“Father, I want to confess.”
“What have you done?”
“Nothing, Father. I haven't sinned. But I intend to commit all the evil I can.”
Today we crusade against the Antichrist with the Christmas horror classic The Day of the Beast (El día de la bestia, 1995). I discuss how a ragtag group of misfits — a priest, a metalhead, and a TV psychic — team up to try to save the world. Father Angel believes he has deciphered the code of the Apocalypse: to gain Satan’s trust and stop the Antichrist, he must commit as much sin as possible. I’m skeptical, but he’s the expert.
I walk through Father Angel’s first steps in the film’s opening scene, José the metalhead’s role as protector and newfound friend, and Cavan the psychic’s transformation from charlatan to unlikely hero. We explore the commitment, teamwork, and surprising nobility of these misunderstood saviors.
Did our heroes prevent the Apocalypse? Or is killing the Antichrist, in the end, more about the friends we make along the way? Take a listen — and celebrate the season with my other Christmas episodes!
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https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
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“You said you trust Ping. Why is Mulan any different?”
In this episode, I talk with licensed professional counselor, basketball coach, and certified geek Desiree Nunez, LPC, about the 1998 Disney classic Mulan.
Think a woman could never pose as a man and charge into battle? Think again. We explore one of several real historical examples from the U.S. Civil War and discuss how they mirror themes in the film.
Dez sheds light on the role of the eldest daughter in a patriarchal system, the pressures of rigid gender expectations, the psychological impact of war, and much more.
Check out the episode, then stay for dinner… or stay forever!
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https://www.tiktok.com/@that.geek.therapist
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“Who do you play for?”
“I play for the United States of America!”
Today, my guest is a Certified Mental Performance Coach, the Director of Sport & Performance Psychology at the University of Western States, and the person responsible for introducing me to using improv comedy as a tool for mental skills development with athletes (may God have mercy on her soul). My guest is Sarah Castillo, PhD, CMPC.
We talk about the 2004 Disney sports classic Miracle. We reflect on the historical impact of the Miracle on Ice, and we discuss Kurt Russell’s portrayal of Herb Brooks' emotional journey and coaching philosophy that values team chemistry over raw talent. As Coach Brooks famously said, “The name on the front of the jersey is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back!”
We also explore the evolution of coaching practices, including the strategy of antagonizing a team to bring them closer together. (Unless you’re a character in a movie, we don’t recommend it.)
Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that’s what we have here with this episode. Check it out!
Check out Dr. Sarah Castillo's book, Strategies for Being Mindful: Workbook for Practitioners, Students, and Athletes.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/2OWNKLqrV8Vj3l59bClZsb/episode/6tKpbS2mBtmsHjxDLlPaSF/wizard
Find her on the Association of Applied Sport Psychology CMPC directory:
https://appliedsportpsych.org/certification/cmpc-directory/profile/295
Reach out to her by email:
sarahcastillocmpc@gmail.com
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
“When is a machine not a machine?” I chat with clinical psychologist, comic book character, and OG pop culture psychology expert, Dr. Drea Letamendi as we geek out about the first half of Alien: Earth (2025). We wouldn’t dare talk about the series without celebrating the greatness of Ellen Ripley. We talk about the show’s ragtag cast of cyborgs, synthetics, hybrids, and humans. We discuss the psychological challenges of children adapting to super-powered adult bodies. We talk about how our group of “lost boys” learns to work together as a team during a rescue mission fraught with danger. We even talk about the power dynamics and ethical dilemmas of living under a narcissistic tech bro and The Five, the corporations that replaced countries as sovereign powers. (Glad we won’t actually live in that world… cough cough.) Don’t go into hypersleep without listening — cuddle up with your ship’s cat and press play!
Check out Dr Drea Letamendi’s website!
Check out The summer of Psy-Fi on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh-_W5Gh1Ic&list=PLG0szTOgxKS5pDWTDma8ovMC-DRHSJJIg
Check out the Arkham Sessions:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-arkham-sessions-psychology-of-batman-more/id806565467
Follow her on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drdreapsychology/
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https://bsky.app/profile/drdrea.bsky.social
Check out my new website! https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
“If any man dared take on an Owens woman, he would live briefly in the euphoria of her love… before meeting an untimely death.” In this episode, I sit down with multimedia artist, educator, and fellow Indo Elizabeth Coert Souza, MFA, to explore the 1998 cult classic Practical Magic. We discuss how Elizabeth uses her art as activism—shining a light on the comfort women of the Dutch East Indies during WWII—and dive into the film’s themes of culture, matriarchy, and generational trauma. We examine the movie’s allusion to suicide. We even consider the “mental skills” that witches might need. Take a listen!
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential emotional support across the United States—call or text 9-8-8, or chat online.
