Put ’Em on the Couch — Episode 89: What’s the Point of Grandparents? In this heartfelt episode, host Jason McCoy and cohost Nelson Beaulieu dive into the complex journey of aging — from the political spotlight on leaders like President Joe Biden to the deeply personal struggles of autonomy and independence as we grow older. Along the way, they explore the evolving role of grandparents in our lives: the support, wisdom, and unexpected gifts they offer as families change. Featuring a touching voic...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 89
🎙️ Episode 88: "My Parents Had Me Kidnapped" In this gripping solo episode of Put Em On The Couch , host Jason McCoy, college psychology professor and mental health advocate, pulls back the curtain on the dark underworld of the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI)—a billion-dollar network of controversial youth programs, "behavioral boot camps," and residential treatment centers. You’ll hear the harrowing true story of Kelly, a young woman who was forcibly removed from her bedroom in the middle of the ...
Jun 09, 2025•33 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 88
In this episode of Put Em on the Couch, we ask the 20,000 dollar question" Is College Worth It? This week, we kick off with a striking moment from Harvard’s 2025 Commencement: President Allan Garber’s opening remarks, which sounded a lot like a subtle—but pointed—response to President Trump and ongoing political attacks on higher education. From there, we dive into the bigger question: Is college still worth it? Or is it, as some critics argue, an overpriced scam or outdated rite of passage? Jas...
May 31, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 87
Season 3 kicks off with a bang as hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dive deep into the mysterious world of the papal conclave following the sudden death of Pope Francis. From Vatican politics to wild conspiracy theories, no question is too strange — or too sacred. Can you bet on the next Pope? Did it really smell that bad in the Sistine Chapel? And what’s the deal with the rumored female Pope? Inspired by the new film Conclave , this episode is a bold, irreverent, and thought-provoking look ...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 86
🎙️ Put Em On The Couch is back for Season 3, and we’re diving in headfirst—no seat belts, no apologies. In this special Season Premiere , hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beauieu kick things off with a candid, no-holds-barred preview of the bold, bizarre, and brain-twisting topics coming your way. Ever wonder why females orgasm, what’s really going on with Grandma, or why the penis looks the way it does? Curious if luck is real, or whether cursing is actually all that bad? Well, get ready—because w...
May 15, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 85
Episode 84: Let's Talk About Last Words: From Suicide Notes to Death Poetry In this compelling episode of Put Em On The Couch , hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu explore the powerful concept of last words , diving into everything from famous last statements of historical figures to suicide notes and death poetry. What do these final words really say about a life lived, and what can they teach us about human psychology and mortality? Jason enriches the conversation by weaving in insights from...
Mar 15, 2025•49 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 84
In this 83rd episode of Put Em on the Couch, we break down 10 clear signs that suggest President Donald Trump may be steering our country towards Autocracy. Nelson and I rewind Trumps recent speech to a joint session of congress. Using the President's own words, we analyze his rhetoric and discuss how it mirrors that of authoritarianism. Tune in to find out what all of this might mean for the future of American democracy. References: Arendt, H. (1973). The origins of totalitarianism . Harcourt B...
Mar 08, 2025•53 sec•Season 3Ep. 83
Episode Title: "Could Shooting Bambi Help Save Mother Earth?" Podcast Description: 🎧 Episode 82: Could Shooting Bambi Help Save Mother Earth? | Put Em on the Couch In this thought-provoking episode, we’re putting Mother Nature on the couch to explore our complex relationship with her. From bizarre weather events to the psychology behind anthropomorphizing non-living things, we dive deep into how we perceive and interact with the planet. Freud would have a lot to say about our maternal metaphor,...
Mar 01, 2025•48 hr 28 min•Season 2Ep. 82
"They Not Like Us: College Professors Squabble Up Over the Drake vs Kendrick Lamar ‘Diss’course" Description: In this episode of Put Em On The Couch , college professors Jason McCoy (psychology) and Nelson (political science and history) squabble up over the ongoing Drake vs Kendrick Lamar "Diss'course"—a year-long back-and-forth between two of the biggest icons in hip-hop. With nearly a dozen diss tracks thrown, Kendrick Lamar's anthem They Not Like Us has become the centerpiece of this highly ...
