Episode 230: Be Happy (Lars von Trier's "Melancholia")

David and Tamler sink deeper and deeper into Melancholia, Lars von Trier’s harrowing and stunningly beautiful depiction of depression, anxiety, and a wedding reception that just won’t end. They bring Freud’s “Mourning and Melancholia” into the conversation and confront the question: what if the depressed and anxious people are right?

Plus Whoopi, M&Ms, baby brain waves, Rogan – we empty out the opening segment Slack. 

Note: We recorded the opening segment before the latest development in the Joe Rogan story, but we briefly address that in the promo segment right after the break.

Sponsored By:

• BetterHelp: You deserve to be happy. BetterHelp online counseling is there for you. Connect with your professional counselor in a safe and private online environment. Our listeners get 10% off the first month by visiting Betterhelp.com/vbw. Promo Code: VBW

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Links:

• The impact of a poverty reduction intervention on infant brain activity | PNAS
• Landmark Poverty Experiment Shows Extra Money Changes Babies' Brains
• M&Ms characters redesigned for a "more dynamic, progressive world," Mars announces - CBS News
• Mourning and Melancholia - Wikipedia
• Melancholia (2011 film) - Wikipedia