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“Hi there, you on the table. I wonder if you’d mind taking a brief survey?”
Today, I’m joined by Shaina Siber, LCSW, to discuss Apple TV+’s Severance (2022), Season One, Episode One: “The Good News About Hell.” Don’t be alarmed by the disembodied voices you’re hearing—that’s just Shaina and me chatting about our mutual admiration for Adam Scott!
In this episode, we explore:
The show’s unique premise and its hypothetical ethical implications for athletes and high achievers
Burnout and strategies for preventing it
The importance of integrating your “innie” and “outie” selves
And much more!
Take a listen—you’ll feel right as rain!
Shaina Siber, LCSW
Website: AffirmMentalHealth.com
Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth
LinkedIn: shaina‑siber‑sanderowitz‑lcsw
Podcast: The Affirming Minds Podcast
Dr. Jason von Stietz
Website: drjasonvonstietz.com
Instagram: @cbtsportpsych
Bluesky: cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
The process is the art!
"On your left!" In today’s episode, I talk to prolific author, professor, expert of pop culture psychology, and Wheel of Fortune champion, Dr. Travis Langley. We geeked out about Avengers Infinity War and Endgame as well as pretty much all superhero movies. We’re like Steve Rogers, we can do this all day. We discussed the very real grief experienced by Thor Lebowski (Thorbowski), Tony Stark’s mentorship of Peter Parker, and the commitment to value-driven behavior and the outstanding teamwork by the Avengers, and much much more! By the way, Dr. Langley definitely does not have an alter ego named Professor Plunder. Definitely not. Check out this episode. “Avengers assemble!”
Follow Dr. Travis Langley on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/drtravislangley
https://x.com/Superherologist
https://bsky.app/profile/drtravislangley.bsky.social
Check out his website:
https://www.travislangley.info/
Check out Dr. Langley on Wheel of Fortune:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIlIM3YRyfo
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https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
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Enjoy!
"Please do not leave a message. That's what texts are for." Today, I talk to mental performance coach Brianna Antillon, M.S. about the hit show 911. We talked about Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewit) and Chim (Kenneth Choi) tolerating discomfort and accepting what they can't control dealing with pregnancy issues. We talked about the importance of teamwork between Sergeant Grant (Angela Bassett) and Captain Nash (Peter Krause) and decision-making under pressure as first responders deal with a crisis. We talked about social media, foster parenting issues, and more. Check it out!
Check out Brianna Antillon, MS on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ba.mentalperformance/
Check out Brianna's website:
https://bamentalperformance.my.canva.site/ba-mental-performance-website
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow me on social media!
https://twitter.com/CBTSportPsych
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"If you don't fall, how you gon' know what gettin' up feels like?" Today, I talk to Caitlin Broadwell, APCC about the 2005 roller skating classic, Roll Bounce. We skate down memory lane As Caitlin talks about all the laughs she had with her family watching this movie. We talked about the portrayal of grief and loss, the cultural and societal context of the late 70's, father/son dynamics, and the rivalry and respect between X (Bow Wow) and Sweetness (Wesley Jonathan). Put on your stretchy pants and check it out!
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 new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow me on social media!
https://twitter.com/CBTSportPsych
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"If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don't care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we're gonna be winners." In today's episode, I talked to sport psychology pioneer and mentor to many, Dr. Michael Sachs. We paid a very timely tribute to Gene Hackman and his 1986 classic Hoosiers. We reflected on the historical context and cultural impact of the movie. We discussed themes of second chances and redemption. We even talked about the opportunities for players to use their mental skills. You don't want to miss this episode. Scout's honor!
Check out The Ultimate Book of Sports Movies recommended by Dr. Michael Sachs:
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Book-Sports-Movies-Featuring-ebook/dp/B06XK1SB78
Reach out to Dr. Michael Sachs at michael.sachs@temple.edu
Check out his recent book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Excusercise-Inexcusable-Excuses-not-Exercising/dp/B0BZBPPQLD/
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https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
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"Pop quiz, A-hole!" David Smith, MSc and I talk about the 1994 classic- starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock- Speed. We talk about managing pressure, solving problems, teamwork, and most importantly, public transportation and Los Angeles traffic! "Guts will get you so far, then they'll get you killed." Be smart. Listen to this episode!
Follow David Smith, MSc on social media!
www.stonewallfitness.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bttrflyr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StonewallFit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitwithpride/
https://www.instagram.com/stonewallperformance
https://www.instagram.com/virtualsportpsych/
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
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"l came to coach basketball players, and you became students. l came to teach boys, and you became men." Sport psychology trainee Emma Biggin, MSc joins the podcast to talk about the 2005 classic Coach Carter. I geek out over the Bad Mother F-er Samuel L. Jackson. We talk about the differences between high school sports in the U.S. and Emma's home, the United Kingdom. We discussed Coach Carter's approach and philosophy, student athletes' identities beyond sport, community empowerment, and more. Check it out! Rich what? RICHMOND!
