The Brain Candy Podcast - podcast cover

The Brain Candy Podcast

Susie Meister PhD & Sarah Rice AMFTthebraincandypodcast.com

Laugh and learn with Susie Meister PhD & Sarah Rice MFT from MTV's The Challenge as they cover psychology, pop culture, human interest, and science, and make everything from The Kardashians to quantum physics accessible to all.

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Episodes

150: Protests, Trigger Warnings, & Victoria's Secret Tragedy

Today we discuss some of the recent events with white supremacists, pulling down Confederate statues, and protests, and we talk about whether we think these protests are helpful or necessary. Sarah tells a bizarre story about what the original use of a chainsaw was (spoiler: it involves gynecology). We learn about the sad tale of the Victoria's Secret founder, and how beautiful undies have a tragic backstory. Plus, we debate whether trigger warnings are important or extraneous, and where we draw...

Aug 31, 201745 minEp. 150

149: Sheetcaking, Trolls, & The Magic of Tidying Up

Today's show focuses on some issues we've had lately with trolls--and one incident where Susie thought she had a troll and it turned out to be a big misunderstanding. We talk about an incident Sarah experience recently where she was at a party with someone with a white pride tattoo. We talk about how to handle people who have views like that, and whether you should intervene or ignore. We also talk about some cool articles we've read recently like the one in the New York Times about the Boomer g...

Aug 28, 201753 minEp. 149

148: Celebrity Worship, Paparazzi, & The Price of Fame

Today's show is all about celebrity, and why we all have stars in our eyes. We explore the sometimes excessive tactics of the paparazzi, and how it ultimately cost Princess Diana her life. We talk about the way cellphones and the ubiquity of cameras changed the nature of celebrity forever. Plus, we discuss cyber mourning when celebrities die, and why it can feel so personal to lose someone we've never even met. We also talk with book club author, Julie Klam, who wrote The Stars in Our Eyes. She ...

Aug 24, 201753 minEp. 148

147: Reality TV Casting, Fidget Spinners, & Childhood Sexism

This episode has us talking about the casting of reality shows, how they decide which people to put on the show, and what is in a "casting Bible." We then discuss fads and trends, and why Beanie Babies were such a huge cultural phenomenon. We compare that type of trend to more short-lived viral hits like fidget spinners. We discuss a recent online post by a clown who was asked by a boy to paint a butterfly on his face, but his mom said no. She made the clown paint a skull and crossbones instead....

Aug 21, 201750 minEp. 147

146: Fantasies, Body Positivity, & Gender in Sports

Today we are exploring the mysterious world of asexuality, and learning about excites people who claim no attraction to men or women. We also delve into the complicated issue of gender and competition. We discuss how the Olympics and other competitive organizations are dealing with gender ambiguity, fluidity, and intersex individuals. We also look at the example of Ammo on the Challenge, and how Dirty 30 handled his gender fluid identity. Plus, we talk about the curious case of Weight Watchers, ...

Aug 17, 201750 minEp. 146

145: Missing White Women, Catfights on the Challenge, & Curvy Wives

Today's show took a very female point of view. We start with a discussion about Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped at knifepoint many years ago. She lived with her captors for 9 months before being rescued. We talk about why missing white women capture so much media attention. We also learn how our ovulation and menstrual cycle affects everything in our life including when and why we buy things. This same theory also might help explain why women on the Challenge end up in verbal and physical fig...

Aug 14, 201745 minEp. 145

144: Popular Porn, Astrology, & Ouija Board Science

Today we talk about the popular porn searches over the years, and why they change year-to-year. We also find out (whether we like it or not) why Sarah is not into creampie videos. We hear about the horrible tale of a woman who bleached her own hair (and what Sarah thinks is the worst part of the story is absolutely not the worst part of the story). We find out about the science of ouija boards, and why they seem to actually work. Plus, we debate whether people should pay drug addicts to be steri...

