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Wicked Psychotherapists

Wicked Psychotherapists

Written by: Tanya & Erin
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About this listen

What do therapy, ’80s and ’90s nostalgia, today’s hottest shows and movies—and a surprising number of Adam Sandler films—have in common?


Tanya Dos Santos and Erin Gray—two licensed psychotherapists with a wicked New England twist—are here to spill the tea and the therapeutic insights.


On The Wicked Psychotherapists Podcast, Tanya and Erin break down the mental health themes that matter most—anxiety, identity, burnout, self-worth, relationships, and resilience—through the lens of pop culture. From the rad classics of the ’80s and ’90s to today’s buzziest series and films, nothing is off-limits… especially when it somehow connects back to Adam Sandler.


Yes, we said it.


From revisiting old favorites to analyzing newer Sandler movies—and exploring the six degrees of separation of Adam Sandler—this podcast blends humor, nostalgia, and psychological insight in a way that’s smart, entertaining, and refreshingly real.

Whether you’re comfort-watching a childhood favorite, bingeing something new, or wondering why a goofy comedy hit you right in the feelings, we’re here to help you connect the dots between what you watch and how you feel.


Expect:

  • Candid therapy talk with heart and humor
  • Pop culture deep dives with a mental health lens
  • ’80s, ’90s, and today’s movies and shows (yes, including lots of Adam Sandler)
  • A dose of nostalgia, a dash of sass, and a lot of wisdom

🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday.


💬 Don’t forget to leave a review, share with your people, and follow us on Instagram and YouTube @WickedPsychotherapists.


Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health care, and listening does not create a therapist–client relationship.


Stay Wicked… and keep your mind well.

© 2025 Wicked Psychotherapists Art Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Man-Child in the Classroom:Billy Madison's Tenure

    Man-Child in the Classroom:Billy Madison's Tenure
    Jan 7 2026

    Send us a Text Message we would love to hear what you thought of the show.

    In this episode, we revisit Billy Madison through a psychological lens, exploring what happens when emotional growth lags far behind chronological age.

    While Billy is technically repeating grades, he’s also emotionally regressing—relying on privilege, humor, and avoidance instead of accountability and skill-building.

    We break down arrested development, entitlement, impulsivity, and identity confusion, asking whether Billy is truly incapable or simply underdeveloped.

    With humor, insight, and our signature therapist commentary, this episode digs into what “growing up” really means when no one ever required it in the first place.

    For educational and entertainment purposes only.

    Connect with us!

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wickedpodcasts/

    Linktre.ee : https://linktr.ee/thewickedpsychotherapists

    Website : https://www.wickedpsychotherapists.com

    Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Wickedpsychotherapists
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    55 mins
  • The Psychology of Hallmark Movies: Why We Keep Coming Back for Comfort, Predictability, and Hope

    The Psychology of Hallmark Movies: Why We Keep Coming Back for Comfort, Predictability, and Hope
    Dec 24 2025

    Send us a Text Message we would love to hear what you thought of the show.

    Why are Hallmark movies so comforting—and why do so many of us come back to them again and again?

    In this re-released episode of Wicked Psychotherapists, we dig into the psychology behind Hallmark movies and explore what makes them so emotionally satisfying. From predictable storylines and familiar characters to themes of safety, belonging, and redemption, these films offer something deeper than “easy watching.”

    We talk about:

    • Why predictability can be soothing for the nervous system
    • How Hallmark movies function as emotional regulation and stress relief
    • The role of nostalgia, attachment, and hope in comfort viewing
    • Why people often reach for these movies during times of anxiety, grief, or burnout

    Whether you love Hallmark movies, love to hate them, or secretly watch them when no one’s looking, this episode explores why they resonate on such a psychological level—and what that says about our need for connection and safety.

    ✨ Re-released by popular demand, because comfort content always deserves a comeback.

    👉 Find us here: https://linktr.ee/thewickedpsychotherapists

    Connect with us!

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wickedpodcasts/

    Linktre.ee : https://linktr.ee/thewickedpsychotherapists

    Website : https://www.wickedpsychotherapists.com

    Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Wickedpsychotherapists
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Stand By Me (1986): Why This Coming-of-Age Story Still Hurts (in the Best Way)

    Stand By Me (1986): Why This Coming-of-Age Story Still Hurts (in the Best Way)
    Dec 17 2025

    Send us a Text Message we would love to hear what you thought of the show.

    In this rereleased episode of Wicked Psychotherapists, hosts Tanya and Erin revisit the 1986 classic Stand By Me—a film that continues to shape how we understand friendship, growing up, and emotional resilience.

    Through a therapist’s lens, they explore the psychological themes woven throughout the story, including childhood trauma, grief, identity development, and the deep bonds formed during adolescence. The conversation highlights the unforgettable performances by River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell, and why these characters still feel so real decades later.

    Tanya and Erin also reflect on the film’s origins as a Stephen King novella and how Rob Reiner’s thoughtful direction helped transform a simple coming-of-age story into a lasting cultural touchstone—one that speaks to anyone who has ever navigated loss, loyalty, or the bittersweet transition from childhood to adulthood.

    Whether you’re returning to Stand By Me or discovering it with fresh eyes, this episode offers insight, nostalgia, and a deeper look at why stories about connection—and the friends who shape us—never truly leave us.

    🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

    👉 Explore all things Wicked Psychotherapists:
    https://linktr.ee/thewickedpsychotherapists

    Connect with us!

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wickedpodcasts/

    Linktre.ee : https://linktr.ee/thewickedpsychotherapists

    Website : https://www.wickedpsychotherapists.com

    Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Wickedpsychotherapists
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
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