102. Shattering Stereotypes: ‘Exposure’ and the Real Faces of OCD with Peter Cannon

In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are excited to feature Peter Cannon, a young, talented writer, and director who's making waves with his debut feature film, "Exposure". Peter's film is a breath of fresh air in the way it portrays OCD. It's not your typical Hollywood representation - it's raw, real, and resonates with the lived experiences of those battling OCD. Peter, who has personally grappled with OCD for over a decade, has poured his heart into this project, ensuring an accurate portrayal of the disorder.

During our conversation, we discussed the importance of understanding OCD, its impact on people's lives, and how it's often misrepresented in media. Peter shares his personal experience with OCD and his desire to portray the disorder accurately in his film. We also explore the broader themes of the film, such as the correlation between OCD and drug abuse, trauma, and the effects on relationships. Peter emphasizes the film's message about accepting uncertainties, which is relevant to everyone, not just those with OCD.

In This Episode

• [01:08]  What prompted Peter to make the film "Exposure" and its connection to OCD
• [02:07] The limited representation of OCD in the media
• [05:01] Goals of the film "Exposure"
• [08:09] The message of the film
• [09:08] Living with a non-zero chance of fear
• [11:55] The impact of OCD on relationships
• [14:20] The failures of American healthcare
• [14:46] Correlation between trauma and OCD
• [18:28] The limited representation of OCD in movies

Notable Quotes

• [01:48] “I saw many different therapists, tried many different medications, I didn't see a whole lot of representation of what OCD was, at least from where I was sitting in the media.” - Peter
• [01:57] “A lot of the examples I've seen of OCD, long before all this, was like Jack Nicholson in 'As Good as it Gets' or ‘Monk’. And that's not to say those representations are wrong, it's more the idea that it's a narrower definition.” - Peter
• [09:33] “The idea that you have to live with a non-zero chance of your worst fear happening also applies to regular people. It is a message that really resonates with folks who are in the middle of various types of OCD therapy, but it's also something that people without OCD can wrap their heads around.” - Peter
• [12:42] "Obsession doesn't just bring you down, but it can bring the people around you down. And that's something I feel like a lot of us can relate to.” - Peter
• [15:21] “OCD can show up in different ways as you either get older or have certain traumatic experiences, or you just go through puberty.” - Peter

Our Guest

Peter Cannon is a young writer and director who has made significant strides in the film industry. A graduate of Emerson College, Peter has directed a variety of projects, including shorts, commercials, and virtual reality experiences. His debut feature film, "Exposure," is a testament to his belief that entertainment and story can coexist and that the most potent messages can be found in genre films.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

• https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/
• https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel
• https://www.korresults.com/
• https://www.onlineocdacademy.com

Peter Cannon

• https://www.discomfortsthepoint.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/exposure_movie/
• https://www.instagram.com/peter.cannon/

**Disclaimer**

Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.

Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!