Aug 10, 201749 minEp. 144

143: Magical Scandal, Failed Romance, & World of Pigeons

Today we are discussing a scandal that is rocking the world of magic. Apparently a magician is trying to steal the tricks from another magician. We discuss intellectual property and patents, and why it's hard being a magician, but how we don't know what to believe. Is it all an illusion?! We also rant about whoever the asshole is that broke up a child's lemonade stand, and fined them for running a business without a license. We also talk about a viral Twitter thread about what it's like to fly a...

Aug 07, 20171 hrEp. 143

142: Gay Speak, Psychic Baby Predictions, & Money Buying Happiness

Sarah recently watched the film "Do I Sound Gay" about the history, origins, and motivations behind the way gay men (in particular) talk. Is the "gay voice" even a thing, an affectation, or something gay folks are born with? We also discuss a recent emoji study about the way emojis act as language, and why linguistic scholars are debating their role. Plus, we talk about the English language and some funky things we never noticed. Why Disney makes their villains sound gay, and a prediction Sarah'...

Aug 03, 201744 minEp. 142

141: Donkey Sauce, Challenge List Debate, & Crazy News

Today's show is a mish-mash of so many topics. We start by talking about Susie's obsession with Guy Fieri's donkey sauce (this is not a double entendre). We then talk about if we were Chopped baskets what three ingredients we would be (there's wine involved). Sarah claims McDonald's warns their employees not to eat their food, and we talk about why Susie wishes should could eat it everyday. They also discuss a recent ranking of Challenge players, and Susie explains why she thinks she got ripped ...

Jul 31, 201750 minEp. 141

140: R.Kelly's Sex Cult, Bachelor in Paradise Update, & Beyonce Outrage

This episode covers so much! We start with a discussion on the Bachelor in Paradise returning, and the reaction people have about the controversial trailer. We then discuss the disturbing allegations against R. Kelly who is supposedly keeping women hostage in a sex cult. We also debate whether Beyonce's recent released pic of her with her new twins. Some Brainiacs think it's tacky, while others think she is a goddess and think the haters are just threatened by strong black women. We weigh in on ...

Jul 27, 201752 minEp. 140

139: Adrenaline, Accusations, Advice, & Anatomically-Correct Dolls

Hear about our trapeze lesson, and why Sarah is the quintessential adrenaline junkie (and how annoying it is to Susie). We answer a query from a listener who was accused of being a racist. We offer our take on the subject of whether it's racist to support a sports team that co-ops Native American culture (e.g. Blackhawks, Braves). Plus, we hear about a woman who breastfeeds her baby WHILE SHE HAS SEX with her husband. Finally, we talk about a woman who had a botched reconstructive breast surgery...

Jul 24, 201755 minEp. 139

138: Celebrities & Reality Stars in Trouble w/ the Law

We noticed a few celebs and reality stars getting in trouble with the law. We discuss some of our favorite reality mugshots, arrests, and bad PR. Plus, we talk about some major celebs like Tiger Woods and Shia LaBeouf seem to be on a downward spiral. We also discuss about our fear of ending up on TMZ for one horrible reason or another. We analyze the bizarre arrest of the Challenge's Abram who smeared his feces on his cell wall. In addition, Susie describes a recent dramatic moment she had where...

Jul 20, 201755 minEp. 138

137: Twitter Beefs, Bullying, & Reality TV

We've been noticing a lot of cast members beefing on social media, and a lot of bullying on reality TV. Perhaps this is nothing new, but we felt there was a trend happening. We talk about the idea of "girls supporting girls," and whether we practice what we preach. We also explore the ways men and women fight differently, and why the difference is particularly pronounced on reality TV. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi....

