Today’s episode is a powerful one. We’re joined by Dr. Sara Roldan, a therapist, professor, lecturer, and host of Our Oasis Community Podcast, as we break down Marvel’s Thunderbolts and explore its deep connection to mental health.
This film gives us so much to talk about — depression, isolation, self-hatred, and the painful but beautiful process of learning to love yourself again. Together, we dive into some of the most emotional moments and themes that show how healing often begins in community, not solitude.
💔 Key Topics We Explore
🌙 The struggle with self-hatred, emptiness, and the loss of identity after trauma
🧠 Depression and the metaphor of “the Void” — when darkness becomes all we see
🤝 The power of community healing and why we can’t recover alone
💬 Finding companionship after isolation and rebuilding trust
💡 Reconnecting with the inner child that trauma made us forget
Dr. Roldan also shares her insight on how fandom, nerddom, and geek culture can be used as healing tools in therapy. She opens up about her work supporting young women who are survivors of domestic, emotional, and sexual abuse — and how stories like Thunderbolts remind us of resilience, connection, and hope.
This conversation is both emotional and affirming. It’s about learning to hug the parts of yourself that you’ve tried to hide, to love the broken pieces, and to surround yourself with people who remind you that you are not alone.
💭 Questions for You
Which Thunderbolts character do you relate to most
Have you ever felt lost in your purpose or disconnected from yourself
What helps you find your community when you feel isolated
Be sure to check out Dr. Roldan’s podcast, The Oasis Community Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms 🌿
To find our new guest: Dr Sara Roldan @ouroasiscommunity
https://www.instagram.com/ouroasiscommunitypodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.roldan.sara/
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Attention
0:59 Intro
3:12 scenes
15:04 Interview
101:00 Movie Discussion
We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
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