable shedding of old identities and the reclaiming of personal power.

You’re a creature of free will. Don’t let polite society stop you from checking out this episode.

Check out Emily's community of athletes and healthcare providers:

https://www.hometeamgo.com/

Follow her on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymhuston/

Check out my website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow me on social media!

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

“I don’t know the right words. Ought to be a septon here. You were a true knight.”

I talk with athletic mental health and performance counselor and lifelong nerd, Braun Inslee, LMHC, about the HBO series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. We meander through our shared history of loving fantasy (and confirm that, yes, wizards are cool).

We explore the difference between the image of a knight and what it actually means to be a “true knight.” We’re looking at you, Jaime Lannister! Along the way, we raise awareness about the dangers of “thinky-ness” and take a deeper dive into value-driven behavior.

We also break down a bit of fight analysis and try to answer the question: “What’s going on with this Ser Arlen guy?”

If you think our cause is true, check out this episode!

Find Braun on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/braun-inslee-225a5515b/

Check out my website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow me on social media!

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

“Oak and iron, guard me well.”

I talk with psychologist and certified mental performance consultant Dr. Tim Herzog about the first season of the HBO series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. We tackle important questions like whether Dunk was actually knighted and whether the lords at the tournament were lying about not remembering Ser Arlen. Then, we turn to a case conceptualization and treatment plan for the young up-and-comer, Ser Duncan the Tall.

We explore Dunk’s unassuming nature and compare his experience to that of a high school athlete thrust into the big leagues. Along the way, we offer sport psychology recommendations, including: “Maybe leave out the ‘or else I’m dead and doomed to hell’ part of the old knightly adage.”

Check it out!

Check out Dr. Tim Herzog on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reachingahead/

Follow his sport psychology adventures on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/reaching-ahead/

Follow him on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/reachingahead1

Check out his website:

https://reachingahead.com/

Check out my website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow me on social media!

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

“I told you to bring tights.”

“Do I look like I own tights?”

I talk with friend of the show, Caitlin Broadwell, APCC, the Athletic Case Manager at Long Beach State, who helps student-athletes connect to resources and, when the time comes, transition out of sport.

We dive into the early-aughts dance cult classic Step Up (2006). This movie is about more than Channing Tatum’s character, Tyler, and his fear of proper dance attire. We tackle important questions like, “Why are they forcing a teenager to work as a school janitor?” and “Where is the adult supervision at this school?”

We also explore the character dynamic between Tyler and Nora as they team up to achieve a shared goal. He’s a ward of the state from the wrong side of the tracks. She’s constrained by her life of privilege. Who would have guessed there’d be chemistry between this unlikely pair?

Along the way, we discuss gifted athletes dropping out of sport, adolescent males making mistakes, and more.

Check it out!

Check out her book!

https://www.amazon.com/Hanging-Jersey-Guide-Athletes-Transitioning/dp/B0FHBBJPXK

Contact Caitlin Broadwell, APCC at her private practice!

https://www.mndfltherapy.com/our-psychologists

Check out Caitlin's podcast and follow her on social media!

https://www.instagram.com/hangingupthejersey/

Check out my website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow me on social media!

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

“We’re not in the office anymore, Bradley.”

I sit down with the Doctor of Horror herself, Dr. Taylor Neff, to discuss the Sam Raimi vehicle Send Help. As both a psychologist and an admitted White Lady, she is uniquely qualified to weigh in on Rachel McAdams–related moral dilemmas.

We dive into office politics and corporate dynamics, including tuna sandwich etiquette. We tackle age-old questions like: Are corporate executives psychopaths? And, If I’m trapped on a deserted island with my boss, should I get him before he gets me?

We explore the mystery of why people keep suffering fatal “accidents” around Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams). We even break down a bit of fight analysis.

Find a spot on the beach and take a listen. You might just start thinking you should never leave.

Check out Dr. Taylor Neff's Psychology Today profile:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/taylor-neff-monterey-ca/1689159

Follow her on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/drtaylorneff/

Check out my website!

⁠https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com⁠

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych⁠

Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social