Jul 17, 201741 minEp. 137

136: Teen Mom, Rob Kardashian, & Other Scandals

Hear our thoughts on the recent Teen Mom incident where a cast member was driving under the influence of Xanax. We talk about whether producers should have aired the footage of him driving in that state. We also talk about Amelia Earhart, and the recent evidence that suggests she survived her final voyage. Plus, we discuss the Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna situation, and how revenge porn is a travesty. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com Join our Candy Club, shop ou...

Jul 13, 201750 minEp. 136

135: Stripper Classes, Sexuality, & Seduction

Sarah went to a stripping class, and now she wants to talk about it. Settle in for some seriously sexy time. We find out about Sarah's love-making playlist, and some suggestions for late night loving and she details how she gets herself in the mood. We discuss the differences between men and women in the sack. Sarah also shares some fun facts about the body and sex. Plus, we talk to Bernadette Murphy who wrote the book Harley & Me in which she explores her own sexuality and identity through ...

Jul 10, 20171 hr 3 minEp. 135

134: High School Memories, Reunions, & Mascots

Today is a trip down memory lane to high school days. We talk about why Susie (Twitter @susie_meister) and Sarah (Twitter: @imsarahrice) had two totally different experiences, and what was going on in their lives at the time. They debate whether Susie should go to her 20 year reunion, which is this year. We find out why Susie broke up with her first boyfriend, and why Sarah was such a rebel. And they discuss how high school weirdness continues on now thanks to Facebook. Listen to more podcasts l...

Jul 06, 201750 minEp. 134

133: Tattoos--Fails, Regrets, Trends, & Meaning

This episode is all about tattoos. Sarah talks about her extensive ink, the meaning behind some of her tats, and the ones she'd rather forget. We talk about tattoo fails, trends, and bad choices. Sarah offers advice on how to find a good tattoo artist, she reveals how many tattoo artists she's hooked up with, and how she got her first one when she was only fifteen. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodca...

Jun 29, 201758 minEp. 133

132: We Answer Your Questions: Listener Call-in & Advice

You asked, we answered. We are giving advice to our listeners. We hear from one listener who wants to know how to meet new people since she moved to a new city. We hear from a mom who struggles with the challenges of parenting a boy with special needs and the toll it is taking on her marriage. We also give advice to a gal who is struggling with the curse of the glass ceiling. Let us know if you think we gave top notch advice! Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com Read...

Jun 26, 201751 minEp. 132

131: Bachelor in Paradise Update & Interview w/ Reality Steve

Today we go in greater depth about the Bachelor in Paradise situation in light of the recent news that Warner Bros has completed their investigation and found no crime took place. We also talk to Reality Steve about the Corinne and Demario scandal, but we recorded the interview before the more recent developments. Also, we talk about Sarah's goth years and other silly Sarah nonsense. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp...

Jun 22, 20171 hr 15 minEp. 131

130: Bachelor in Paradise Scandal, Sexting, & Sextortion

Today we dive into the news about Bachelor in Paradise shutting down production, and our thoughts about the fallout. We also discuss other headlines that made our wheels turn. Sarah talks about sextortion and how some organizations are tackling the sexting trend among young people (hint: it involves naked molerats). Plus, talk abut the terrible situation involving the girl who encouraged her boyfriend to kill himself. We debate whether cheerleading is a sport and whether we would breastfeed in p...

Jun 19, 201749 minEp. 130

129: Fame, TMZ, & Life After Reality TV w/ Guest Robinne Lee

Today we look at the weird world of celebrity and fame. We explore the gossip industry and examine the history of TMZ (which is actually really fascinating!). We talk about how violating it can be to have cameras around you all of the time, the obsessiveness of the paparazzi, and the ethics of journalism. Plus, we discuss the Britney Spears breakdown, and the way the public reacted to it, the Erin Andrews peephole nightmare, and the Beyonce elevator incident. Plus, we interview actress and new a...

