Wicked Psychotherapists

Tanya & Erin
  • 4.9 (12)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 humorPop 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.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Psychology of Music: Why Certain Songs Hit So Deep

    Send us a Text Message we would love to hear what you thought of the show. One of our most popular episodes is back—and it’s just as powerful as ever. Music isn’t just something we listen to—it’s something we feel. In this re-released episode, Erin and Tanya explore the deep connection between music and mental health, and how the songs we love can shape our emotions, memories, and healing. They share personal stories and real-life moments where music became a coping tool—helping process difficult feelings, shift moods, and create a sense of comfort during challenging times. From nostalgic throwbacks to discovering new music through Peloton rides and favorite TV shows, this conversation highlights how music evolves with us—and why certain songs hit so differently depending on where we are in life. Whether you lean on music for grounding, motivation, or emotional release, this episode invites you to get curious about your own patterns. So we’ll leave you with this: What songs have carried you through—and what would be the soundtrack to your life? 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

    37 min

  2. MAR 6

    Our Adam Sandler Journey Continues: Breaking Down Punch-Drunk Love (2002

    Send us a Text Message we would love to hear what you thought of the show. Our Adam Sandler movie journey continues, and this week we’re diving into the 2002 film Punch-Drunk Love starring Adam Sandler. In this episode of Wicked Psychotherapists, we explore Barry Egan — a lonely, anxious, emotionally overwhelmed man trying to navigate a world that often feels confusing and hostile. While Sandler is best known for his loud comedy roles, this performance shows a much quieter, more vulnerable side of his acting. Through a therapist’s lens, we unpack the complicated psychology behind Barry’s character and the family dynamics that seem to shape him. In this conversation we talk about: • How growing up with seven critical sisters may have shaped Barry’s identity • Social anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and communication struggles • What happens when someone never learns healthy ways to process anger • Family systems and the impact of being labeled the “problem” in the family • The strange but powerful connection between Barry and Lena • Why this film marked such an unexpected turn in Adam Sandler’s career We also get into the bizarre Healthy Choice pudding miles storyline, the uncomfortable family scenes, and the surreal tone that makes this movie feel so unique. If you enjoy looking at movies through a psychological lens, this episode is a fascinating one. And if you’ve been following along with our ongoing Adam Sandler exploration, this chapter of the journey might be one of the most interesting yet. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information shared is not intended to provide mental health diagnosis, treatment, or therapy. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship. 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

    51 min

  3. FEB 18

    From Goofy to Heartfelt: Adam Sandler in The Wedding Singer

    Send us a Text Message we would love to hear what you thought of the show. Join Erin and Tanya on Wicked Psychotherapists as they rewind to the 90s with The Wedding Singer! 🎤💔  Laugh along as they explore Adam Sandler’s journey from goofy comedy to heartfelt, emotionally raw performances.  From angsty Cure-inspired songs to Robbie Hart’s loyal friends and quirky fans, they dive into love, trust, self-worth, and what really makes someone “successful.”  Packed with humor, nostalgia, and sharp psychological insight, this episode proves that Sandler’s 80s-inspired comedy is more heartfelt—and hilarious—than you remember. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. 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

    46 min

  4. FEB 12

    Hustle: Adam Sandler as Your Therapist-Coach (Underdogs, Mindset & Mental Toughness)

    Send us a Text Message we would love to hear what you thought of the show. This week on Wicked Psychotherapists, we’re breaking down Hustle (2022) starring Adam Sandler—and wow, this one hits different. 🏀✨ We dive into Sandler’s powerful shift from comedy to coach, exploring the psychology behind motivation, mental resilience, and what it really takes to believe in someone when the world doesn’t.  From Bo Cruz’s underdog story to Stanley’s leap of faith, this film gives us a masterclass in passion, grit, emotional regulation, and the impact of having just one person who truly sees your potential. We talk about: The underdog mindset and overcoming adversityMental toughness, sensitivity, and emotional triggers in high-pressure environmentsCoaching as a therapeutic relationship (yes, really!)Passion vs. obsession: when drive becomes transformativeHow past mistakes shape identity—and how growth rewrites the storyWhether you’re a therapist, athlete, or just someone trying to stay motivated in your own life, Hustle offers powerful lessons about resilience, purpose, and trusting your gut—even when it risks everything. Adam Sandler shows a serious, grounded side here, and we are absolutely here for it. If you love sports psychology, character growth arcs, and stories about second chances, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen in as we explore the mental health themes behind Hustle and why this film is more than just a basketball movie—it’s about belief, mentorship, and becoming who you’re meant to be. Follow & connect with 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

    43 min

  5. JAN 30

    Don’t Say It 3 Times! Revisiting Beetlejuice, the Cult Classic

    Send us a Text Message we would love to hear what you thought of the show. In this episode of Wicked Psychotherapists, Tanya and Erin venture into the bizarre, iconic world of Beetlejuice (1988), Tim Burton’s cult classic starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Alec Baldwin, and Geena Davis. They dive deep into the film’s eccentric charm, unpacking the psychological and intergenerational themes hidden beneath its quirky, dark humor. From the symbolism of the Maitlands’ home and the absurd bureaucracy of the afterlife to reflections on family dynamics, depression, identity, and personal struggle, this episode explores why Beetlejuice still resonates decades later. With a mix of nostalgia, pop-culture commentary, and therapist insight, Tanya and Erin also speculate on what a sequel could hold and why characters like Lydia Deetz and Delia Deetz remain so psychologically compelling. Whether you’re revisiting this spooky favorite or watching it through a mental-health lens for the first time, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on a film that’s far deeper than it appears. Tune in for a fun, thoughtful discussion that will make you see Beetlejuice in a whole new way — just don’t say his name three times. 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

    38 min

  6. JAN 21

    That’s My Boy: Adam Sandler, Stupid Humor, and the Effects of Trauma

    Send us a Text Message we would love to hear what you thought of the show. In this episode of Wicked Psychotherapists, Erin and Tanya dive into That's My Boy, one of Adam Sandler’s most controversial and over-the-top comedies. On the surface, the film leans hard into intentionally stupid humor, shock value, and deeply inappropriate jokes. But underneath the chaos is a surprisingly clear portrait of unresolved childhood trauma, emotional immaturity, and the long-term impact of neglectful parenting.  We unpack Donnie Burger’s impulsivity, poor boundaries, and stalled emotional development, alongside Todd’s anxiety, rigidity, and intense need to reinvent himself as an adult. Through a mental health lens, we explore how humor often functions as a defense mechanism, how trauma can freeze emotional growth, and why children of chaotic parents often grow into hyper-controlled, anxious adults. Equal parts uncomfortable and revealing, That’s My Boy gives us plenty to laugh at—and even more to clinically side-eye. Education only: This podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health treatment. 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

    59 min

  7. JAN 7

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

    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

    55 min

  8. 12/24/2025

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

    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 systemHow Hallmark movies function as emotional regulation and stress reliefThe role of nostalgia, attachment, and hope in comfort viewingWhy people often reach for these movies during times of anxiety, grief, or burnoutWhether 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

    30 min
See All (111)

4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

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 humorPop 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Tanya & Erin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wicked Psychotherapists
  • Show Website
    Wicked Psychotherapists