Feb 16, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 81
Episode 80: The Price of the Ticket: Professor Lettie Gore on Confronting White Supremacy In this eye-opening episode of Put 'Em on the Couch , Professor Lettie Gore joins host Jason McCoy to dive deep into the ongoing fight against white supremacy and the cost of racial injustice. Drawing from her powerful work in social justice, Professor Gore exposes the brutal realities Black Americans continue to face—being "hunted and murdered" simply for existing. She reflects on what she calls the "Great...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 80
In this Episode, Professor McCoy delivers a classroom lecture on Social Psychology. Here, he traces the history - specifically the early research into human performance, social facilitation, attributions/judgements, impressions and decision making, and attitudes.
Jan 21, 2025•38 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 79
In this 78th Episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu launch Season 3 with a New Year's Show about Health and Wellness. Easier said than done, Getting and Staying Fit is more than maintaining a certain weight, visiting a gym and/or dieting. Whether your resolution in the new year is to be better, do better or something in-between, we offer some practical advice for how to make those change commitments "stick"!!!!
Jan 11, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 78
Episode 77: The Psychology of Greed | Put Em On The Couch Podcast In this 77th episode of Put Em On The Couch , hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dive deep into the complex and often controversial topic of greed. What drives us to want more—whether it’s wealth, power, or possessions? How does greed shape our happiness, behaviors, and society at large? We explore: What is greed and its roots in human nature. The psychology of greed: Is it a personality trait or a temporary emotion? How greed ...
Dec 22, 2024•52 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 77
In Episode 76 of Put Em On The Couch , Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dive into the fascinating spectrum of giving—from the cold, calculating behavior of psychopaths to the boundless generosity of extreme altruists. We explore the psychology behind why we give, what motivates us, and how giving shapes our relationships and society. Along the way, we discuss Paul Slovin’s research on “warm glow,” the neurobiology of generosity, and whether non-human animals display altruistic behavior. Nelson sh...
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 76
Episode 75: The Art of the Con – Exploring the Psychology and Tactics Behind Famous Con Artists In this gripping episode of Put Em On The Couch , hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu take a deep dive into the world of con artists—those charismatic manipulators who make deception an art form. From 19th-century fraudsters like Samuel Thompson to modern-day scammers like Anna Sorokin (aka Anna Delvy), this episode explores the fascinating techniques and psychology behind the perfect con. We break ...
Nov 16, 2024•55 hr 44 min•Season 2Ep. 75
Join the cast of Put Em On The Couch for our election day special coverage.
Nov 05, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 74
In this hair raising episode of Put Em On The Couch , we explore the psychology of fear, starting with a chilling reflection on the 1966 mass shooting at the University of Texas. Join me and co-host Nelson as we discuss a range of fears—rational and irrational—beginning with John B. Watson's infamous experiments. Nelson shares his thrill-seeking experiences, while I confront existential fears like extinction and loss of autonomy, drawing on Mary Ainsworth's research in developmental psychology. ...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 73
Election 2024: Is it still the economy, stupid? Episode Description: With less than two weeks left before the 47th American Presidential Election, join Jason and Nelson in this engaging episode as they dissect the current presidential race, focusing on key themes like masculinity, the economy, and the implications of authoritarianism. Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening remarks on Tucker Carlson’s comments about Trump. 4:00 - Discussion on masculinity as a central theme in the election. 10:00 - Jason sha...
Oct 26, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 72
Episode 71: The Science and Secrets of Sleep on Sleep on the Couch In this episode of Sleep on the Couch , hosts Jason and Nelson dive deep into the fascinating world of sleep. With insights drawn from historical perspectives and modern research, they explore our love-hate relationship with sleep, the evolution of sleep patterns, and the implications of our increasingly demanding schedules. Key Topics Covered: Historical Perspectives: Discover how our ancestors approached sleep and how this has ...
Oct 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 71
In their 70th episode of Put 'Em on the Couch , hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu delve into the provocative saga of NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Once celebrated as a rising conservative star, Robinson's career took a dramatic turn after revelations about his alleged online activities and incendiary comments came to light. Join us as we dissect the intersection of morality, sexuality, and politics in Robinson’s story, exploring how his controversial views clash with his private life. We’ll dis...
