I have been looking for deep dive talks about horror and mental health. Also super fun to rewatch the movies after listening to the podcast to pick up on details that I have might missed the first time.

As a therapist myself who is also a fan of horror, I really have high hopes for this podcast. Criticisms - the hosts draw too much on their own trauma. I work with clients all day and I have to take this podcast in small chunks because I sometimes feel like I’m doing too much emotional labor for these podcast hosts. The theory that is brought it is good to include, and very approachable for a lay-person. I really, really wanted to love this podcast but it just doesn’t seem as tight or polished as other horror podcasts I listen to. Also, and this is just my own personal bias and gripe, but listening to the hosts stumble through descriptions of contemporary Neo-Paganism on their Wickerman episode was embarrassing. It would have been cool to have an actual with or contemporary practitioner as a guest. I have the understating that one of the hosts practices some witchcraft? But that’s not at all the same as a deeply devotional, folk/indigenous practice that is depicted in the Wickerman. Also - the word is “parthenogenesis” and it’s not a dragon - it’s a hobby horse. Not that I expect everyone to be as obsessed with this film as I am, but they just get a lot factually and thematically wrong about this film. Clearly lots of work goes into this podcast, which is cool. But I wonder who the audience is?

A wonderfully original take on horror

I grew up watching and loving horror movies, but haven’t been able to go there in probably 10 years due to life things and past trauma. Listening to the hosts describe and dissect the movies over the last year has given me the nudge I needed to rediscover some old favorites. Today I watched a new, horrifying movie, all by my 40 yr old self :)! This podcast is amazing and one of my go to’s! I love the mix of horror and mental health connections. Hosts are interesting and insightful.

I came to this pod because I’m a huge fan of The Losers’ Club which Jenn is a cohost on. I really like the way that Mike, Jenn, and Lara explore horror and mental health in a way that’s accessible, easily digestible, and very fun! Listening to their conversations and analysis before watching certain films has helped me feel more comfortable while watching them and made me think differently about films I’ve watched previously. I always end each episode learning something new. I truly can’t say enough good things about this podcast!!

I’ve been listening to this podcast for over a year (having already been a fan of Lara and Jenn’s work from other shows), and it’s become one of my favorite podcasts. This is mainly due to the three hosts—Jenn, Lara, and Mike— who are equal parts warm, funny, and insightful. Oddly, I dislike most horror movies (I HATE jump scares and gore), but was led to this podcast through my love of Stephen King and other scary books. For a show that discusses plenty of bloody, disturbing movies, I find it a surprisingly soothing listen with plenty of smart and engaging discussion. Would definitely recommend to horror fans and those seeking better mental health habits.

i love it when my mental health horror movie analysis podcasts reference army of ponch.

Discussing horror movies and the very real issues they often confront could easily fall prey to shallowness or to sensationalizing instead of normalizing the discussion of mental health. Jenn, Lara, and Mike do a fantastic job of covering both the mental health topic and the film of the week, without losing sight of how these issues involve real people and real suffering. They honor the artists who create the films, including the writers, who often get ignored in favor of the visuals, or the director and actors, especially in horror. If you’re interested in mental health, psychology, film in general or horror in particular, social justice, and just being a human being, then treat yourself to some episodes of PsychoAPod. You won’t be as sorry as you were the time you went to check on that noise in the attic without taking a priest and a machine gun with you.

Love the hosts, the movie picks, the whole deal. Miss Lara but Jen and Mike are doing great. Thanks for the show!

I’ve been listening since episode 1. Great chemistry between presenters, learn about mental health and gain new insights into movies I’ve seen and have watched movies based on episodes that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Have expanded to presenters other podcasts, also highly recommended! Lizzie B.

Some episodes are worth a listen. This show is a great reminder of why you should take therapist advice with a grain of salt.

The only criticism I have of this podcast is that it sounds like Mike needs to take a drink of water, he always sounds like he has dry-mouth. Other than that this podcast is awesome.

