The Exorcist Within: Where Mental Health Meets Horror Media

The Conjuring 2 (2016): Para‑Complicated & Still Choosing Charity

In this episode, Jamie and Ryan (and Ed and Loraine) crack open The Conjuring 2 — not just as a horror film, but as a mirror for belief, partnership, and the strange ways our lives rhyme with the stories we love. We talk about the Warrens on screen versus the Warrens in real life, the almost‑meeting with Patrick Wilson that still lives rent‑free in our minds, and how growing up Catholic leaves a permanent soft spot (or soft terror) for nuns who shouldn’t be in the hallway. This conversation drifts between the paranormal and the deeply human: what we believe, why we believe it, and how those beliefs shift as our visions and goals evolve. We explore the importance of helping others, the “live and let live” ethic that guides both our work and our relationships, and the quiet parallel love story between us and the fictional Warrens — devotion, flexibility, and the willingness to face the dark together. And yes, we also talk about why The Conjuring 2 still hits: the jump scares, the atmosphere, the charm of the cinematic Warrens, and the way Valak taps into a very specific Catholic childhood dread.

Sick New World (2026)[Music Festival]: The Intersection of Hard Rock, Horror & Mental Health

In this episode of The Exorcist Within, Jamie opens the door to the haunted hallway where horror, hard rock, and mental health intersect. Through stories of mosh pits, childhood trauma, religious pressure, and the strange comfort of the grotesque, she traces how “dark” art became a lifeline. This is an episode for the ones who were told they were too intense, too emotional, too dramatic, or too strange — and found refuge in distortion, monsters, and the loud honesty of heavy music. MAIN THEMES * Horror and hard rock as emotional exorcisms — places where fear, rage, grief, and identity can finally speak. * Concerts as sacred communal spaces for the misunderstood, the anxious, the neurodivergent, and the kids who never fit the mold. * The shared mythology of horror fans and rock fans — demonized by society, deeply empathetic in reality. * Music as a trauma-processing tool, especially for those raised in silence, shame, or religious constraint. * How protest songs and horror narratives mirror each other in their refusal to look away from suffering. KEY INSIGHTS * Jamie’s journey through trauma, identity, and the healing power of sound — how distortion became clarity. * The way mosh pits function as nonverbal group therapy, built on consent, care, and catharsis. * The emotional milestones marked by bands like System of a Down, Pearl Jam, and Disturbed, each one a chapter in survival. * The tension between religious upbringing and the “forbidden” music that ultimately offered more honesty and compassion. * System of a Down for President?

Exhuma (2024): Existing between Yin & Yang & Science & Superstition

In this insightful discussion with Bobby, we explore the rich symbolism, cultural significance, and spiritual themes of the Korean horror film Exuma. Our hosts delve into Korean shamanism, cultural history, and the film's intricate details, offering a deep understanding of its depth and meaning. Join us as we delve into the complex themes, cultural elements, and behind-the-scenes insights of the film, exploring its supernatural elements, cultural references, and emotional depth. This episode features a deep conversation about the movie's symbolism, character decisions, and the impact of its storytelling.

Undertone (2026): Trauma UnderReview

The podcast episode features a discussion on trauma, triggers, and the overuse of these terms in society. Jamie shares personal experiences and provides insights into the complexity of trauma and stressor-related disorders. The episode also includes updates on the podcast. Takeaways * The episode examines trauma, or lack thereof in the film Undertone. * Trauma and triggers are often overused terms in society, and there is a need to differentiate between discomfort, relational difficulties, and actual trauma. * Meaningful human interaction is essential for trauma recovery, and distress tolerance is a crucial factor in managing discomfort. * The host shares upcoming podcast ideas and expresses the importance of living an authentic life, even if it involves discomfort.

The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015): Power Dynamics are Horrifying

This episode covers the movie 'The Stanford Prison Experiment' and the role of a mitigation specialist in the criminal justice system. It delves into the ethical considerations of human experiments, the scale of incarceration, and the impact of legal proceedings on individuals. The discussion also addresses the approach to social justice issues and the importance of humanizing people in the court system. The conversation delves into the Stanford Prison Experiment, exploring participant screening, role assignment, conditions, abuse of authority, lack of intervention, psychological impact, blurring of reality, experimenters' involvement, ethical concerns, and learnings. The experiment's ethical concerns and impact on participants are highlighted, providing valuable insights into the criminal justice system and societal dynamics. Takeaways * The Stanford Prison Experiment movie is a psychological horror based on the actual experiment that occurred in 1971. * The role of a mitigation specialist in the criminal justice system is to humanize individuals and tell their complete life story to instill empathy and provide a fair trial.