Follow Emma on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/thebigssportpsych/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-biggin-482a42188/
Check out Emma's website!
https://www.bigssportpsych.co.uk/
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https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
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https://twitter.com/CBTSportPsych
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"This is what I learned at the hospital. You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining." I talk to fellow psychologist Dr. Brian Licuanan about the 2012 hit movie- starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro- Silver Linings Playbook. We talked about cinema therapy, family crisis intervention, what not to do when attempting to help family, the mental health benefits of dance or sport, and much more. Take a listen. Excelsior!
Check out Dr. Brian Licuanan's website!
https://drbrianlicuanan.com/
Follow him on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/drlicuanan
https://www.tiktok.com/@drlicuanan
https://www.youtube.com/@DrBrianLicuanan
Check out his book!
https://drbrianlicuanan.com/book/
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https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
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https://twitter.com/CBTSportPsych
https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych
"Justin Bieber is a zombie!" I get into the Christmas spirit today, like a festive legend, by doing a solo episode about the 2017 movie Anna and the Apocalypse. This one-of-a-kind movie is a Christmas-musical-zombie-comedy. I talk the importance of focus, team cohesion, problem solving, and more. Let's see if there is such thing as a Hollywood ending for these characters. Take a listen!
Check out this article about Ryan McHenry:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/16/movies/anna-apocalypse-ryan-mchenry.html
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow me on social media!
https://twitter.com/CBTSportPsych
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"When people exist under one roof, a tiny society forms - the stuff of novellas: masters and servants." I talk to Stacy Rae Godoy, LMFT about the 2004 cult classic, Spanglish. We discussed the cultural and family dynamics navigated by the protagonist Flor (Paz Vega) as she works for the Clasky family (Adam Sandler; Tea Leoni; Cloris Leachman). We talked about cultural barriers and misunderstandings, body image issues, fear of success, struggles with cultural identity, and more. It's good boogabooga! Take a listen!
Check out Stacy on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/_bolognasandwich_
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow me on social media!
https://twitter.com/CBTSportPsych
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"Get'cha head in the game!" I talk to Julia Agahee, M.S. about the coming of age Disney classic High School Musical. We discussed the journey embarked on by Gabrielle Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) and Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) as they developed a love for theater and expanded their identities. We discussed the growth mindset and the fixed mindset, teamwork and collective success, performance anxiety and psychological insights, and more. There's no need to stick to the status quo, grab some of Zeke's creme brulee and take a listen. Go Wildcats!
Check out Julia's website!
https://www.mindalignperformance.com
Follow Julia on social media!
https://www.instagram.com/mindalignperformance
https://www.tiktok.com/@mindalignperformance
https://x.com/_mind_align
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"I've been in this room before. We've all been here before." Friend of the show, David Smith, MSc, and I bring you a very spooky Halloween episode of Movie House Sport Psychology. Tune in to catch our Star Trek themed special announcement about an upcoming project. We talk about the terror of alien-abduction-driven insomnia and it's impact on performance. We talked about the crew's trauma responses, Troi's skill providing group therapy, the crew's ability to problem solve as a team, and much more. Check it out!
Check out Laurie Ulster's article:
https://screenrant.com/most-terrifying-star-trek-episodes-halloween/
Follow David Smith, MSc on social media!
www.stonewallfitness.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bttrflyr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StonewallFit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitwithpride/
https://www.instagram.com/stonewallperformance
https://www.instagram.com/virtualsportpsych/
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow me on social media!
https://twitter.com/CBTSportPsych
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"Diamond dogs, mount up! Arf! Arf! Arf!" Friend of the show, Andrea Vargas, LMFT and I finish up our discussion of Season 3 of Ted Lasso and we talk about it all! We discussed the evolving relationships between Roy, Keely, and Jaime. We talked about Ted's unconventional coaching techniques, we talked about the Nate the Wonder Kid's redemption arc, Collin's self-actualization as a gay athlete, and much much more. In Season One, Ted didn't know the first thing about soccer. After three seasons, he learned at least one thing about football. It's time for Roy to call practice to a close so we can listen to this episode of Movie House Sport Psychology. Whistle! Whistle!
Follow Andrea on social media!
https://www.instagram.com/sanasanacolitadtrauma/
https://latinxtherapy.com/therapists/andrea-vargas-lmft/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/andrea-vargas-pico-rivera-ca/261648
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow me on social media!
https://twitter.com/CBTSportPsych
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