Psyched Podcast

By Alexa Shank and Kelsey Fyffe

Society & Culture Health Social Sciences

What's Psyched Podcast about?

Psychotherapists Kelsey Fyffe and Alexa Shank combine their love of pop culture and mental health to create the Psyched Podcast. In addition to analyzing both real and fictional figures from pop culture, they share some of the lesser-known and more bizarre aspects of the field of psychology. Join them for entertaining conversation and inspired cocktail recipes.

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Psyched Podcast episodes:

06.22.2020
Announcement
Season 1 of Psyched is officially wrapped! We are taking the summer off to regroup and recharge, and will be back with more hot psychological takes in the Fall.
06.15.2020
The Pathology of Disney Princesses
We debunk an article claiming 15 Disney princesses suffer from specific mental health disorders. Life lesson: don't trust mental health diagnoses from random internet articles. References https://www.therichest.com/world-entertainment/15-disney-princesses-who-suffer-from-some-kind-of-mental-disorder/
06.08.2020
The 5 Categories of Cannibalism
Kelsey explains the five categories of human cannibalism and you might be disturbed to discover that cannibalism is more common than you probably expect. Get ready for an episode on everything from Christian communion to vorarephilia. Promo by The Strange South...
06.01.2020
Eyewitness Testimony: Why Your Memories And Your Vision Could Be Flawed
You can't always believe what you see! We'll explore the problematic use of eyewitness testimony in court cases and why we can't consistently trust our memory. References: Chew, S. (n.d.). Myth: eyewitness testimony is the best kind of evidence. Retrieved May 3,...
05.25.2020
Big & Little Edie: The infamous animal hoarders of Grey Gardens
This week we'll tell you about pair of mom and daughter socialites who lived together in isolation for 25 years. We'll explain what factors contributed to the eventual life of squalor and cat collecting that came to be their new...
05.18.2020
How Dating Works - With Behavior Bitches Podcast
The brilliant ladies from Behavior Bitches Podcast join us to explain how dating works and why so many of us fall into the trap of dating complete and utter assholes. Want to know how to stop? The Behavior Bitches will...
05.11.2020
Self-Harm In Sharp Objects
Did you know that Camille Preaker's word carving ritual is a real thing? Kelsey breaks down how the HBO miniseries, Sharp Objects, portrays self-harm and surviving child abuse. References Black, E. B., & Mildred, H. (2018). Characteristics of non‐suicidal self‐injury in...
05.04.2020
The Art of Catfishing
Why do people create false online identities? Why are some people so susceptible to being catfished? We'll answer these questions and more as we dive into the motivations behind deceptive online relationships. References: Bargh, J. A., McKenna, K. Y. A., &...
04.27.2020
American History X, Frankie Meeink, & Why People Hate
We explore the life of the real individual Frank Meeink, who inspired the film. We also discuss how people like Frank come to experience such extreme hatred that they would get involved as a Neo-Nazi skinhead. References: Abrams, A. (2017, March...
04.20.2020
ACT Is A Magic Cure All. Sort Of
Kelsey explains why ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is such a radical idea for therapy, and tries not to sob as she discusses her deep and abiding love for it. She also pays tribute to her mentor, Dr. Norwood, who...
04.13.2020
The Loved Ones: When Psychopaths Procreate
What happens when psychopaths have their own children? Are they psychopaths too? We dive into these questions as we revioew the 2009 Australian horror movie and the sinister father/daughter relationship that leads to unthinkable acts of violence. References: Byrne, S. (Director). (2009)....
04.06.2020
Baby dolls for grief therapy?
We explore the industry of reborn dolls and how they can be used for mental health. We'll also look into why people are so divisive over whether they are creepy or cute. References: Caballar, R. D. (2019, November 6). What is...
03.30.2020
Behind The REAL Exorcism of Emily Rose
We explore the real story of Anneliese Michel that inspired the 2005 movie. We'll look at the possibility of possesion as well as other answers for what could have happened to her. References: References Clancy, M. J., Clarke, M. C., Connor, D....
03.23.2020
Depressed? Try Special-K!
Kelsey explains the questionable science behind using ketamine for treatment resistant depression. Spoiler alert: don't trust drugs that sound like miracle cures. References: CHAN, L. F., EU, C. L., SOH, S. Y., MANIAM, T., SHAHIDII KADIR, Z., CHONG, B. T. W., LOO,...
03.16.2020
Marilyn Monroe: A Blonde Bombshell With Schizophrenia?
Part 2 of the Marilyn Monroe miniseries! We finish up the psychological dissection of Marilyn's life by discussing her seriously impressive drug abuse and speculating about the mysterious diagnosis her infamous psychiatrist, Dr. Greenson, gave her toward the later years...
03.09.2020
The Yoko Effect And Why We Blame Women
Yoko Ono's name has become synonymous with the downfall of the Beatles. We examine why the world continues to blame her and how various women continue to be compared to her. References: Break-up of the Beatles. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2020,...
03.02.2020
Marilyn Monroe: A Blonde Bombshell With Daddy Issues?
Part 1 of a 2 part series on Marilyn Monroe. We discuss why repeatedly abandoning your children is not a recommended parenting tactic, and talk about how attachment theory may explain why Marilyn was so unlucky in love and friendships....
02.24.2020
Mini: The Neuropsychology of Near-Death-Experiences