Oct 12, 2024•51 min•Ep. 70
Feeling trapped in a cycle of boredom? In this episode of Put Em On The Couch , Jason and Nelson invite you to Shock Your Boredom as they explore the rich history and surprising science behind this often-misunderstood emotion. From the Ancient Greeks’ concept of Acedia to modern experiments that reveal our responses to boredom, discover why this feeling can be both challenging and transformative. Join us as we delve into shocking findings, including a study where participants opted for electric ...
Sep 21, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 69
In this captivating episode of Put Em On The Couch , we explore how disgust shapes our moral decisions and political beliefs. Recorded on Friday the 13th, we dive into the unsettling moments from the latest presidential debate between Trump and Harris, examining how these emotional reactions reveal deeper truths about our political psychology. Join us as we dissect the impact of disgust on voting behavior and political orientation. We’ll explore the biology of emotion, the psychology behind mora...
Sep 15, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 68
Title: Power on the Couch: Unpacking Influence, Wealth, and Responsibility Description: In this episode of Put Em On The Couch , hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dissect the multifaceted nature of power. From understanding how influence shapes behavior and society to exploring the effects of wealth on honesty, this episode covers it all. We compare Machiavellian tactics with cooperative strategies, delve into historical and modern perspectives on power, and discuss the role of gossip in hol...
Sep 08, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 68
Episode 66: You Know What Is WEIRD? | Put Em On The Couch Podcast Welcome to the 66th episode of Put Em On The Couch ! In this engaging installment, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu explore the concept of "weird" through four distinct psychological lenses, providing a comprehensive analysis of what makes something appear strange or out of the ordinary. We start with a thought-provoking clip from Gov. Tim Waltz and J.D. Vance using "weird" to critique political ideas and opponents. How does ...
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 67
In this episode of Put Em On The Couch , titled "Teachers Unite! A Conversation with Jen Mangrum," host Jason McCoy explores the pressing issues facing public education in North Carolina. With teacher vacancies skyrocketing, morale at an all-time low, and funding falling short, the state's education system is in crisis. We’ll dive into the challenges—like dwindling teacher pipelines, stagnant pay, and the struggle to secure necessary resources—while also examining the efforts of advocates like B...
Aug 25, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 65
Description: Why does coming in second often feel worse than finishing third? In this episode, we dive into the "Silver Medal Paradox," exploring why silver medalists sometimes experience more regret than bronze winners. We examine how this psychological phenomenon, tied to #ProspectTheory and #LossAversion, affects not just Olympic athletes but also talent show contestants, backup quarterbacks, and even social contexts like dating. From exploring historical examples and famous runner-up stories...
Aug 18, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 64
In this eye-opening episode of Put Em on the Couch , Jason sits down with Dr. Regina Nouhan, a retired plastic surgeon and host of Plastic Surgery Decoded . Together, they unravel "The Paradox of Pretty" and delve into the intricate dance between societal standards and personal desires in the realm of aesthetics. Tune in to discover: The Paradox of Beauty: What truly defines "pretty"? Explore how our perceptions of beauty can be both captivating and flawed. Plastic Surgery Unveiled: Understand t...
Aug 10, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 63
In this eye-opening episode of Put Em On The Couch , hosts Jason and Nelson tackle the prevalent myth that hard work is the ultimate path to success. "Why Your Best Effort Might Not Be Enough: The Hard Work Myth" questions the assumption that putting in more hours and effort always leads to better results. In This Episode: The Limits of Hard Work: Discover why relentless effort doesn’t always yield success and explore the concept of “leverage” as an alternative approach. Defining Hard Work: Exam...
Aug 03, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 62
Join us as we delve into the latest political whirlwind! In this episode (61) we analyze the seismic shifts following Trump's unexpected choice of J.D. Vance for Vice President and Biden's pivotal endorsement of Kamala Harris for President. From dissecting the unconventional speakers at the RNC to debating Trump's unwavering persona amidst these developments, we explore what these decisions mean for the upcoming election landscape. Don't miss our insights on the strategies, surprises, and strate...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 61
Join us for a compelling exploration of the recent assassination attempt on Trump and its profound impact on American politics. In this episode, we delve into the aftermath of this shocking event, analyzing its implications for political discourse and unity in America. From examining historical parallels to discussing calls for societal cohesion, we navigate the complexities of political violence and its broader ramifications. We offer deep insights into the dynamics of political rhetoric amidst...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 60
