In this compelling episode, Dr. Patrick Zwosta, a scholar of English and film studies, joins Joey to explore the intersection of trauma, narrative healing, and education. Drawing from his research on 1980s action films and themes like nuclear threat and consumerism, Patrick shares how pop culture and literature offer unique tools to foster resilience and emotional growth in the classroom. Discover how teachers can embrace trauma-informed practices and use storytelling to create meaningful change. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on burnout, healing, and the transformative power of film and writing.

SHOW NOTES:

#TheMetamorphosis: Kafka’s The Metamorphosis symbolizes isolation, alienation, and transformation. Patrick and Joey discuss Gregor Samsa’s transformation into an insect as a metaphor for the emotional and mental changes trauma survivors face. They explore how difficult it is to reconnect with society after these fundamental changes.

#WizardOfOz: The Wizard of Oz parallels the human experience of loneliness and the search for belonging while pursuing dreams. Dorothy’s journey from isolation in Kansas to finding community in Oz serves as a metaphor for trauma survivors seeking reconnection and fulfilling their goals.

#BackToTheFuture: Joey and Patrick reinterpret Back to the Future as a narrative about family trauma and the desire to heal generational wounds. Marty McFly’s efforts to change the past mirror the challenges trauma survivors face in trying to repair broken relationships and heal old scars. The episode emphasizes the long-term impact of trauma across generations.

#Terminator: In Terminator, the future is both a dystopia and a call for healing in the present. Patrick highlights how the film reflects fears about technology isolating humanity, and the emotional weight trauma survivors often carry. The film offers a cautionary tale but also hope, illustrating the possibility of healing and changing the future.

Carole Deletiner’s Research: The episode references Carole Deletiner’s work on trauma and isolation. She emphasizes how trauma can separate individuals from their communities and sense of self, but narrative medicine offers a way to heal and reconnect through storytelling.

#Isolation, #Loneliness, #Reconnection: These three themes run through the stories and real-life experiences of trauma survivors. Patrick and Joey discuss how film and writing provide a path for rediscovering lost parts of oneself and how storytelling bridges the gap between isolation and community.

#RaeganEra Influence: The 1980s political and social climate, particularly during the Reagan era, fostered the rise of dystopian films like Terminator, reflecting societal trauma and uncertainty about the future. Patrick notes how these films function as a response to trauma, urging viewers to confront difficult truths.

#CautionaryTales: Films like The Wizard of Oz, Back to the Future, and The Terminator serve as cautionary tales, warning audiences about the consequences of ignoring trauma, whether personal, familial, or societal. Joey and Patrick discuss the importance of addressing trauma before it becomes too overwhelming.