What do psychadelic drugs and near-death-experiences have in common? We share the neuropsychological research on what may happen in your brain during near-death-experiences and ways scientists are simulating these events for further study. References: AWARE study initial results are published. (2017, July...
02.17.2020
Judy Garland: Life Behind The Ruby Slippers
We delve into the dark truth behind the famous singer and actress' life in the public eye. References: Barbiturate. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbiturate Barbiturate. (2019, July 19). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved January 31, 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/science/barbiturate Bertram, C. (2019, May...
02.13.2020
Mini: Bedlam: The Most Infamous Insane Asylum
How did the term Bedlam come to be used to describe a scene of madness and chaos? We dive into the history of Bethlem Hospital and it's transformation in Bedlam. We'll discuss how the the first lunatic asylum in Europe...
02.10.2020
Aaron Hernandez: Can Brain Damage Turn You Into A Killer?
Kelsey discusses the tragic and bizarre story of Aaron Hernandez, crticizes the new docuseries about his life, and reviews the theory that the brain condition, CTE, can turn you into a murderous rage zombie. Promo for Stat! Podcast References: Aaron Hernandez hid...
02.06.2020
Mini: Pseudoseizures: How Your Body Can Fake a Seizure
Along with our guest Karen Wickiam from the STAT! podcast, we discuss the nature of pseudoseizures and what causes them. Karen, a retired ER nurse also shares several case examples from patients she treated at the hospital. References: Saher Hoda Kamil, Mustafa...
02.03.2020
Sheldon Cooper: The Big Bang Theory's Best Goofball
We explore the personality quirks of everyone's favorite particle physicist. References: Bath, D. (2018, December 18). Big Bang Theory: 20 things wrong with Sheldon we all choose to ignore. Retrieved February 2, 2020, from https://screenrant.com/big-bang-theory-sheldon-things-wrong-fans-ignore/ The Big Bang Theory. (n.d.). Retrieved February...
01.30.2020
Mini: Milgram's Shock Study: Exploring Obedience To Authority
Are people willing to compromise their values and blindly obey authority figures given the right circumstances? Stanley Milgram certainly believed so. We'll examine this classic psychological experiment and present some ways it this hypothesis could be flawed. References: Cherry, K. (2019,...
01.27.2020
Muchausen by Proxy in Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard
It's hard to comprehend that there are parents who intentionally make their children sick. We'll examine one of the most notorious cases of Munchausen by Proxy that eventually escalated to murder. References: Baron Munchausen. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2020, from ...
01.23.2020
Mini: HSAM: The people who never forget
What if you could remember all the details of every day of your life? We discuss highly superior autobiographical memory and the effects that the ability to remember everything has on these extraordinary individuals. References: Parker, E. S., Cahill, L., &...
01.20.2020
"Cast Away's" Chuck Noland and coping with isolation
What if you were stranded alone on a deserted island? How would you survive? We'll explore what made Chuck Noland particularly equipped for withstanding his 4 years of solitude. References: Analemma. In The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Retrieved January 3, 2020, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analemma Analemma. (n.d.)....
01.16.2020
Mini: Family Annihilators: Understanding the cold-blooded actions of family killers
It's hard for most people to comprehend why someone would murder their entire family. We'll examine the driving factors behind why these terrible tragedies occur. References: Characteristics of 4 types of family murders. (2018, August 8). Retrieved January 3, 2020, from https://psychcentral.com/news/2013/08/14/characteristics-of-4-types-of-family-murderers/58475.html Collins,...
01.13.2020
"You": Sexy stalker & serial killer
Despite his dangerous behavior, Joe Goldberg is still everyone's favorite cunning creep. We'll look at what makes this murderous man from the Netflix series "You" so irresistible and why some people are primed to become stalkers. References Jennifer E. Storey, Stephen D....
01.09.2020
Mini: Death by Dancing: The mass hysteria known as dance mania
We explore the history of various episodes of dance mania, along with characteristic behaviors and possible causes of the bizarre hysteria. References About the Tarantella [Video file]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://houstonpbs.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/3459b331-c720-41c9-afe4-00e6d6a5034c/about-the-tarantella/ Bartholomew, R. E. (2001). Little green men, meowing nuns and head-hunting...
01.06.2020
It's Britney Bitch: Struggles of a pop princess
We'll look at what led to Britney's infamous 2007 "nervous breakdown" and why it has become so memorable in pop culture. References: American Psychological Association. (2000, July 2). Americans are more willing to admit to having mental health problems now compared...
01.02.2020
Mini: Stockholm Syndrome: Why we bond with captors
We'll look into what conditions are typically present for this traumatic bond to occur. References Bohren, A. (2018, July 10). Stockholm Syndrome: A complete guide to this curious syndrome. Retrieved December 29, 2019, from https://blog.cognifit.com/stockholm-syndrome/. Carver, J. M. (2014, December 20). Stockholm Syndrome:...
12.30.2019
Dirty John, the dark triad and dependent personality disorder
We discuss the long history of lies and manipulation by John Meehan. We’ll look at how his behavior could fit the dark triad and how this influenced those in his life. References: Dibdin, E. (2019, January 13). A complete timeline of...