I really enjoy it!

This is a mainstay in my podcast feed, and I’m a Patreon subscriber. It’s not just that it’s a horror podcast hosted by people who obviously love horror and are knowledgeable about it, it’s the added bonus of the hosts being great people who are knowledgeable and open about the various mental health topics they cover. They manage to make those topics interesting, and it’s never so heavy as to be a downer, even while the mental health topic is taken seriously. It’s a great premise for a podcast, the hosts make the most of it and they consistently have good guests too.

The hosts are all amazing, especially Jennferatu

I was introduced to this podcast when Mike guested on Scarred For Life. I was intrigued with the idea of using horror films (my favorite genre) to address and confront mental health issues, so I gave it a chance. I’m so glad I did. I also like the fact that Mike is “local” (I’m from NH). Keep up the great work, Jenn, Lara, and Mike!

I started listening because Jenn plugged this one on The Losers Club which I’ve been a fan of forever. I love Jenn and Laura when they’re there so I gave it a shot. So glad I did. Jenn and Laura are a joy as I expected and Mike does not disappoint either. As a lifelong horror fan and a junior psychologist because of my membership in a 12th step fellowship (only kind of joking about the junior psychologist line lol) I absolutely adore this pod. Laura’s synopsis at the beginning of each episode is so much fun and it’s awesome listening to the discussions on so many movies I love from a much more analytical psychology stand point. Decided to join the $10 patreon tier this morning and this is well worth the price of admission. Thanks for putting out such excellent content guys!

I’ve really enjoyed this podcast so far. I’ve definitely learned a lot about both the horror genre (which I’m just getting into) and mental health through it. Not the biggest Mike fan personally. I don’t agree with a lot of his pop culture opinions. I also find the way he assumes everyone should be be familiar with horror canon movies annoying and a bit gatekeeper-y. However all of his mental health information is well researched and he provides a valuable professional perspective. Jenn and Laura are an absolute delight. Give this a listen. You’ll learn a lot about movies and maybe even something about yourself.

Like Peanut Butter and Chocolate, discussions relating to mental health and horror movies go great together! The chemistry between the hosts makes it a lively and fun discussion and I’ve discovered new ways to look at old favorites as well as discovering new movies to add to my queue.

I wish these people were as funny as they think they are. Especially the woman who recaps the movie. It’s corny and takes too much time.

literally everything i could ask for in a podcast for a horror lover and someone who experiences struggles with mental health. i really love the complementary personalities of the hosts and banter is hilarious and balances well with discussions of deeper topics that can be more taboo or difficult to talk about.

I just stopped listening to this week’s episode to submit a review to counteract the one that said bad things about Mike’s voice. One of the things I love most about this podcast is the soothing, lovely quality of all three of the hosts’ voices. Jen, you have that raspy, sultry quality that I love. Lara, your voice matches your quirky personality — basically you sound smart and cute (spoiler alert—it’s because you are!) Last, but not least— MIKE, I love the soothing tone of your voice, and you just sound damned competent. I’d trust you with my kids if I had any. It’s a pleasure to listen every week, and if I haven’t seen a film that’s coming up next, I will make a point to watch it so I don’t have to skip the episode. I love everything about the content, the comedy, the compassion, and the HOSTS, most of all!!!

Combining movies with discussion of serious mental health topics is such a great idea. I always take something positive or helpful from each episode. Thanks, Pod!

I absolutely love this podcast! I’m a Psychology Student going for my masters program and the stuff that’s covered is so interesting and educational but keeps me engaged in an entertaining way. I love how deep the hosts go into analyzing movies, you can really tell they put a lot of thought and effort into each episode. There’s a good balance between the 3 hosts and I really appreciate their respect for each other. I wish they would do more movies than just thrillers/horror BUT I get that it’s their niche and more power to them for creating something I haven’t found anywhere else!

