Mything People

Titanic (1912), Titanic (1997) or Titanique: the historical event, the James Cameron film or the camp musical, all the stuff of legend which capture our imaginations. But why? Come share in the passion and curiosity as Kevin and Nia explore this legendary story and the psychology that perpetuates the 'myth'.

Thinking Bluey is just for kids? Some cheap animation for preschoolers about Australian dogs? Think again! Nia and Kevin discuss one of the greatest shows (and most watched on Disney+)! bringing together psychology, storytelling and attitudes on parenting and chidlhood. Find out why they love this show so much and (maybe) why you 'should' too....

Faithful or Traitor… or just human? For the first episode of series 2 of Mything People, we look at the psychology behind The Traitors and why suspicion, storytelling, and groupthink lead us all astray. Why are humans delightfully terrible at spotting lies and brilliant at stirring the drama?

The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future have visited Nia and we can now bring a festive, cheerful examination of Christmas movies and play a game of Hallmark Christmas movie bingo!

Santa Claus is coming to town...but is he coming to Nia's house? He might find the chimney blocked, the doors locked and the Elf-on-the-Shelf in the bin.

Can Kevin Claus convert Naughty Nia to spread some festive cheer?!

For our last episode of series 1, we're looking at those stories that don't give us closure. How do we cope when we are left hanging? What can we do when we need to know what happens next? Nia wants to rant and potentially start TV/Film/Book reviews.... Left us know your thoughts!

From Hercules to hospital porters, Robin Hood to The Mabinogi, we’re asking: what really makes someone legendary? Is it bravery? Greatness? Or just good PR? In this myth-mashing episode, we dive into the ripples of legacy...from London 2012, the overlooked heroes of care work, and why society hands out statues to billionaires but forgets its best. There’s models, rules, drive, and one almighty emotions wheel. Plus: the Simpsons, sad endings, and a big finale twist involving Terror Management Theory (Google it, or just listen) ;)

Why childhood doesn't exist and why we should stop thinking it does.

What advice do you think the world needs to hear? In this shorter episode Kevin and Nia share ten points given by our future (or current?) rulers: TikTok and ChatGPT on what humanity needs to be told. Is it kind? and do you agree?

Be yourself, find yourself, and what is you ideal self vs. your actual self. Are you Faithful or Traitor? What is at your true core? and what is congruence? What do we strive for and what are we looking to avoid in replaying old narratives and rules? Nia and Kevin are looking into the mirror today to share what they see and what surprises them.

Ever felt like a fraud waiting to be found out? In this episode, we unpick the myths that shape imposter syndrome. From failure and success to judgement, evaluation, and reflection, we ask: what story are we really believing when we doubt ourselves, and who gets to decide if we’re imposters or legends?

After dismantling the myths men inherit in Man Up, Myth Down , Kevin and Nia turn their gaze to the women of myth, media, and memory. In The Worthy Woman , they unpick the enduring Maiden–Mother–Crone framework, asking why so many female characters still orbit someone else’s story. From Barbie’s existential awakening to Harry Potter’s and Terry's Pratchett's formidable witches, from Disney damsels to Disney matriarchs, the conversation explores who gets to be centred, who gets sidelined, and what the Bechdel Test can and can’t reveal. Along the way, they consider the patriarchy’s grip on even our smart speakers, and uncover the small rebellions hiding in pop culture’s most familiar faces. This is 'academia-light' with a healthy side of illuminating chit-chat, inviting you to rethink what makes a woman “worthy” (and who gets to decide).

From Friends to Bluey, representations of men and fatherhood continue to change. Kevin and Nia discuss roles, stereotypes, masculinity, silence, strength and compassion.

From Batman to Elsa, we’ve grown up admiring the lone wolf, the misunderstood outsider who goes it alone, saves the day, and walks off into the metaphorical snow. But is loneliness really the price of greatness? And why do we keep telling stories where connection is seen as weakness? In this episode, we unravel the myth of the lonely hero. We explore how culture celebrates self-sufficiency, how this shows up in real life (therapy rooms included), and why asking for help is often harder than saving the world. Whether you're the strong one, the fixer, or just tired of carrying it all alone, this one's for you. Because real heroes don’t work solo. They just think they’re supposed to.

Unpacking the myths around success: fame, wealth. productivity. Who decides what makes a person successful, and what happens when we don't match the myth?

Going back to our origins: what is this podcast all about and, really, do stories matter (and why?). From Narrative therapy to CBT, there is so much we want to talk about. There's stories, TV shows, films, theory, academia, but to avoid brain dumping, we're asking ourselves why are we doing this and why does it matter? Sapiens and Nexus for Kevin's take whilst Nia reflects on how impactful stories are on day-to-day life.

Is happiness a destination, a mood, or a fairy tale we've invented? In our second episode, Nia and Kevin explore how we mythologise happiness, relationships and life in general through Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, zombies, the Terrifier and Love Island.

Welcome to our podcast where we explore and question the stories and myths that we tell ourselves or that shape how we live. Join us, Nia Young and Kevin Deyna-Jones for a chat a cuppa...and if you've got cake, bring that too!