“It Gets Better? Ingrid and Desiree”

- From The Slope, a comedy web series about “superficial, homophobic lesbians” living in Park Slope, Brooklyn, this episode spoofs the It Gets Better video campaign against bullying and suicide. Serious subjects, It Gets Better has been a massive success with tens of thousands of videos made by people encouraging gay youth to hold on past high school. I’d never seen a spoof video – surely too sensitive a subject? – but this one is right on target. Potentially offensive if you take yourself too seriously, but watch it in the light hearted spirit in which it was intended and enjoy lots of laughter.

Sh*t People Say About OCD

- Although the Sh*t People Say meme is past its prime, this overlooked homemade video still rings true by parodying common things that uneducated people say to people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Example: “Could you clean my room?” Warning: coarse language (an obvious four letter word). Interactive transcript available. To learn real facts about OCD, visit her blog, and search PsychCentral’s vast archives for lots more information.

Catwoman Therapy! Episode 13

- Comedy skit about villainess Catwoman in session with a frustrated psychotherapist, delving into her obsession with Batman, and her many annoying cat mannerisms. Well-acted and edited, this is a hilarious concept that’s been nicely executed. Watch the whole Super Therapy series featuring assorted superheroes in therapy. Great stuff.

Untitled Psychiatric Sitcom Episode #2 Sneak Peek #3

A well-acted exaggerated dysfunctional exchange between a mother and a son in their home, in front of a group of his colleague psychiatrists. Scene from a sitcom that’s yet to be released, from the second episode titled “Zsa Zsa and the Wooden Dummy.” The indie sitcom has not settled on a title but is considering “All My Shrinks” and “Freudian Quips” among others. We look forward to seeing a full episode soon.

Psychology Experiment: Invisible Rope

- A simple, light-hearted prank by college students using a cognitive illusion. Two men appear to be holding a rope above the ground. People move around them, jump the rope, and even stop their cars to avoid it. But is it real? Set to an energetic soundtrack, this is an easy-to-view video for all ages.

Brain Attack

How do you take public education about a serious medical emergency and turn it into a funny video? With health care professionals wearing neon leggings, goofy dancing, and a preamble depicting a doctor on the street trying to teach uninterested passersby the medical mechanics and warning signs of a stroke. Managing a perfect balance between funny and serious, this educational video teaches the FAST method of early stroke detection (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) in a quick and painless way. Laugh and learn! Another video in the new series Funny Fridays, taking a lighthearted look at all things to do with the brain and behaviour.

So You Want to Get a PhD in Psychology

Animation of an imaginary conversation between a psychology professor and a student who wants to follow in his footsteps. Want to help people? Study the human condition? Make lots of money? Apparently academia is not the right career choice. This cute, short video points out some of the potential drawbacks of working in the field.
This is the first in my new series, Funny Fridays. I’ll be featuring amusing videos about the brain and behaviour every week. Sit back and relax, have a laugh, and feel free to share links to your favourites in the comments.

Listen to Your Brain

A slick, nicely produced, and funny music video about neuromarketing. Dr. NeuroFocus and crew explain how they examine the brain’s functioning for more incisive market research, while singing and dancing. For a more serious look at neuromarketing, check out this lecture.

Child Psychologist

A cute, short, comedy skit portraying a five year old psychotherapist in a session with her frustrated middle-aged client.

Love Story

Winner of the University College London’s 2011 Brains on Film festival. Fun short film depicts love and neurotransmission as film noir romance.