All three of you do an amazing job. I love your analysis of each topic. Look forward to each new episode. ♥️ ❤️

I subscribed to this podcast because I enjoyed Jenn and Lara's work on The Losers' Club and Halloweenies, and figured this would be up my alley as well. I was right about that, so if you enjoy those podcast, I think you'll be into this one as well. (I confess to not having listened to any of Mike's other show, The Pod and the Pendulum, yet -- but I plan to!) Psychoanalysis is impressive to me if for no other reason than that the hosts manage to cover weighty, important, and often troubling topics without descending into the maudlin. They get personal quite frequently, but never become self indulgent, which can't be an easy balance to strike. Best of all, they keep things light enough to have the episodes be fun. They take their topics very seriously, but prove by the lightness of their touch that these conversations need not feel as if the world is ending. That strikes me as being a vital message, and it's very well delivered by this podcast.

Love this pod- great mix of horror films and topics of psychology. Look forward to every episode and enjoy their insights into the genre!

I am catching up. I love this so much. I was a teenager in the 80s, so my love of slasher flicks outweighs everything, but listening to y’all talk about other horror movies has made me excited to watch things I missed. I’m a health care worker, and this has made the pandemic easier to take. Thank you!

I’ve been hooked since day 1! All three hosts are very likable, funny, kind and bring their own insights into such a niche space of talking horror films as a therapy. Love the movies they’ve covered, and can’t wait to hear more!

I found these guys through The Losers Club and I am glad I did. They are very insightful and have given new meaning to a lot of movies I have loved over the years. Highly recommended. Looking forward to Borderline Personality Disorder!

I appreciate that Jenn, Lara, and Mike make learning about mental health issues, particularly how they relate to the movies they discuss, so easy. Explaining mental health diagnoses and practices can sometimes be intimidating—or worse, boring—for listeners who may not be knowledgeable on the subject, but the hosts make it fun. This podcast is not just for people working in or interested in mental health, it’s also just for people who like film and film analysis.

I discovered this podcast during the pandemic. Listening to the discussions has been such a positive space for me to lean into and feel some comfort during the last year. I can’t recommend it enough!!

I can truly say this podcast got me through the Coronavirus pandemic. Over the last year I’ve been re-exploring my love of horror as a way to cope with the real life ‘ ghosties and ghoulies ‘ around me— This podcast has helped me gain a deeper understanding of why I feel inclined to do that, as well as a deeper love of the genre. You don’t have to suffer from mental illness to enjoy this pod, but if you do, it REALLY hits home in a way I never thought a podcast could. Jenn Lara and Mike are smart, funny, and vulnerable and it really feels like you’re sitting down to talk your fav movies with friends. ❤️

Came here as a Horror Virgin fan for Jenn and stayed for Mike and Lara. Love the conversations and love each host dearly. Such a great concept for a podcast and exactly what I’m looking for to deepen my horror knowledge and appreciation.

Smart but not heavy; funny but not fluff. This is a great deep dive from people who know their stuff in horror and psychological topics. Highly recommend!

This is just what I was looking for when I went looking for an analysis on 'We Need To Talk About Kevin' and I have fallen in love with everyone on this Pod; such great and intelligent notes on your subject matters. I have a whole list of movies to watch now and cant wait to keep listening~

Thoughtful, vulnerable convos, insightful movie analysis, all without taking itself too seriously.

Loving this show and the openly discussed topics!

I love this podcast. I have a lifelong obsession with horror, and I am also a therapist. This podcast helps me process my feelings about movies, and also combines two topics that mean a whole lot to me. I look forward to a new episode every week. Love love love

It leans more into the political rather than psychological themes in the films they discuss, which is disappointing. The idea of the podcast is a great one, but it doesn’t quite deliver on the premise.

I love this podcast. You all talk about difficult topics but I’m always laughing too. Thanks for all you do!