Jun 15, 20171 hr 10 minEp. 129

128: The Keepers, Catholic Church, & Interview w/ Filmmaker Ryan White

Today we discuss the hit Netflix docu-series, The Keepers, which details the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik and sexual abuse allegations at the school where she taught. Our conversation is inspired by the series, and the many themes it brings up including sexual abuse, religion, secrets, shame, and even gender. We talk a lot about the women featured in the film, and their tireless efforts to advocate for the sexual abuse survivors as well as the work towards solving Sr Cathy's murder. We...

Jun 12, 201746 minEp. 128

127: Hot Topics--Body Shaming, Cultural Appropriation, & Abortion

Sarah is back from Peru and ready for some hot topics. We discuss whether some Portland burrito-makers are guilty of cultural appropriation. Then we tackle the controversy about a high-schooler who is not allowed to walk at graduation because she is pregnant. We talk about the recent "body-shaming" of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Finally, we hear from a listener who thinks we should stop using words like fat, bigger, and skinny-fat, and should only use words like "curvy" to refer to larger w...

Jun 08, 201754 minEp. 127

126: Fighting w/ Producers, Challenge Hook-Ups, & Real Housewives

Toady we delve into reality TV (AGAIN!). Susie is in a fight with a producer, and she can't hold back about it any more. We discuss the most scandalous hookups on The Challenge (spoiler: Sarah makes the list several times). There's a new Challenge pregnancy cooking that we reveal. Sarah goes on and on about Southern Charm and her weird obsession with the Real Housewives franchise. But the best moment, by far, is when Sarah mistakes Al Bundy for Ted Bundy. If you have a dog, you should definitely...

Jun 05, 201754 minEp. 126

125: Sarah's Private Messages, Catcalls, & Mommy Dead & Dearest

Susie has a lot of things on her mind, and wants Sarah to weigh in. Find out the best way to get men to regret complimenting you. There's a theory that the worst thing a woman can do is to agree with compliment that a man offers. Sarah examines her private messages to see if she's getting hit on by men. Sarah reveals why she believes she will never be kidnapped. We discuss the unscientific theory about what happens when there are three men in a pickup truck (spoiler: catcalling). Sarah cries fro...

Jun 01, 201755 minEp. 125

124: Nerds Unite w/ Neil deGrasse Tyson & Science Mike McHargue

We get totally nerdy after Susie attended a Neil DeGrasse Tyson talk and wanted to impart all my newfound wisdom and scientific musings with the Brainiacs. We discuss the magic of the Periodic Table, the beauty of being able to ask a good question, and put our existence in the universe into perspective. In honor of our nerdiness, we asked our friend Science Mike to join us to talk about his book Finding God in the Waves. He is a super smart fella and he is also a faithful man, so he talks about ...

May 25, 20171 hr 7 minEp. 124

123: The Real Word Pt 5: After the Cameras Stop

This is the (allegedly) final episode in our series on The Real World. Today we are featuring an interview with a producer, who shares the crew point of view. Even though *technically* the series is on the Real World, we're allowing a lot of Challenge discussion in this show as well. We talk about whether the show is exploitative or beneficial for participants (or both). We analyze the New York Times article that describes former cast member, Preston Roberson-Charles, who was homeless for two ye...

May 23, 201753 minEp. 123

122: True Crime, Murder, & Women Who Kill

Today we're talking about true crime. Sarah describes some strange killers like the "Giggling Granny" and the Demon Midwife. Susie talks about the Oklahoma City documentary on Netflix. And we analyze the difference between why women kill and why men kill. Plus, we talk about the gender fear paradox and why women are more scared of being murdered even tough men are more likely to be killed. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign...

May 18, 201756 minEp. 122

121: The Real World Pt 4--Cast Hook-Ups, Showmances & Sex

We really should call this episode "Kiss & Tell," because that's basically what this episode is all about. In our 4th episode on The Real World, we discuss hook-ups, showmances, and other shenanigans. Find out who we've smooched, who Sarah is having sex dreams about, and other weird trivia about the show that changed television. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Br...

May 15, 201755 minEp. 121
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