12.19.2019
Mini: The tragic truth behind the Tuskeegee Experiment
We reveal the disturbing details of this study that revolutionized the practices and ethical standards in research. References: Nix, E. (2017, May 16). Tuskegee experiment:The infamous syphilis study. Retrieved December 7, 2019, from https://www.history.com/news/ ...
12.16.2019
Frank Abagnale Jr: The analysis of a con artist
We present the exciting life of the “master bilker of banks.” We’ll share what elements influenced the real-life man from Catch Me If You Can to become one of the most notorious imposters of all time. References: Abagnale, F. W., & Redding,...
12.12.2019
Mini: Capgras syndrome: The imposter delusion
What if the person you cared most about suddenly became replaced by an identical duplicate? We explore the history and causes of this devastating delusion. References: Abumrad, J., & Krulwich, R. (2010, March 30). Seeing Impostors: When loved ones suddenly aren't. Retrieved...
12.09.2019
Cersei and Jaime Lannister: Exploring the taboo of sibling incest
We delve into the semi-secret sexual relationship between your favorite Game of Thrones twins, and discuss society’s views on incest over the centuries. References: Bilyeau, N. (2019, July 25). The royal incest that inspired the writing of 'Game of Thrones'. Retrieved...
12.05.2019
Mini: The psychology of false confessions
Ever wonder why people would confess to a crime they didn’t commit? We explore the tactics used to elicit confessions and how these impact the justice system. References: Fadia M. Narchet, Christian A. Meissner, & Melissa B. Russano. (2011). Modeling the Influence...
12.02.2019
SlenderMan Stabbing: when belief in a fantasy becomes Folie a Deux
We examine the delusional beliefs that led two 12 year old girls to try and muder their good friend. References: Dewey, C. (2016, July 27). The complete history of 'Slender Man,' the meme that compelled two...
11.28.2019
Dream Interpretation: Exploring the meaning-making of dreams
Why do we dream? What do our dreams mean? We explore the various theories behind dream interpretation including Freud's outlandish notion that genitals could be represented by churches, boxes, and the number 3! References: Cummins, P. (2018, December 11). Brief history of...
11.25.2019
37. Count Carl von Cosel and his corpse bride
This true story of possible necrophilia is much more disturbing than any Tim Burton movie. Join us as we discuss the case of the man who kept his dead girlfriend with him for over seven years! Harrison, B. (2009). Undying love:...
11.21.2019
36. Mini: Apotemnophilia: aspirations of a stump life
Discover the disorder that compels people to have a desire for a disability. We’ll look at the lengths these individuals will go to, in order to remove healthy limbs. Blom, R. M., van Wingen, G. A., van der Wal, S....
11.18.2019
35. Carrie Fisher: Life beneath Leia’s hair buns
Her lifelong struggles with mental illness and substance abuse often overshadowed her career. We’ll explore the dark side of the hollywood industry and how her famous family’s dysfunction impacted her. Bipolar disorder and addiction. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2019, from...
11.14.2019
34. Mini: Pyromania: When there's smoke, there's a firestarter
Everyone has passions and hobbies. But what if yours went too far? We take a look at the nature of “firebugs” and what leads these individuals to develop an obsession with fire. Brett, A. (2004). “Kindling theory” in arson: how dangerous...
11.11.2019
33. Howard Hughes: Billionaire Aviator to Paranoid Recluse
We examine the business mogul’s increasingly bizarre behaviors and beliefs that led to his gradual decline from playboy pilot to self-imposed solitude. 15 Gross and shocking facts about Howard Hughes's many obsessions. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2019,...
11.07.2019
32. Mini: The Mad Gasser of Mattoon
Although not a character out of a Marvel comic, we’ll tell the story of how this super-villain caused mass hysteria and panic throughout an entire town. Bartholomew, R. E. (2001). Little green men, meowing nuns and head-hunting panics: a study of...
11.04.2019
31. John Forbes Nash Jr.: The man behind the beautiful mind
We examine the fine line between genius and madness in the life of the famous Nobel Prize winner. Arshad, M., & Fitzgerald, M. (2002, January). Did Nobel Prize winner John Nash have asperger's syndrome and schizophrenia? Retrieved September 24, 2019,...
10.31.2019
30. Mini: Clinical Vampirism and Blood Lust
Straight out of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, those who suffer from Renfield’s syndrome are driven to drink blood. We’ll explore the long history of society’s fascination with hematophagy and how this might develop. Clinical vampirism. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2019, from https://psychology.wikia.org/wiki/Clinical_vampirism Clinical...
10.28.2019
29. The Warrens: Demonologists or Masters of Deception?
We talk about the famous paranormal investigators and consider which theories could explain their belief in all things spooky and demonic. Alan Orenstein. (2002). Religion and Paranormal Belief. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 41(2), 301. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=edsjsr&AN=edsjsr.1388010&site=eds-live Alexander, B....
10.24.2019
28. Mini: Clinical Lycanthropy; why your neighbor may howl at the moon
You’ll fear the full moon after you hear the stories behind this disorder. Baird, R. (2015, August 4). Clinical lycanthropy: where psychiatry and mythology collide. The Glasgow Insight into Science and Technology (The GIST). Retrieved from https://the-gist.org/2015/08/clinical-lycanthropy-where-psychiatry-and-mythology-collide/ Blom, J. D. (2014). When...