Laura stop apologizing for yourself. Way to set back the women’s movement and pride in having their own opinion. As for Mike asking for loyal listeners to drop out for having a differing opinion. Done. Also interesting that Jen immediately follows up with a call to have grace for self and others. Insert eyeroll here.

I get that they’re trying to make a pun with the title but just a heads up to anyone actually interested in psychoanalytic theory or psychoanalytic film theory, this show doesn’t provide that. It’s essentially just talking about movies and personal lives with your basic milquetoast self help industrial complex jargon thrown in. It has nothing to do with psychoanalysis or even film criticism in general. I never write reviews but just wanted to let people know who are coming to this with an interest in learning more about psychoanalysis, this is the furthest thing from it. It’s a bummer too because a podcast critiquing horror films from a Freudian or Lacanian perspective sounds pretty cool.

Very unique perspective on the horror genre using the lens of mental health: how characters exhibit symptoms of mental illness or distress, how the movies affect the hosts mentally, and how people can cope with the mental health concerns brought up. I enjoy their takes on the movies’ themes, which allow me to have a deeper understanding. For example, their exploration of grief in the original Friday the 13th put a whole new spin on it. Their discussion of self-care is also useful. One host talked about an anti-anxiety notebook, which I got for myself. It’s been a big help. Good resource for movie enjoyment AND mental health!

I just got into this podcast a few weeks ago and I really love it. I love the hosts’s easy conversation and especially Mike’s clinical perspective. What a great year to listen to this type of podcast. One thing that could be better is the audio quality -specifically the levels; the volume between each of the hosts are vastly different (Mike’s is the quietest) and often I’ll need to turn my volume way up to listen when Mike is speaking, and then Jenn or Lara will speak and it’s SUPER loud. Quite scary sometimes...

I’m so happy this pod exists 😀 🔪 👻 🎃 🎧 was a big fan of Jen and Laura’s work on the Loser’s Club pod and when I heard about this one I died so happy. Mike’s professional observations are the perfect cherry on top of this ghoulish sundae 🍦 👻♥️ It is so nice hearing others talk about their mental health. I have always had my own challenges and it’s always good to hear I’m not the only one. ☺️ I also always suspected a connection between my anxiety/depression and my obsession with horror! I just never knew how to explain it. 🙂 Thank you for all the hard work! Y’all are good humans. Well... I came here to leave a review and chew bubble gum 🤨 and I’m all out of bubble gum. 😅🤓 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Loved Jenn on horror virgin followed her here and love this one too !! I am new to podcasts and have anxiety and depression but also loved horror my whole life !! This podcast helps me on to ways horror of course but also analysis of things !! I can’t say enough good things about it !! I have had a covid 19 burning sensation in my head when standing or sitting upright for like 16 weeks now after getting over Covid so this podcast and horror virgin are my mental saviors in my life now since I have watched way to much tv !! Thank you guys so much !! Ronald W Rushing Sr.

I absolutely love this podcast. Jen, you speak to my soul. I discovered you on THV and followed you to this podcast! I’ve always wanted to listen to self-help and “therapy” podcasts but I was never fully interested. Now that you’ve combined it with horror, I am hooked (and learning)! I also thought I was crazy for finding comfort in horror movies but not anymore! I have found my people!

Love the show and the conversations that are had. I love looking deeper into horror and the themes that are present but often overlooked. Only pet peeve is in talking about psychology Jen never fails in bringing the conversation to herself. There’s just huge chunks of the show where she brings it to herself and it gets tedious to listen to.

I love this show. I’ve loved the genre of horror for a long time and for a long time too, didn’t quite understand that love. It’s become clearer over the years but here is a podcast that has taken my understanding of my own love of horror to a deeper level! I like that a whole month is taken to explore different themes and diagnoses and their manifestations in the genre. Jenn, Lara & Mike have a genuine, wholehearted love for what they’re talking about. Subscribe and enjoy!