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How do you navigate divorce? Especially when you have kids?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are taking a look at the family dynamics of Mrs. Doubtfire. They get into the pain of divorce and grieving the way life and family change. They talk about Daniel’s transformation into Mrs. Doubtfire and how perspective-taking allows him to grow as a person and parent. Jonathan touches on experiences of couples fighting during sessions and how the movie does a great job portraying the emotional realism of divorce. Alan talks about the comedy brilliance of Robin Williams, and they both admire his many incredible performances. We miss you, Robin.

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Comments

Victor G. of Myth And Magic Artisans

YES! I haven't watched it yet but I am so glad you did this movie! My dad showed me when I was a kid and we *still* joke about it from time to time, especially the "facemask dripping into the coffee" part with the "HELLOooo!" when we happen to startle each other. Such a funny, family bonding movie. It also may or may not have piqued my interest, and fed some of the fear, of being a transman too... long before I even truly understood what it was and that some people choose to live that way because it makes them feel better; not just some other non-gender related goal. Mrs. Doubtfire's ability to fool even his close family is GOALS!

Em Bee

This was such a great episode. Thank you all. Hope you had a great time at Dragon Con.

Cecilia Harrington

This was always one of my favorite movies of Robin Williams (God rest his soul). I didn't come from a divorced family, but the love, heart, and care that went into this film touched me even at a young age.

Duaani Grey

Could you do a Mentality of a Hero on Robin Williams. Maybe a video on the best examples of him fluctuating between irreverence and sentimentality.

Smidge

Me as a kid: "Oh, people can totally pull off a wig and a rubber face and swap clothes between dinners at a restaurant!" Me as an adult and cosplayer: "So this movie is high fantasy, then."

Kate Larson

What you mentioned about thinking Sally Fields is hot as a middle-aged man. I had a similar experience with watching the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe- I've been watching it basically my entire life and always loved the Pevensie boys. Like I had a massive crush on Peter Pevenise for most of my teen years. Then a year or so ago I watched it with a group of friends after not watching it for a while. And I leaned over to my friend and said 'you know you're an adult when all of a sudden James Macavoy is looking GOOD!!!' Loved the episode! p.s. please do an episode on Narnia! Please! And there's so many options! Family therapy, psychology of a hero, anti-hero. So many options!!!

Sean Goettsche

Pardon my English (won’t throw the French under the bus this time), but why the hell did this movie not get introduced to me until later in life!? It’s got Robin Williams and my parents divorced when I was a child. This movie would’ve been PERFECT for me to cope with everything that was happening!

Holly✌️

This movie was came out the same year I was born. I have been watching it since I was a kid and I still absolutely love this movie. Robin Williams was such a gift. I'm glad he is no longer going through his internal struggles, but damn I miss him. When my parents divorced, I always wished my dad would try this hard to be with us. But, not everyone can be as wonderful as the movies.

Gabe Vermund

I'm so glad you included the part where the kid blames himself for everything. My understanding is that it's super common for children of divorce to blame themselves for it, and Robin's character quickly dispelling that for the kid really helped to show how good of a father he already was.

Gabe Vermund

I'd love for Jonathan to react to the song Two by Simple Plan on here or on Mended Light. It brings me to tears when I listen to it and would love your take on it.

Summer McIntosh

Everytime I watch your videos on Robin Williams movie, it makes me cry. To me, Robin Williams is a staple in my childhood, he was there to teach me and to laugh with me. Seeing him on screen is like seeing an old picture of my grandpa, I'm just filled with a wave of nostalgia and grief over the loss of such an important figure in life. I truly thank you guys for everything you do and giving me insight to this wonderful man's legacy.

Tuan

I didn't vote for this option and I'm glad it happened, thank you for another session of "oh THAT'S what I'm crying about" <3 \m/

Twisted

Mrs. Doubtfire has always been a family favorite. Me and my siblings are always quoting it lke "help is on the way dear!" or "hot jambalaya" this film holds a special place in my heart

ruffboiMags

I grew up on this movie. I still don't know what about it I was so drawn to but I would watch it over and over. Maybe it was just Robin bc I loved him SO much in so many things. He was a truly unique talent and I miss having his light in the world so very much.

Kate Ackerley

Thank you so much for doing this movie! I think I suggested it over a year ago because I rewatched it as an adult and thought there was so much to it. I agree that it only works so great because of Robin and Sally's performance, otherwise I'd think it was an insane unrealistic story. I love the movie and I loved this episode. Keep it up!

KimberKimbo

We got both Alan and Jono to cry?! What a win!

Icarus The Eagle

i wouldn't be opposed if y'all did more Robin Williams movies back to back to back... ;P

taylor garrett

Showing Patch Adams at the end. I love that movie.

Dyan

I love this movie, and how the themes of it carry over. Of course I grew up watching it, but when I divorced a few years ago, it really resonated with me - We had a two year old daughter at the time. My ex and I have reconciled, and while we are not remarried, we have MUCH better communication, and have both grown a lot. We are best friends again, and there is still love there, even if it has changed form. Robin Williams, you are so missed and so very loved.

Emily Cambron

Y'all have to do Steel Magnolias. The strength of female friendships, tough mother/daughter relationships. Dealing with a complicated illness and later death. And the cast! Sally Field, the Queen Dolly Parton, Shirley McClain, Darryl Hannah. Soooooooo good

Melissa

How many out there fervently wished that the Mrs. Doubtfire show with puppets and childrens questions read and answered became a real thing? 🙋 I'm still wishing for it.

SaucyJTB

I remember watching this movie as a child and realizing so many things that I never thought of. Things like how I had no memories of my mom and dad being together because they broke up before I was of age to hold onto those memories. Or thinking just how great it would be if they got along better. My mom never really talked bad about my dad, necessarily, but my dad had a lot to say about my mom... and it was so damn valid. Kudos to parents who put forth the effort to make things work even after a break up or a divorce. It is such an admirable endeavor, and I wish everyone in that situation all the strength I can spare.

Barely_A_Panda

I rewatch this episode basically twice a month, and since I joined the Patreon I watch it twice a month here too, and honestly despite this movie coming out a while before we lost Robin Williams, the ending of “all my love to you, you’re going to be alright… bye bye” with him driving off, has become a message of acceptance, pride and warmth in my heart. The acceptance he’s gone, the pride to have been alive when he was and growing up with his smile and warmth knowing future generations will get to see the love this man gave us all, and the way despite never knowing him, we did in a way, because we knew at least he truly loved one thing out of anything… making people happy ❤️❤️❤️