What's Psyched Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Psyched Podcast episodes:

Announcement

The Pathology of Disney Princesses

The 5 Categories of Cannibalism

Eyewitness Testimony: Why Your Memories And Your Vision Could Be Flawed

Big & Little Edie: The infamous animal hoarders of Grey Gardens

How Dating Works - With Behavior Bitches Podcast

Self-Harm In Sharp Objects

The Art of Catfishing

American History X, Frankie Meeink, & Why People Hate

ACT Is A Magic Cure All. Sort Of

The Loved Ones: When Psychopaths Procreate

Baby dolls for grief therapy?

Behind The REAL Exorcism of Emily Rose

Depressed? Try Special-K!

Marilyn Monroe: A Blonde Bombshell With Schizophrenia?

The Yoko Effect And Why We Blame Women

Marilyn Monroe: A Blonde Bombshell With Daddy Issues?

Mini: The Neuropsychology of Near-Death-Experiences

Judy Garland: Life Behind The Ruby Slippers

Mini: Bedlam: The Most Infamous Insane Asylum

Aaron Hernandez: Can Brain Damage Turn You Into A Killer?

Mini: Pseudoseizures: How Your Body Can Fake a Seizure

Sheldon Cooper: The Big Bang Theory's Best Goofball

Mini: Milgram's Shock Study: Exploring Obedience To Authority

Muchausen by Proxy in Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard

Mini: HSAM: The people who never forget

"Cast Away's" Chuck Noland and coping with isolation

Mini: Family Annihilators: Understanding the cold-blooded actions of family killers

"You": Sexy stalker & serial killer

Mini: Death by Dancing: The mass hysteria known as dance mania

It's Britney Bitch: Struggles of a pop princess

Mini: Stockholm Syndrome: Why we bond with captors

Dirty John, the dark triad and dependent personality disorder

Mini: The tragic truth behind the Tuskeegee Experiment

Frank Abagnale Jr: The analysis of a con artist

Mini: Capgras syndrome: The imposter delusion

Cersei and Jaime Lannister: Exploring the taboo of sibling incest

Mini: The psychology of false confessions

SlenderMan Stabbing: when belief in a fantasy becomes Folie a Deux

Dream Interpretation: Exploring the meaning-making of dreams

37. Count Carl von Cosel and his corpse bride

36. Mini: Apotemnophilia: aspirations of a stump life

35. Carrie Fisher: Life beneath Leia’s hair buns

34. Mini: Pyromania: When there's smoke, there's a firestarter

33. Howard Hughes: Billionaire Aviator to Paranoid Recluse

32. Mini: The Mad Gasser of Mattoon

31. John Forbes Nash Jr.: The man behind the beautiful mind

30. Mini: Clinical Vampirism and Blood Lust

29. The Warrens: Demonologists or Masters of Deception?

28. Mini: Clinical Lycanthropy; why your neighbor may howl at the moon